What is CBG? Overview & Dosage Information

Some refer to this cannabinoid as “The Mother of All Cannabinoids” or “The Mother Cannabinoid.” In many respects, CBG absolutely deserves this respectable moniker. Found in all types of cannabis, CBG has a lot to promise people looking for therapeutic relief. What is CBG, how much CBG should you take, and where do you find CBG products? We’ve pulled together the specifics below to get you started.

What Is CBG?

CBG is cannabigerol, which is one of the most important cannabinoids in cannabis (including hemp). CBG is non-intoxicating and may offer a range of benefits to the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While cannabis has more than 100 known cannabinoids, these would not be possible without CBG. This one cannabinoid acts as a precursor to all the others.

The young cannabis plant starts out with a primary, precursor cannabinoid: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). CBGA decarboxylates as the plant grows and forms other acidic precursor cannabinoids like cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). These eventually convert into major cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The remaining CBGA is then converted into CBG, which means most strains of cannabis do not contain large amounts of CBG if a plant is harvested at peak maturity.

CBG vs Other Cannabinoids – What’s the Difference?

CBG shares similarities with many other cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. This is easy to assume since all cannabinoids likely pick up some traits from their “mother” or CBG. Check out a few ways CBG compares to other cannabinoids.

CBG vs CBD

• Similar: CBD and CBG are both non-intoxicating
• Different: CBG may have more neuroprotective and nervous system effects than CBD
• Similar: CBG and CBD may both counteract the effects of THC on some level
• Different: CBG binds directly to cannabinoid receptors, while CBD does not
• Different: CBD may offer more support for the immune system than CBG
• Different: CBG does not appear to deter nausea like CBD, and may even counteract the anti-nausea effects of CBD

CBG vs THC

• Different: CBG is non-intoxicating while THC definitely is
• Similar: CBG and THC both show an affinity for specific cannabinoid receptors
• Different: CBG tends to be present in only small quantities while THC can be abundant
• Similar: CBG and THC affect the central nervous system
• Different: CBG does not seem to affect nausea as well as THC
• Different: CBG is legal in all states as long as it is derived from hemp; THC is not

Potential Benefits of CBG

CBG has a long list of proposed health and therapeutic benefits, even though the research is truly just getting off to a good start. A few of the most noteworthy properties that make cannabigerol so valuable include:

• Appetite enhancement properties
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Neuroprotective activity
• Antioxidant activity
• Antibacterial properties

Science-Studied CBG Uses

The long list of properties could mean that CBG has a wealth of therapeutic value to offer for a range of different ailments and conditions. So far, several studies have indicated CBG could be effective for targeting everything from pain to specific inflammatory conditions and diseases.

A few studies have indicated CBG may be a good option for:

• Pain and inflammation
• Targeting excess eye pressure related to certain eye diseases
• Supporting individuals with inflammatory conditions related to the gastrointestinal system
• Enhancing appetite
• Targeting certain neurological conditions

CBG Dosage Recommendations

Currently, there are no established guidelines for how much CBG an individual should take in a dose, daily, or target certain ailments. However, much like CBD, CBG is non-intoxicating and associated with very few known side effects at reasonable doses. A good plan is to start with just a few milligrams of CBG and adjust the dose in small increments until the desirable effects are achieved.

What Products Contain CBG?

Because CBG naturally exists in smaller quantities in hemp and cannabis plants, CBG isolate products are not as widely available. Many manufacturers take advantage of the theory of the entourage effect—or the tendency for cannabinoids to work better together—and create products that contain CBG and other cannabinoids. Nevertheless, you can find CBG tinctures, oils, topicals, and more through reputable brands.

A few examples you will find of products that contain CBG at Southern Sky include:

• CBG Grape Relief Gummies
• CBD:CBG:CBN 1:1:1 Durban 1g Vape Cartridge
• CBD/CBG Lotion Citrus Ginger
• CBD/CBN/CBG Orange Omega Oil Tincture
• CBD:CBG 1:1 Cherry Pie Terpene Profile 1g Vape Cartridge
• CBD/CBDV/CBG Watermelon Gummies

Look for CBG Products at Southern Sky

From topical products that contain soothing CBG to tinctures and vapes, Southern Sky offers an entire collection of products with CBG. Be sure to look at our full collection of hemp-based cannabinoid products. And, be sure to keep an eye on the Southern Sky blog for more resourceful information about cannabis and cannabinoids.