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CBG Effects: What Studies Reveal About This Cannabinoid

Researcher analyzing a CBG sample

CBG has shown anxiolytic effects and promising results regarding sleep and verbal memory in recent small human trials, but research is still in its early stages. Safety data remain incomplete, with potential drug interactions and uncertainties noted by health authorities. Before taking CBG, it is best to consult a healthcare professional if you are currently undergoing treatment or are pregnant, and to start with a low dose.

In short:

  • CBG does not cause any psychoactive effects or sensory alterations, but the mechanisms by which it produces its therapeutic effects have yet to be fully explored.
  • Clinical research shows a moderate reduction in anxiety with 20 mg of CBG, but the effect on sleep remains unclear due to non-significant results.
  • Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased appetite, with potential risks for pregnant women or those undergoing liver treatment.
  • CBG may interact with medications through the liver enzymes CYP and UGT, so it is important to consult a doctor before use, especially for chronic treatments.
  • The quality of the extracts must be verified by a certificate of analysis, as most trials are still small-scale and conducted in a preclinical setting.
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What Is CBG and Why Is It of Interest to Researchers?

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is derived from CBGA, a cannabinoid acid that the hemp plant produces initially and that is then converted into THC or CBD depending on which enzymes are activated. It is sometimes called the “stem cell” of cannabinoids—a way of summarizing its role as a precursor without making it out to be a miracle substance. In the mature plant, it generally remains only in small amounts, as biosynthesis has already converted most of the CBGA into other molecules.

Unlike THC, CBG does not cause euphoria or significant sensory changes. Its pharmacological profile also differs from that of CBD, which explains researchers’ growing interest in its unique biological targets.

  • CBG is derived directly from CBGA, a precursor common to several cannabinoids.
  • It remains non-psychoactive, with no intoxicating effects comparable to those of THC.
  • Its unique mechanism of action opens up therapeutic avenues that have yet to be fully explored.

To better understand where CBG fits in among the other compounds found in hemp, our page on the different cannabinoids provides details on their origins and respective uses.

How CBG Affects the Brain and Body

CBG interacts with several targets in the nervous system, which explains the wide range of reported effects. It binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, but to a lesser extent than THC, with an action that modulates rather than strongly activates these receptors.

It also acts on the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in mood regulation, as well as on GABAA receptors and certain TRP channels—two pathways associated with anxiolysis and sensory perception. This combination of targets may explain the effects observed on anxiety and memory in recent trials.

  • Modulation of CB1/CB2 receptors, which is less pronounced than that of THC.
  • Action on 5-HT1A, GABAA, and certain TRP channels, associated with potential anxiolytic effects.
  • Mechanisms that are still largely based on animal models or in vitro studies.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that these mechanisms explain plausible possibilities, not guaranteed effects in humans.

The Effects and Benefits of CBG Based on the Level of Evidence

The purported uses of CBG cover a broad spectrum, but each effect is supported by a different body of evidence. Anxiety remains the best-documented area in humans: a double-blind crossover trial involving a single 20-mg dose of CBG reduced anxiety by 26.5% in 34 adults, compared with 22.5% for the placebo, with no reported cognitive impairment.

The results regarding sleep are more mixed. A decentralized randomized trial, in which the dose was increased from 25 to 50 mg, observed a trend toward improved sleep without reaching a statistically significant difference compared with placebo, while confirming good short-term tolerability according tothe study conducted among veterans.

For pain and inflammation, the evidence remains primarily preclinical, derived from animal models, although some users report perceived relief. The effects on the skin, appetite, or memory follow the same pattern: encouraging preclinical findings and user testimonials, but no solid clinical confirmation to date.

  • Anxiety: Controlled human trial yields favorable results, but these need to be replicated.
  • Sleep: positive trend, but no confirmed statistical significance.
  • Pain, skin, appetite, memory: primarily preclinical or reported by patients.

In a survey of 127 users of CBG-dominant products, a majority reported using them to treat anxiety, and a significant number reported using them to treat chronic pain—a sign of real-world use that still precedes full clinical validation, according to the published survey.

What Do Human Studies Really Say About CBG?

Three human studies currently form the basis of what we know about CBG: a clinical trial on anxiety, a trial on sleep, and a user survey. The double-blind, crossover field trial involving 34 participants showed that a single 20-mg dose reduced anxiety and stress in the short term while improving verbal memory, without causing any intoxication effects or motor impairment, according to this crossover study.

The decentralized sleep trial, with a gradually increasing dose from 25 to 50 mg, confirmed good tolerability but did not reveal a clear statistical difference compared with placebo, which calls for caution regarding the actual extent of the benefit.

The survey of 127 users of CBG-dominant products rounds out this picture with self-reported data: some of the respondents reported no adverse effects, while the most common effects, according to the same survey, were dry mouth and drowsiness.

  • Small groups, rarely more than a few dozen participants per trial.
  • Short observation periods, often limited to a single dose or a few weeks.
  • A strong placebo effect, which complicates the interpretation of sleep-related results.
  • Frequent concurrent cannabis use among survey respondents: a confounding factor.

Side Effects and People Who Should Exercise Caution

The side effects reported with CBG remain, at this stage, mild. Users most often report drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, and digestive issues such as diarrhea.

The more serious safety concerns stem primarily from the regulatory profile of CBD, a related cannabinoid that has been more thoroughly studied. The EFSA’s assessment slides point to potential liver risks and pharmacokinetic interactions, although no reliable safety threshold has been established for the routine dietary use of cannabinoids. These uncertainties can reasonably be applied to CBG as well, given the lack of sufficient specific data.

  • Common side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, increased appetite, digestive problems.
  • Warnings: Liver risks and drug interactions, as documented for CBD.
  • Groups to monitor: pregnant or breastfeeding women, minors, people undergoing medical treatment, and those with liver failure.

Pro tip: If you are taking medication regularly or have a liver condition, consult a doctor before taking CBG, even in small doses.

Drug Interactions to Be Aware of Before Taking CBG

Like other cannabinoids, CBG can affect certain liver enzymes in the CYP and UGT families, which are responsible for the breakdown of many medications. Inhibition or induction of these enzymes can alter the blood concentration of a medication, either increasing or decreasing it, depending on the specific molecule involved.

The classes of drugs most commonly cited in connection with this type of interaction include anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, certain antidepressants, and levothyroxine. These drugs have narrow therapeutic ranges, which makes any change in dosage more risky.

  • Tell your doctor before combining CBG with long-term treatment.
  • Start with a low dose to assess individual tolerance.
  • Consider ordering liver function tests in cases of regular and prolonged use.

Forms, Dosage, and Best Practices for Consumption

CBG comes in several forms: sublingual oil, capsules, concentrated extract, or inhaled products, each with its own rate of absorption. The sublingual route generally acts faster than the oral route, while inhalation offers the fastest effect but is the least studied method for this cannabinoid.

The doses tested in the literature are experimental guidelines, not universal recommendations: 20 mg in the crossover trial on anxiety, and a gradual increase from 25 to 50 mg in the sleep trial.

  1. Start with the lowest possible dose and monitor the reaction over several days.
  2. Wait one to two hours after taking it orally before assessing its effects.
  3. Always check the certificate of analysis (COA) for the product you have selected.
  4. Avoid combining CBG with alcohol or any medication that you haven't discussed with a healthcare professional.

Our guide to CBGA use details these methods of administration for the direct precursor to CBG.

CBG or CBD: How to Choose

CBG is distinguished by a profile that may be more specifically targeted at acute anxiety and verbal memory, although human evidence is still limited in terms of the number of trials. CBD, on the other hand, is supported by a broader body of research and a regulatory framework already documented by the EFSA.

  • Choose based on your specific goal rather than on the idea that one molecule is superior to another.
  • CBD is suitable for regular use, which is better supported by the available data.
  • A combination of the two should only be considered after consulting a doctor.

To learn more about the nuances between these molecules, our comparison of the differences between cannabinoids remains a useful resource, as does our page on CBD and THC for understanding why CBG does not produce euphoria.

How to Check the Quality of a CBG Extract Before Purchasing It

We are a store specializing in legal cannabinoids; our CBG extracts are lab-tested. Before making a purchase, ask for the certificate of analysis and batch traceability information. Our page on the benefits of CBGA provides further information on this topic.

Sealed bottle of CBG after quality control

Our Overview of CBG Use Today

CBG has real potential, but human trials are still too recent and too limited to speak of established results. Informed use begins with seeking professional advice if you are undergoing treatment, starting with a low dose, and using a product that comes with a verifiable certificate of analysis.

— Steven

Laboratory-tested CBG extracts from Pure Extract CBD

We offer a range of CBG extracts and oils, each accompanied by a certificate of analysis so you can verify its compliance before purchasing. Our customer service team is available to answer any questions you may have about safety or drug interactions, and a purchase from us is never a substitute for medical advice if you are currently undergoing treatment.

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To explore our full selection, visit our CBD and cannabinoid product catalog.

This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation before taking any action based on this content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBG stronger than CBD?

CBG is not “stronger” than CBD: the two act on different targets and produce distinct profiles of effects. The choice depends more on the desired outcome—acute anxiety or memory for CBG, and a broader and better-documented range of uses for CBD.

What are the risks associated with CBG?

The most common side effects remain drowsiness, dry mouth, and mild digestive issues. Uncertainties remain regarding drug interactions and a potential risk to the liver, based on the available data on CBD as assessed by the EFSA.

What is the difference between CBD and CBG?

CBG is the chemical precursor from which CBD and THC are derived, and it has its own pharmacological profile, particularly through the 5-HT1A and GABAA receptors. CBD has been more extensively studied and is subject to a more established regulatory framework at the European level.

CBG derived from hemp that complies with authorized THC thresholds is subject to the same regulatory framework as other non-psychoactive cannabinoids legally marketed in France. Regulatory vigilance remains essential, particularly in light of EFSA’s opinions on cannabinoids, which continue to evolve.

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