Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are both naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa/hemp plant.
The main differences between CBD and CBG have to do with their natural occurrence in hemp, how they interact with your endocannabinoid system, and their effects.
Whereas CBD is naturally abundant, CBG is relatively scarce. CBD doesn’t bind to either the CB1 or CB2 endocannabinoid receptors – but instead renders benefits by other mechanisms – while CBG binds to both. CBD is mildly relaxing, while CBG is noticeably uplifting and energizing.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the key differences between CBG and CBD and help you discover which cannabinoid is best for you.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant. Although not as abundant as cannabinoids like CBD and THC, it offers a similar variety of benefits.
Because every cannabinoid starts as CBGa (cannabigerolic acid), the acidic form of CBG, CBG has earned the nickname “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is also one of more than 100+ naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp. As one of the most abundant cannabinoids, it’s gained widespread attention for its therapeutic benefits for anxiety, discomfort, and sleep, both in isolation and as a part of more comprehensive cannabis extracts.
CBG vs. CBD: How Do They Work in the Body?
CBG and CBD work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a receptor system responsible for keeping your body in homeostasis, or balance. Or in other words, states of normal mental and physical health.
Your ECS regulates all of your vital functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, immune response, inflammatory response, and mood. By supporting your ECS, CBG and CBD can render benefits for your overall health.
There are two main types of receptors in your ECS:
- CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and are responsible for regulating how cannabinoids affect the brain. They also control the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.
- CB2 receptors are found in tissues throughout the body, but not in the nervous system. They’re primarily responsible for regulating how cannabinoids affect the body.
CBG binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, enabling it to render mental and physical effects.
CBD, by contrast, doesn’t bind to either major receptor type. Instead, researchers think it promotes wellness by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids – it has a more broad supportive function, whereas CBG works in more specific ways.
This difference in mechanism of action explains why CBG and CBD render different effects. CBG is known for being energizing and uplifting, in addition to supporting physical comfort.
CBD, on the other hand, tends to be more subtle – many people don’t report feeling anything, in particular, because CBD promotes balance without creating any effects on top of it.
CBG vs CBD: Therapeutic Benefits
Both CBG and CBD have a variety of therapeutic benefits and applications. Many of these uses are shared between cannabinoids, although CBG and CBD are individually better for specific use cases as well.
Benefits of CBG
- Inflammation & pain: Research suggests CBG may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing) properties. Anecdotally, many people use CBG for pain. A 2021 research review found that a combination of CBD and CBG may have inflammation-reducing effects [1].
- Weight loss: Research suggests CBG may interact with bodily systems in a way that reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. A 2021 study found that CBG may reduce appetite and induce weight loss by blocking the CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system [2].
- Anxiety: Recent research suggests CBG may promote mental relaxation and potentially offer support for those with anxiety. A 2024 study found that people who took a 20mg dose of CBG showed fewer signs of anxiety than people who took a placebo [3].
- Stomach & GI health: Research suggests CBG may positively influence stomach and gastrointestinal health by interacting with the CB1 receptors. A 2016 study found that the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system has beneficial effects on inflammation and pain in the stomach and intestines. [4].
- Energy & focus: CBG’s uplifting, clarifying effect profile makes it useful for boosting focus and energy. In a 2021 survey, 70.8% of respondents with ADHD saw an improvement in their condition after using products containing a mix of CBG and CBD [5].
- Neurological health: Research suggests CBG may support neurological health. CBG has been studied for use with Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, two conditions that erode the function of the nervous system and brain. Research suggests CBG may slow the progression of these diseases [6,7].
- Nausea: Research suggests CBG may have anti-emetic (anti-nausea) properties. A 2011 study done on rats found that CBG, by itself, suppressed acute nausea. However, the research also found that CBG may nullify the beneficial effects of CBD on nausea, which means these cannabinoids are most beneficial for nausea if used separately [8].
Benefits of CBD
- Anxiety: Several studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, suggest that CBD has anxiolytic properties.In one 1993 study, participants were subjected to a public speaking test that was designed to increase their anxiety levels. Those who took CBD saw decreased levels of anxiety compared to those who didn’t [9].
- Pain: Research suggests CBD may have analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-inflammatory properties [10]. In 2021, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to better understand how effective it is for pain. Overall, results were positive: participants reported that CBD helped their pain (59.0%) and allowed them to reduce their pain medications (67.6%) [11].
- Sleep: A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [12]. Anecdotally, many people use CBD to supplement or replace Ambien and over-the-counter melatonin.
- Epilepsy: CBD is FDA-approved to treat certain forms of epilepsy in the form of the prescription drug Epidiolex. Epidiolex clinical trials show that CBD may improve Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy most commonly found in children. Patients of this condition who took CBD only experienced half as many seizures as those who received a placebo [13].
- Addiction: In addition to CBD’s major benefits and uses, there is a small body of research suggesting CBD may have therapeutic potential for people addicted to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs, as well as for cannabis and tobacco addiction [14].
It’s important to note that, despite the promising preliminary research, CBG and CBD aren’t generally FDA-approved as treatments for various conditions. They should be used as natural health supplements, rather than comprehensive treatments.
CBG vs. CBD: Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
CBG and CBD are safe and generally well-tolerated in people. However, there are some potential side effects and adverse reactions that you should be aware of.
Potential side effects of CBG may include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Increased appetite
Potential side effects of CBD may include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
With careful dosing and use, the likelihood of experiencing severe side effects is very unlikely. Many people never experience any side effects to begin with.
CBG vs. CBD: Breakdown of Key Differences
We’ve covered a lot – here’s a brief summary of the key differences between CBG and CBD:
Occurrence in hemp
CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in hemp, making it widely available and easy to extract. It comprises 6-7% of the total cannabinoid profile in most strains of the plant. CBG, by contrast, is much rarer, at roughly 1% of the profile in most strains.
Interaction with ECS
CBG binds directly to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, allowing it to produce noticeably mental effects in addition to promoting general wellness. CBD doesn’t bind to either receptor but works indirectly by supporting natural endocannabinoid levels. This difference accounts for the difference in effects between the two cannabinoids.
Benefits & uses
CBD is widely used for anxiety, pain, sleep, and seizure support. CBG is most commonly used for pain and anxiety, with energy, focus, and appetite being other use cases for which it’s gained attention.
While many benefits overlap, CBG tends to be more energizing, whereas CBD is more calming and better for sleep and stress.
Effects
CBD’s effects are subtle and soothing, often described as mildly calming without being sedating.
CBG, on the other hand, is known for producing a noticeable lift in energy, clarity, and mood. Many people compare its effects to caffeinated coffee.
CBG is a better fit for daytime use, while CBD can be used during the day or at night.
CBG vs. CBD: Side Effects
Scientists consider both CBG and CBD to be safe and well-tolerated. Still, they may potentially cause some negative side effects.
Potential side effects of CBG may include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dry eyes
- Increased appetite
Potential side effects of CBD may include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
However, if you’re careful about using these cannabinoids, you’re less likely to feel severe side effects – if you feel any at all.
The Benefits of Using CBG and CBD Together
Instead of choosing between CBG and CBD, you might be better off saying yes to both of them.
Not only is taking CBD and CBG together completely safe, but it’s more beneficial than taking these cannabinoids on their own.
Using CBG and CBD together creates the entourage effect — a phenomenon where cannabinoids render more benefits when used at the same time than when taken separately.
This effect is broadly seen across many cannabinoid combinations. But in the case of CBG and CBD, it has two specific benefits:
- Multiplied benefits – Taking CBG and CBD in combination renders stronger benefits for pain and inflammation, as well as for other things, than using either cannabinoid on its own.
- Fewer downsides and side effects – For example, CBG is energizing, making it problematic to use before bedtime. But by combining it with CBD, which is calming, you can get the other benefits of CBG without worrying about getting to sleep.
In short, the entourage effect makes both cannabinoids more effective while reducing the potential downsides of each.
Can You Take CBG and CBD Together?
Not only is taking CBD and CBG together completely safe, but it’s often more therapeutically beneficial than taking either cannabinoid by itself.
Taking CBG and CBD together creates the entourage effect — a phenomenon where cannabinoids render more benefits when used at the same time than when taken separately.
While this effect can be observed across most cannabinoid combinations, the CBG-CBD combo has a few specific benefits:
- Stronger benefits: Taking CBG and CBD in combination renders stronger benefits for pain and inflammation, as well as for other things, than using either cannabinoid on its own.
- Fewer downsides and side effects: CBG is energizing, making it problematic to use before bedtime. But by combining it with CBD, which is calming, you can get the other benefits of CBG without worrying about getting to sleep.
In short, the entourage effect means that, when both cannabinoids are taken at the same time, they’re more effective and have fewer downsides.
How to Use CBG and CBD
There are a variety of different ways you can consume CBG and CBD. Here are some of the most commonly used delivery methods:
- Oil: CBG or CBD oils (also called tinctures) consists of cannabinoid extract combined with a carrier oil, such as MCT or coconut oil, to help the CBG or CBD absorb into your bloodstream. Oils can be dosed precisely and are fast acting, working in just 10-15 minutes.
- Gummies: CBG or CBD gummies are a fixed-dose delivery method that allow you to buy a therapeutic routine easily. They also taste great, making them a good option if you don’t like how cannabinoids in a tincture taste. Gummies kick in within 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Capsules: CBG or CBD capsules (also called softgels) offer a quick, tasteless alternative to gummies. They’re fixed-dose, making it easy for you to bake cannabinoids into your supplement routine. That said, they can’t be split easily for smaller doses. Like gummies, capsules kick in within 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Topicals: CBG or CBD can also be used in topical form to target specific areas of the body for relief. While this method won’t give you any of the mental benefits of the cannabinoids, topicals are great for addressing discomfort. Topicals tend to kick in within 10 to 15 minutes of applications.
Choose a delivery method that suits your wellness goals and personal preferences. Once you’ve done so, be sure to check out our CBG dosage guide and/or CBD dosage guide to learn how to use your product for the best results.
Conclusion: Which Cannabinoid is Better For You?
CBG and CBD both offer immense therapeutic potential, but their effects are different.
While CBG is energizing and uplifting, CBD is more subtle and relaxing. CBG is often the choice cannabinoid for physical discomfort, while CBD is a common choice for sleep and stress.
We recommend choosing the cannabinoid that best helps you meet your wellness needs and goals, and if you’re looking to address physical discomfort or focus, products with both CBG and CBD might be the best option.
When shopping for CBG and CBD products online, look for the following:
- 3rd-party lab testing: Only buy products that have been tested by third-party laboratories. This way, you’ll know they’re safe and potent.
- Full-spectrum cannabinoid profiles: Products made with full-spectrum CBG or CBD extract (or both) will be more therapeutically beneficial than those made with isolates.
- Reputation: Choose CBG and CBD products from brands with lots of positive reviews and feedback from customers.
If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be able to find a product that helps you live a better life.
CBG vs. CBD: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBG vs CBD:
CBG vs. CBD vs. CBN: how do they compare?
CBG is uplifting and energizing, CBD is calming and balancing, and CBN is mildly sedating. CBG supports focus, CBD helps with stress and discomfort, and CBN is often used for sleep and relaxation.
CBG vs. CBD vs. THC: how do they compare?
CBG and CBD are non-intoxicating, while THC is psychoactive and creates a high. CBG boosts energy and clarity, CBD promotes calm without a high, and THC delivers euphoria, appetite stimulation, and stronger mental and physical effects.
Which is better for anxiety, CBG or CBD?
CBG and CBD both have therapeutic potential for anxiety. CBD is more relaxing and calming, whereas CBG is more uplifting and energizing. As a result, the better cannabinoid for your specific situation will depend on the nature of your anxiety and what time of day it tends to bother you most.
Which is better for pain, CBG or CBD?
Both CBG and CBD have benefits for those dealing with pain, and researchers haven’t determined which cannabinoid is more effective.The main difference between how CBG and CBD work for pain is in how they make you feel. Most people report that CBG renders tangible, easily felt effects. On the other hand, CBD may minimize negative sensations, but it’s not as likely to create effects you can actively “feel.”
Which is better for sleep, CBG or CBD?
Both CBG and CBD have potential benefits for sleep due to their ability to address issues like stress, anxiety, and pain. However, CBD is generally more beneficial than CBG for sleep because it’s mentally relaxing, whereas CBG is mentally uplifting and energizing .
Which one is better, CBD or CBG?
Neither CBD nor CBG is necessarily better than the other – it all comes down to your needs. For physical discomfort and energy, CBG is better, while CBD is better for stress and sleep.
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