While many people research the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) in isolation, these cannabinoids are actually most beneficial when used together.
Some people find that taking CBG alongside CBD helps balance out the drowsiness that can come with higher doses of CBD, making it easier to stay relaxed but alert during the day. This combination may support focus, physical comfort, and a greater sense of mental balance.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the effects and benefits CBD and CBG have to offer when used together, and we’ll discuss how they work together to produce these unique sensations.
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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive and will not get you high. It’s gained widespread attention and use because of its research-backed therapeutic benefits for many different things, including anxiety, pain, and sleep support.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is also of more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Although not as abundant as cannabinoids like CBD and THC, it has similar amounts of therapeutic potential. It’s been researched for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and neurological diseases, among other things.
Can You Take CBG and CBD Together?
Yes, you can safely take CBD and CBG at the same time. These two cannabinoids render stronger benefits and fewer side effects when taken together than when used in isolation.
While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests CBD and CBG balance each other’s effects while being highly effective for therapeutic uses like pain and anxiety.
How CBG and CBD Work Together
CBD and CBG work by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a receptor system that regulates your vital functions, including your sleep-wake cycle, pain and inflammatory responses, emotions, and immune response.
By supporting the function of the ECS, CBD and CBG promote overall mental and physical balance – although they do so differently.
CBD doesn’t interact heavily with the CB1 or CB2 receptors (the main receptors in the ECS), but instead helps to modulate the production and efficacy of your body’s naturally produced endocannabinoids.
CBG, on the other hand, binds directly to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, similar to THC, thereby creating mental and physical benefits and effects [1].
When taken together, CBD and CBG offer increased benefits and fewer side effects because your endocannabinoid system will be positively impacted in a more comprehensive way. This synergy is known as the entourage effect.
This term was originally used to describe the way CBD balances out the psychoactive effects of THC when they’re taken together, therefore amplifying THC’s benefits. However, it applies to all cannabinoid combinations, including CBG and CBD.
By taking CBG and CBD together, these cannabinoids will fill in each other’s gaps; you won’t feel sedated or overly energized, and you’ll experience an amplified version of the physical benefits that each cannabinoid offers.
Benefits of CBG and CBD Together
CBD and CBG generally work together to create a more powerful, more balanced set of effects and benefits.
But this combination is especially effective in several main therapeutic areas:
CBD and CBG for sleep
Together, CBD and CBG may render better sleep support than by themselves. Due to its mentally relaxing effects, CBD is more effective than CBG for direct sleep support, but CBG is better for promoting physical comfort, making this combination ideal if you struggle to sleep due to pain or inflammation.
A 2017 research review found that CBD has therapeutic potential for insomnia [2].
Because CBD tends to blunt CBG’s energizing effects, you can get the therapeutic support you need without CBG keeping you up.
CBD and CBG for pain & inflammation
When taken together, CBD and CBG render stronger physical support for pain and inflammation than when taken by themselves. CBG tends to be more effective at promoting physical discomfort, while CBD is better at promoting mental relaxation, which is also beneficial for these issues.
A study out of King’s College in London, England found that CBG may have anti-inflammatory effects [3].
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%) [4].
CBD and CBG for anxiety
CBD and CBG together are more beneficial for anxiety and stress than when taken in isolation. CBD promotes mental relaxation, while CBG creates mental clarity, energy, and focus.
CBD may blunt CBG’s overly-energizing effects while CBG blunts CBD’s potentially sedating effects, thereby creating the perfect focused, yet calm mental effect.
In a 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 [5].
A 2024 clinical trial in 34 adults found that a 20mg dose of CBG produced “overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress” compared to a placebo [6].
CBD and CBG for energy & focus
When taken together, CBD and CBG are better at promoting daytime energy and focus than when taken by themselves. CBD promotes mental relaxation and overall wellness, while CBG creates energizing, uplifting effects.
Together, they promote a focused mind and relaxed body, helping you tackle the day.
In a 2021 survey of people using CBG:CBD products for ADHD, 70.8% of respondents reported an improvement in their energy, attention levels, and thinking as a result of this cannabinoid combination [7].
Side Effects of CBG and CBD Together
The potential side effects of taking CBD and CBG together are similar to the side effects of taking either cannabinoid by itself, as many of each cannabinoid’s side effects are the same.
However, CBD and CBG often reduce each other’s side effects.
Potential side effects of CBD are:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Potential side effects of CBG are:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Increased appetite
- Dry eyes
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- Headache
The best way to reduce the side effects of cannabinoids is to start with small doses.
How to Take CBD and CBG Together: Best Products
There are several ways you can take CBD and CBG together. Here’s a bit about each consumption method:
Oils
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15 minutes
CBD:CBG oil (also called tincture) consists of cannabinoid extracts combined with a carrier oil, like MCT or coconut oil, which helps the CBD and CBG absorb into your bloodstream.
Oils are fast-acting and easy to dose, however, they aren’t the best option if you don’t enjoy the earthy taste of hemp extract.
Gummies
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Onset Time: 45 minutes
CBD:CBG gummies are a great way to build a routine for therapeutic use, as each piece will contain the same amount of cannabinoids. Gummies are also a good option if you don’t like how CBD:CBG oil tastes.
The main downside to gummies is that it can take a while to feel the effects since they’re digested.
Learn More: Best CBG Gummies
Capsules
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15%
CBD:CBG capsules and softgels are a quick, tasteless alternative to gummies. However, they can’t be easily split if you want to take a smaller dose.
Like gummies, capsules take 45 minutes to 1 hour to start working.
Topicals
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Onset Time: 10-15%
CBD:CBG topicals, such as creams, salves, and roll-ons, are applied directly to the skin, rather than swallowed.
The main upside of topicals is that they allow you to provide localized relaxation to the affected areas of your body
Additionally, CBD:CBG topicals will not show up on a drug test since the cannabinoids in them don’t enter your bloodstream. The downside is that topicals won’t provide full-body relaxation as CBD:CBG oil or gummies would.
Opt for full-spectrum products
One note when shopping for CBD:CBG products: full-spectrum CBD and CBG products will render a stronger effect than products made with CBD and CBG isolates.
Full-spectrum CBD and CBG products also contain cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, and THC, as well as terpenes (beneficial, naturally occurring compounds in hemp).
Just as CBD enhances CBG (and vice versa), additional cannabinoids and terpenes make this combination even more beneficial – an extension of the entourage effect.
Conclusion: CBD and CBG Together – Worth It or Not?
So, is it worth buying and using a product that contains CBD and CBG together?
We think so.
For most uses, CBD and CBG together are more effective than CBD or CBG alone. And since these cannabinoids are naturally combined in the hemp plant, they’re meant to be taken this way!
Research on the CBD-CBG entourage effect is still preliminary, but based on anecdotal evidence, it seems this combo has a lot of untapped therapeutic potential – and it could very well improve your quality of life.
CBD and CBG Together: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions customers frequently ask us about taking CBD and CBG together.
Can you take CBD and CBG at the same time?
Yes, you can take CBD and CBG at the same time. These two naturally-occurring cannabinoids work together to create more powerful benefits and fewer side effects than when used by themselves.
What are the benefits of taking CBD and CBG together?
When taken together, CBD and CBG can promote deep mental and physical relaxation while blunting the adverse effects of each cannabinoid. This combination is most often used for pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
What is CBD with CBG?
CBD with CBG is a blend of two non-intoxicating cannabinoids that work together to support overall wellness, offering both mental and physical benefits.
What does CBD and CBG do?
Together, CBD and CBG may promote calm, focus, and relief from everyday discomfort – supporting balance without causing drowsiness or a high.
What are the effects of CBG and CBD together?
When combined, CBG and CBD can create a clear-headed, relaxed feeling that helps reduce stress, improve focus, and support mood and physical comfort throughout the day.
How does CBD and CBG make you feel?
Most people report that taking CBD and CBG together makes them feel mental clarity and relaxation without creating sedating or overly energizing effects.
How many mg of CBD and CBG should I take?
Starting out, we recommend you take 10-25mg of CBD:CBG combined. This dose is enough to render therapeutic benefits without being overly strong for first-time users.
How long do CBD and CBG take to work?
CBD and CBG will kick in within 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the delivery method. CBD:CBG oil works in just 10-15 minutes, while CBD:CBG gummies work in 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Sources
[1] Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Sánchez de Medina, V., Rivas-Santisteban, R., Sánchez-Carnerero Callado, C., Vincenzi, F., Casano, S., Ferreiro-Vera, C., Canela, E. I., Borea, P. A., Nadal, X., & Franco, R. (2018). Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 632. https://doi.org/10.3389/ fphar.2018.00632
[2] Babson, Kimberly A et al. “Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature.” Current psychiatry reports vol. 19,4 (2017): 23. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0775-9
[3] Navarro G, Varani K, Reyes-Resina I, Sánchez de Medina V, Rivas-Santisteban R, Sánchez-Carnerero Callado C, Vincenzi F, Casano S, Ferreiro-Vera C, Canela EI, Borea PA, Nadal X, Franco R. Cannabigerol Action at Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and at CB1-CB2 Heteroreceptor Complexes. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Jun 21;9:632. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00632. PMID: 29977202; PMCID: PMC6021502.
[4] Schilling, Jan M et al. “Cannabidiol as a Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Survey of Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes.” Journal of pain research vol. 14 1241-1250. 5 May. 2021, doi:10.2147/JPR.S278718
[5] Zuardi, A W et al. “Effects of ipsapirone and cannabidiol on human experimental anxiety.” Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) vol. 7,1 Suppl (1993): 82-8. doi:10.1177/026988119300700112
[6] Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2022). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 706–716. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058
[7] Kaufmann, Robert. (2021). Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 14. 235-240. 10.15406/ijcam.2021.14.00567.
