CBG has increasingly been the attention of scientific research in the past couple of years, and, as a result, we’re learning more about what it has to offer from a therapeutic standpoint.
But despite being researched, CBG hasn’t been specifically looked at for use with anxiety. However, a recent survey showed that many people use CBG do so for anxiety, depression, and related issues — a clear indicator that it has the potential to support mental health.
In this article, we’re going to explore whether CBG can really help anxiety, how it works, and how to use it.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Research suggests that CBG may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing properties), however, more clinical research is needed. CBG may work for anxiety by activating CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which play a role in modulating the anxiety and stress responses.
- CBG is known for its positive effects on energy and focus, whereas CBD is more of a calming, relaxing cannabinoid. Neither is necessarily better — it depends on the nature of your anxiety.
- To use CBG for anxiety or depression, start by taking 0.1mg per pound of body weight on a daily basis.
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What is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and is one of the most-used “alt-cannabinoids.”
CBG is known as an anti-inflammatory, and it’s been researched for use with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Glaucoma, and Huntington’s Disease.
But there’s been no evidence that it’s necessarily helpful for anxiety — until recently.
Does CBG Work for Anxiety? What Science Says
When it comes to researching the hemp plant, scientists have primarily focused on how cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can benefit those dealing with anxiety. Other cannabinoids haven’t been investigated for their effects on mental health or anxiety.
However, several scientists broke this trend when they did a survey of CBG users in late 2022.
The researchers, seeking to investigate the therapeutic uses of CBG, surveyed 127 participants, all of whom had used CBG-predominant cannabis in the last 6 months.
Of everyone surveyed, 51.2% were using CBG for anxiety-related reasons, and 33.1% were using it for depression.
The effectiveness of CBG was “highly rated” by respondents, and many reported that their conditions were “very much improved” as a result of CBG.
The survey also asked participants about whether or not they preferred CBG over conventional treatments. 80% of respondents preferred CBG over conventional medicine for depression, and 78.3% preferred it for anxiety.
From this survey, we can make a few inferences about how CBG can help with anxiety:
- CBG has a strong potential to improve anxiety and depression
- Many people prefer CBG to conventional medicine for anxiety and depression (due to it being more effective and having fewer side effects)
So despite there not being any preclinical or clinical research that investigates the use of CBG for anxiety, this survey is a strong indication of its therapeutic potential.
How CBG Works for Anxiety
Though researchers haven’t explored the efficacy of CBG for anxiety, we do know a bit about how it works in the body to produce these benefits.
CBG works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a transmitter system in your body that has a hand in regulating sleep, emotional processing, mood, learning, memory, and more.
There are two main types of receptors in the ECS: CB1 and CB2.
CBG interacts with the CB2 receptors in your ECS, which science says are “therapeutic targets for the treatment of anxiety and depression.”
This interaction is thought to be the source of CBG’s benefits for anxiety, as well as other benefits it has for mental health (e.g. it promotes mental clarity).
CBG vs. CBD for Anxiety: Which is Better?
As we mentioned previously, CBD’s benefits for anxiety have been researched, while CBG’s corresponding effects have not. However, the survey implies CBG may also have anti-anxiety effects.
But which cannabinoid is more effective at addressing anxiety and supporting mental health?
Neither is necessarily better, and both are beneficial in different situations.
CBG is known for its positive effects on energy and focus, whereas CBD is more of a calming, relaxing cannabinoid.
If your anxiety causes overthinking and extreme worrying, a calming cannabinoid such as CBD might be best.
If you find that your anxiety is fatiguing, and makes you generally feel defeated, a cannabinoid that boosts mental clarity such as CBG might be the best option.
Or you can use both.
Better Together?
While CBD and CBG work well by themselves, combining the two cannabinoids makes them more effective.
CBD has a variety of benefits for mental health, and is mentally relaxing, whereas CBG has a variety of benefits for the body (e.g. for inflammation) and is mentally uplifting.
They are exact opposites, but in a good way — and by combining CBG and CBD, you’ll receive comprehensive mind and body benefits.
Anecdotal evidence suggests this combination is better for anxiety than CBG or CBD by itself. However, since everyone’s situation is different, it’s worth trying both CBG and CBD separately, and then trying them together to see what works best for you.
Side Effects of CBG
CBG is an effective tool for managing mental health, but it isn’t completely without downsides.
Side effects of CBG may include:
- dry mouth
- sleepiness
- increased appetite
- dry eyes
It’s worth noting that in the survey of CBG users discussed above, many respondents said that these side effects were either very minor or not present at all. If you get the dose right, CBG shouldn’t cause any negative effects.
CBG Dosage for Anxiety & Depression
To use CBG for anxiety or depression, start by taking 0.1mg per pound of body weight on a daily basis.
For example, if you’re 150 lbs, you’d start by taking 15mg of CBG each day. If you’re using a product with both CBG and CBD, this number should be your total cannabinoid consumption.
Once you take this dose for a few days, you can add or subtract 2-3mg each day until you achieve the effects you want.
For our comprehensive CBG dosage guide and chart, click here.
The Best CBG Products for Anxiety & Depression
There’s no “best” type of CBG product for mental health — it’s a matter of preference.
Tinctures
Tinctures consist of cannabinoids (in this case, CBG) and carrier oil — usually MCT or coconut oil (carrier oil is used for absorption). Sometimes, terpenes are also added to tinctures for flavor and effect.
The main upside of tinctures is that they work quickly — since they’re taken under the tongue and go directly into the bloodstream, the effect onset is just 10-15 minutes. The downside of tinctures is taste. The earthy flavor of cannabinoids can take some getting used to.
Capsules
Capsules are CBG oil enclosed it in a digestible gel capsule. They’re a tasteless and quick way to get your CBG, and the dosing is predictable, too.
The one downside to capsules is that it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to feel the effects since they’re digested.
Edibles
The most common type of CBG edible is gummies, which provide a quick, great-tasting way to take cannabinoids. And the dosing is consistent, as each piece will contain the same amount of CBG.
As with capsules, edibles have to be digested, so they take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to begin working.
Conclusion: Should You Use CBG for Anxiety?
For mild anxiety or feelings of depression, you might find that CBG (or a CBG and CBD combo) can help you relax and maintain a healthier mental state.
But if your anxiety or depression is severe, you should seek medical or psychological assistance. CBG (or any other cannabinoid) is not a substitute for treatment; use it to complement other methods, not replace them.
Overall, CBG is a promising cannabinoid when it comes to managing anxiety and depression. The recent survey done demonstrates that many people are finding it effective for promoting better mental health.
More scientific research will be needed, though, before we can determine whether CBG is more, less, or just as effective as CBD for anxiety.
CBG has many other benefits, too. Click here to read our article about CBG for pain.
CBG for Anxiety & Depression: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about CBG for anxiety and depression.
Will CBG help with anxiety?
Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that yes, CBG can help with anxiety. In a survey of over 100 CBG users, an overwhelming percentage said that CBG was effective at addressing anxiety. Additionally, roughly 80% of participants preferred CBG to conventional medicine for anxiety.
How much CBG should I take for anxiety?
To calculate your starting daily dosage of CBG for anxiety, use the following formula:
(0.1) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBG dosage in milligrams (mg)
For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., you’d start by taking 15mg of CBG each day.
Once you get a feel for the effects of CBG, you can begin adjusting your dosage up or down in increments of 2-3mg until you achieve your desired feeling.
How will CBG make me feel?
CBG is known to promote feelings of relaxation in the mind and body, as well as feelings of mental clarity.
Does CBG get you high?
No, CBG will not create a head high or cause psychoactive effects.
