When you need energy and focus for the day ahead, what do you do? Brew a pot of coffee? Reach for an energy drink?
Here’s one thing you might not have considered: CBG.
Not only does this cannabinoid promote energy and focus, but it comes without a lot of the risks that energy drinks do.
In this article, we’ll discuss how CBG can promote better energy levels, and how it compares to CBD for energy.
What is CBG?
But first, what exactly is CBG?
Cannabigerol (CBG), is one of the 100-plus naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. In fact, it’s the cannabinoid from which many others are made, earning it the title of “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
In comparison to THC and CBD, CBG hasn’t been researched a lot. However, findings so far show that it may have therapeutic potential for glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
CBG also has other benefits such as appetite regulation, inflammatory response support, metabolic process support, and, of course, energy and focus support.
Does CBG Give You Energy?
Though scientists haven’t explored the use of CBG for energy, anecdotal evidence suggests CBG can help open the floodgates of energy you already have, but aren’t able to access. CBG can also boost mental clarity and focus, resulting in effects that some associate with increased energy levels.
To understand how CBG can impact energy levels, it’s first important to understand how energy works.
You probably have plenty of energy. But unless your body is able to expend that energy — and this can be due to medical conditions, diet, exercise habits, or just swings in how your body is feeling — you’ll feel tired.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBG can help turn the bottled-up energy in your mind and body into active energy.
What exactly does this feel like?
Some people who have taken CBG report feeling a caffeine-like rush afterward. Others find that it unleashes energy and focus in more subtle, yet still powerful ways — they get feelings of mental clarity and direction.
How CBG Promotes Better Energy Levels
The way CBG is able to have these effects is by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
Every human and vertebrate animal has an endocannabinoid system, a neurotransmitter system that plays a role in regulating a large variety of bodily functions including sleep, mood, body temperature, energy, and more.
As a result of this receptor binding, CBG is thought to increase the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that can enhance feelings of pleasure and motivation, among other things.
These feelings of “pleasure and motivation” may translate into energy for some — as we all know, energy is often times about our mental state and not so much about our physical state.
Additionally, CBG interacts with your body in many of the same ways that CBD does. CBD is known to promote mental calmness — notably, a decrease in distracting thoughts — so CBG may also have some of the same benefits.
When taken together, the pro-motivation and anti-distraction effects of CBG can result in more energy.
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How Does CBG Compare to CBD for Energy?
There hasn’t been any direct scientific inquiry into the effects of CBG versus CBD for energy.
However, there is one potential explanation for why CBG may more energizing than CBD. There’s a certain type of serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. Agonists, which initiate a response from this receptor, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, while Antagonists inhibit this function.
Here’s the difference: CBG is an antagonist of 5-HT1A, while CBD is an agonist of this receptor — so CBD promotes lower blood pressure and heart rate, while CBG does not. While this hasn’t been scientifically verified, this is potentially the reason why CBG is more energizing, while CBD is more relaxing.
From an anecdotal standpoint, it seems that CBG is more effective than CBD when it comes to boosting energy and focus.
CBD is often used for sleep, and is generally known as more of a calming, relaxing, clarity-bringing cannabinoid.
CBD and CBG together can promote energy, focus, and mental clarity when mixed in the right ratio.
CBG, too, brings clarity, but in a more uplifting, energizing sort of way.
Science says the two cannabinoids are very similar in terms of how they interact with your body, but anecdotal evidence suggests that there are small differences in effects that make CBG preferable for promoting energy and focus.
Side Effects of CBG
While CBG is great for promoting energy and focus, it does have some negative side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Hunger
- Dry eyes
It may seem ironic that one of the side effects of this high-energy cannabinoid is sleepiness. However, it’s important to remember that negative side effects usually only kick in if you take too much, so getting the dosing right is key here — more on this below.
How to Take CBG for Energy
So, CBG can help boost your energy levels. But how do you take it for maximum impact?
Dosage
First, you have to get the dosage right. Start with 0.1mg of CBG per 10 pounds of body weight, then increase from there. Don’t go too high, or you’ll start to feel negative side effects or sleepiness (to see our full CBG dosage guide and chart, click here).
When To Take It
Take your dose of CBG roughly 30-45 minutes before you need the energy and focus to kick in. So if you get to work roughly an hour and a half after you wake up, take a 10mg dose of CBG 45 minutes to an hour after you’re up so you’re ready for the workday!
And as with dosing, timing takes some experimentation, too.
Conclusion: Can CBG Boost Energy?
Based on what we know from a scientific and anecdotal aspect, yes. However, CBG hasn’t been specifically studied for its energizing effects, so we can’t say for sure whether everyone who uses it will feel an increase in energy or focus.
Anecdotal evidence is often telling, but it can be inconsistent since it relies on people self-reporting their experiences.
Still, based on people’s experiences and the scientific evidence around the difference in how CBD and CBG interact with the 5-HT1A receptors, it’s safe to say that CBG has uplifting, energizing effects.
As for whether it can replace your morning coffee? Only you can say!
CBG Products for Energy: Explore Options at Natural Ways CBD
If you’re looking for a new, natural way to energize with CBG, Natural Ways CBD has you covered.
We offer tinctures and gummies that contain CBG and CBD in optimal ratios for energy, focus, and mental relaxation. Everything is third-party lab tested, made from American-grown hemp, and backed by hundreds of shining reviews from customers just like you.
Check out our online store, or, if you’re in the Houston area, stop by one of our six brick-and-mortar locations and say hi. We can’t wait for you to join the family!
