What is CBG? Mechanisms, effects and uses
CBG, the "mother cannabinoid" of hemp, explored for inflammation, skin, and focus.
CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid often called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is a precursor to CBD and THC in the plant. Research is exploring its potential effects on inflammation, digestive comfort, skin balance, and focus.
01CBG: what are we talking about?
CBG is present in small amounts in adult hemp: the plant first converts CBGa (acidic form) into other cannabinoids (CBDa, THCa...). The final CBG is therefore rarer, which explains the interest in dedicated extracts.
It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and can modulate the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as other targets like TRP channels.
02Potential effects studied
Inflammation and digestive comfort
Preclinical studies are exploring its potential anti-inflammatory properties and its interest for digestive comfort: a study on a murine model of colitis showed that CBG attenuated intestinal inflammation.
Focus and anxiety: the first human study
A first human clinical trial, encouraging but isolated
Until 2024, no human clinical trial had directly tested CBG. A study published in Scientific Reports by a team from Washington State University and UCLA changed that: 34 adults received either 20 mg of CBG or a placebo, in a double-blind, crossover trial.
CBG significantly reduced anxiety (approximately 26% on average compared to placebo) at 20, 45, and 60 minutes after intake, as well as perceived stress levels, without causing intoxication or typical cannabis effects.
A point of nuance: this is a single trial, on a small sample (34 participants). It is an encouraging signal, but not yet sufficient proof for a clinical recommendation.
Detailed sources at the end of the article.CBG is sometimes sought for a gentle "focus" effect, without sedation, according to user feedback. Human scientific data on this specific point (concentration) is still lacking.
Skin and sebum balance
CBG is being studied for skin balance (sebum, inflammation).
These avenues are exploratory; more human clinical trials are needed.
03How to use CBG
Adjustable sublingual oils (taken in the morning for a "focus" effect or in the evening depending on the objective), capsules for precise dosing. Start low, increase gradually. CBG + CBD formulas can combine mental clarity and soothing. For sleep, lean towards CBD or CBN.
04Frequently asked questions
Is CBG psychoactive?
No, it does not cause a feeling of euphoria like THC.
CBG or CBD: what's the difference?
CBD is more documented (stress, sleep, pain). CBG is explored for inflammation, skin, and digestive comfort.
Does CBG help with focus?
User feedback suggests a gentle "focus" effect. Human clinical evidence remains limited to date.
05Go further
Cannabinoid Guides
Our collections
Blog articles
Cited scientific sources
- Cuttler C, Stueber A, Cooper ZD, Russo E. Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial. Scientific Reports, 14, 2024. Read the study
- Borrelli F, et al. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical Pharmacology, 2013. Read the study
This article contains general information for educational purposes and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.