Even though cannabigerol (CBG) is considered a “minor” cannabinoid, do not underestimate this compound’s potential.
CBG is a lesser-known cannabinoid that shows promise in supporting relaxation, discomfort, increased energy, focus, and a better mood. While most of the research surrounding CBG is in the early stages, our customers tell us that CBG is a natural support for energy and focus.
CBG Effects Explained: What it Feels Like and How It Works
Based on current research and limited pre-clinical studies, the five main benefits of CBG include:
- CBG may support focus and concentration [1]
- CBG may help to encourage a healthy appetite [2]
- CBG may support a healthy stress response [3]
- CBG may support normal inflammatory response [4]
- CBG may support comfort from tired muscles [5]
The most common feelings associated with CBG use are a sense of calm and contentment, better focus, concentration, and relief from minor muscle discomfort, similar to the effects you may already know from CBD.
Benefits are observed from the way that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is tasked with maintaining internal balance (homeostasis).
The ECS uses a system of transmitters (endocannabinoids), receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes to relay messages throughout the body. This ensures that our vital organs and systems are in a Goldilocks zone and functioning optimally.
The way that CBG affects people may differ based on their genetics, stress levels, and lifestyle. CBG may also produce different effects based on your internal state of balance.
How you take CBG can also affect how it works and how you feel.
How do CBG Gummies Make You Feel?
CBG oils and CBG gummies can take much longer to kick in compared to smoking a vape. But, they can have long-lasting effects on focus and concentration, which is why CBG edibles have become many people's new favorite productivity tool for work and studying.

The main effects reported from CBG gummies are feelings of calm, focus, and energy. Some even feel a greater sense of control over their concentration and have an easier time getting important tasks done.
The effects of CBG gummies will also depend on factors like dosage and potency. For example, the effects of CBG 750mg gummies may be less pronounced than those of 1350mg CBG gummies.
How Does CBG Isolate Make You Feel?
CBG isolate, a highly concentrated powder, is popular among people who lead active lifestyles.
Many people report that CBG isolate helps improve focus and energy levels, especially when taken alongside their morning coffee. However, there’s no evidence that CBG isolate is more effective than other extract types.
A clinical study on mice found that CBG may have neuroprotective properties that support brain cells' ability to regenerate [6]. Hopefully, this leads to more research on its potential for brain health.
Possible Side Effects of CBG
While users don’t commonly report adverse effects from CBG, there are side effects that can occur:
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite
- Digestive system trouble (stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea)
- Sleepiness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms or other unexpected reactions, you should scale back your CBG dosage. And if it persists, please consult a healthcare professional to ensure the safe use of CBG.
How is CBG Different from CBD and THC?
CBG is different from CBD and THC because it's the "parent" compound that the plant uses to make both of them. Like CBD, it won’t get you high, but it works a bit differently in the body and may have its own benefits. Here are the main differences between CBG, CBD, and THC.
- CBG is more abundant in young cannabis plants — THC and CBD are more abundant in mature cannabis plants, as CBGa eventually converts into THCa, CBDa, and other cannabinoids.
- CBG is non-psychotropic like CBD. THC is the main psychotropic compound in marijuana plants.
- CBD and CBG are psychoactive, which means they may alter your mood (coffee and chocolate are psychoactive too). Most people experience a sense of contentment and relaxation.
- CBD has a low affinity to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG can directly interact with these receptors, similar to THC.
- CBG may block the hyperactivity of THC that causes intoxication (high) associated with marijuana use by binding to the CB1 receptor. A reason why many combine CBG with THC is to experience the benefits of both cannabinoids, but with a more balanced, mellow high.
Are the Effects of CBG and CBD Similar?
CBD and CBG share similarities in supporting a healthy immune response, promoting balanced stress levels, and helping manage mild discomfort.
Here are some of the main reasons people use CBD and CBG together:
People Turn to CBD and CBG to Manage Their Stress
When we let our stress levels get out of hand, we never enter the restorative rest-and-digest mode, making us susceptible to illness.
CBG and CBD have been shown to influence the GABA levels in the brain, which is the neurotransmitter that counteracts the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol [7, 8].
People Take CBD and CBG To Support Healthy Inflammation Levels
The endocannabinoid system helps regulate the immune response. A healthy ECS ensures that immune cells don't linger longer than they need to and end up causing more harm than good to the affected tissues.
CBD and CBG have been suggested to support the ECS' ability to moderate hyperactive inflammatory activity by reducing the number of marker cells that the body releases that trigger inflammation [4].
People Turn to CBD and CBG to Recover Tired Muscles
While there are no FDA-approved cannabis-based products that are used to address pain, many people swear by their CBD and CBG oils to address their chronic and acute pain as a natural alternative to some medications [9].
In clinical studies, these two compounds have been observed to interact at pain-receptor sites to stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain, which can help with relaxation and allow for faster healing [10].
So, What Should CBG Feel Like?
The benefits of CBG are promising, but more pre-clinical and clinical research is needed to support many of its reported health benefits. Still, that hasn't stopped many people from trying CBG for themselves.
Most people describe the effects of CBG as similar to CBD, but with an added sense of focus and mental clarity, especially during studying, repetitive tasks, or creative work. Some even report potential benefits for managing ADHD symptoms.
It's important to remember that cannabinoids can affect individuals differently, so use caution when shopping for CBG products and start your doses on the lower end before taking a full dose to help you avoid some of the potentially uncomfortable side effects.
For those seeking a concentrated form of CBG, high-purity CBG isolate powder offers a potent and versatile option.
FAQs
What Are the Main Differences Between CBG, CBD, and THC?
THC is the major psychoactive component present in marijuana plants. CBD and CBG are psychotropic, which means they can cause mood fluctuations. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors with modest affinity, making the majority of its users feel satisfied and calm.
CBG, like THC, can directly interact with these receptors by binding to the CB1 receptor. By binding to the CB1 receptor, CBG may reduce the hyperactivity of THC, which produces the intoxication (high) associated with marijuana use.
What Does CBG Feel Like?
CBG use is commonly associated with calm and general well-being, improved focus and attention, and relief from minor muscle soreness. CBG may affect you differently depending on your genetics, stress, and lifestyle. How you take CBG, and in what form you take it, will also affect how it makes you feel.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of CBG?
CBG, like CBD, is well-tolerated, even in high dosages, but this does not rule out the possibility of side effects. Fortunately, CBD's side effects are minor and will diminish on their own when the body metabolizes the components. Some of the side effects of CBG use include diarrhea, tiredness, dry mouth, and appetite disturbances.
What are the Best CBG Products?
Neurogan uses CBG hemp strains and our nano proprietary CO2 extraction technology to preserve as many naturally occurring phytochemicals as possible for a strong and well-balanced extract. CBG Focus Oil (2000MG), CBG Focus Gummies (1350MG), CBG + CBD Balance Gummies (1350MG), and CBG Focus Oil 12000MG are some of our top CBG products.
Resources
-
di Giacomo, V., Chiavaroli, A., Orlando, G., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., Di Valerio, V., ... & Ferrante, C. (2020). Neuroprotective and neuromodulatory effects induced by cannabidiol and cannabigerol in rat hypo-E22 cells and isolated hypothalamus. Antioxidants, 9(1), 71.
-
Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2016). Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology, 233(19), 3603-3613.
-
Bantick, R. A., Rabiner, E. A., Hirani, E., de Vries, M. H., Hume, S. P., & Grasby, P. M. (2004). Occupancy of agonist drugs at the 5-HT 1A receptor. Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(5), 847-859.
-
Borrelli, F., Fasolino, I., Romano, B., Capasso, R., Maiello, F., Coppola, D., ... & Izzo, A. A. (2013). Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical pharmacology, 85(9), 1306-1316.
-
Valdeolivas, S., Navarrete, C., Cantarero, I., Bellido, M. L., Muñoz, E., & Sagredo, O. (2015).
-
Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 4(1), 245.Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice. Neurotherapeutics, 12(1), 185-199.
-
Jie, F., Yin, G., Yang, W., Yang, M., Gao, S., Lv, J., & Li, B. (2018). Stress in regulation of GABA amygdala system and relevance to neuropsychiatric diseases. Frontiers in neuroscience, 12, 562.
-
Banerjee, S. P., Snyder, S. H., & Mechoulam, R. A. P. H. A. E. L. (1975). Cannabinoids: influence on neurotransmitter uptake in rat brain synaptosomes. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 194(1), 74-81.
-
Webb, C. W., & Webb, S. M. (2014). Therapeutic benefits of cannabis: a patient survey. Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 73(4), 109.
-
Russo, E. B. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 4(1), 245.