CBG (cannabigerol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant with promising potential for therapeutic use. Since its discovery in 1964, CBG has been the focus of many laboratory and animal studies. Although human clinical trials remain relatively limited, early research suggests CBG has significant potential across a range of health conditions, from easing anxiety to tackling antimicrobial resistance. Unlike THC, CBG does not produce a psychoactive high.
If you've been asking the question "What is CBG?" or you're interested in learning about how CBG might help as part of your medical cannabis treatment plan, here's everything you need to know.
Key takeaways
Contents
|
Full name |
Cannabigerol |
|
Psychoactive? |
No |
|
Found in |
Cannabis plants |
|
Nickname |
Mother cannabinoid |
|
Research focus |
Pain, inflammation, anxiety, neuroprotection, glaucoma |
|
UK legal status |
Legal in prescribed products and available in some over-the-counter products |
First of all, what does CBG stand for? Like CBD is cannabidiol and THC is Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBG stands for cannabigerol. And it’s a cannabinoid well worth knowing about.
What is CBG and how does it work? There are over 140 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and each studied so far has been found to have unique actions and properties. CBG is one of these, it's what's known as a 'minor cannabinoid', although in the early stages of growth, CBG is the most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. As the plant matures, CBGA (the acidic form of CBG) converts into all other minor and major cannabinoids, including CBD, THC and CBC. For this reason, CBG is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid". By the end of this process, most medical cannabis cultivars will contain 1% or less of the CBG molecule itself, while CBD and THC will be significantly higher, typically sitting at 10 to 20% or more.
Despite being so instrumental to the development of the cannabis plant and all the therapeutic effects it offers, cannabigerol is less researched than major cannabinoids, THC and CBD. However, it has demonstrated clear potential in many areas of health in early studies.
Although CBG interacts with the same endocannabinoid receptors as THC, it does so in a different way that does not cause any psychoactive effects. In fact, some studies have discovered that having higher levels of CBG in a flower or oil blend that contains THC may mitigate some of the less desirable effects of the 'high' THC can cause, enhancing the overall patient experience.
Like CBD, CBG is not a controlled cannabinoid, so it is legal in the UK both on prescription and in over-the-counter products. Over-the-counter CBG products are regulated as novel foods and, like CBD, must contain no more than 1mg of THC per container. It is possible to buy CBG oil and CBD/CBG oil blends, and cannabigerol can also be prescribed as part of a patient's medical cannabis treatment plan with Releaf.
One of the most common questions after "What is CBG?" is how it compares with CBD. As CBG is the foundation of CBD, you might imagine there would be some similarities – and there are! They’re both non-intoxicating, for example. But there are some key differences too, that make them both valuable in unique ways.
First off, they differ in their chemical structure, which is what allows them to interact with the same endocannabinoid receptors differently. CBG has extra hydrogen atoms and an open molecular ring structure, which allows it to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. CBD, on the other hand, has a closed ring structure, which means it doesn’t bind to receptors but alters their shape (which is how CBD can reduce the high of THC – it stops THC from being able to bind with CB1 receptors so well). CBD also inhibits the enzyme which breaks endocannabinoids down, therefore increasing levels in the body.
It is this difference that has the greatest impact on potential applications. CBD is more of an endocannabinoid modulator, supporting its function through indirect actions to promote balance in the body, general relief and reduced inflammation. CBG, on the other hand, directly activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can offer a wide variety of targeted effects. CBD is mostly studied for its effects on epilepsy, chronic pain and anxiety, while the focus of CBG studies often falls on neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), glaucoma, and stimulating appetite.
As is often the case with cannabinoids, CBD and CBG may be most effective when used together, creating the entourage effect.
|
CBG |
CBD |
|
Non-intoxicating |
Non-intoxicating |
|
Directly interacts with CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors |
Indirectly interacts with CB2 endocannabinoid receptors |
|
Studies suggest can be energising |
CBD frequently taken to support sleep (but can also be a wake promoting agent) |
|
Cannabis contains around 1% CBG |
Cannabis can contain over 20% CBD |
|
Minor cannabinoid |
Major cannabinoid |
CBG primarily interacts with the endocannabinoid system, directly activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Researchers are still investigating how these interactions translate into clinical effects. These receptors can be found all over the body, within all physiological systems, in the brain, lungs, gut, eyes, organs and every skin cell. In addition to this, CBG also interacts with a range of other receptors and systems, including serotonin receptors, TRP channels, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
CBG has shown a particular affinity for the CB1 receptors, suggesting it may influence mood, pain perception, and other functions. It may also influence the production or breakdown of endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
Due to the multiple mechanisms and pathways CBG works through, the potential benefits of cannabigerol are far-reaching. Research is ongoing, but so far CBG has shown promise in studies for potential benefits, including:
CBG is also thought to have anxiolytic effects, meaning it could help offset some of the unwanted side effects of THC, such as anxiety and paranoia.
Preclinical experiments have demonstrated that CBG might also help to reduce blood pressure, possess antitumoral activity, improve neuroinflammation in Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis and reduce intraocular pressure, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Although the clinical research in this area is limited so far, there have been a number of promising studies supporting the potential therapeutic effects and clinical application of CBG.
Most recently, a study performed by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that, in a mouse model, CBG might help to improve blood sugar and reduce harmful lipids linked to fatty liver disease. One of the most notable findings was on how CBG (and CBD) increased levels of phosphocreatine, a molecule that acts like an emergency energy supply, which helped liver cells maintain normal function. In these mice, CBG produced stronger improvements in several metabolic markers, reduced body fat mass, and increased insulin sensitivity more than CBD. These findings have not yet been replicated in humans.
Another 2026 critical review of CBG concluded that studies in animal and cell models offer evidence supporting a broad range of possible benefits, from neuroprotection to antimicrobial activity. A 2025 placebo-controlled trial in veterans examined CBG for sleep, but was unable to draw a firm conclusion on its effectiveness, though it did report a favourable safety profile.
In 2024, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the first to examine the effects of CBG in humans, found that cannabigerol showed reductions in anxiety and stress, as well as improvements in verbal memory when compared to a placebo.
Further research has also shown that CBG can reduce intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma, and it may be beneficial in treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. For example, in one study, CBG increased the rate of tissue recovery in the colon and reduced inflammation. The authors also found that CBG was effective as a treatment to prevent colitis-associated damage.
Studies also suggest that CBG may help in the fight against antibiotic resistance. In a study from 2020, researchers identified CBG as an antibacterial compound that may serve as a lead for new drug development. Their research stated that not only is CBG antibacterial, but in their mouse model, it was also effective in fighting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria.
An NHS doctor can't prescribe CBG, but a clinician at a private cannabis clinic like Releaf can. As CBG naturally occurs in much lower amounts than CBD or THC, high CBG cultivars and products can be harder to come by. However, one of the medical cannabis cultivars grown here in the UK actually contains up to 2% CBG, as well as a significant amount of CBGA. You can discuss whether this could be a good option for you at your consultation.
It is also possible to buy over-the-counter CBG products, but as information on the long-term effects of CBG and how it interacts with other medications is still quite limited, it would be ideal to discuss appropriate dosage with an expert before adding it to your daily routine. Always speak to your specialist doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.
CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and cannot get you high. Some studies suggest taking CBG with THC can mitigate some of the potentially uncomfortable psychoactive side effects of cannabis.
CBG and CBD share some similarities, but they are completely different molecules with different therapeutic benefits. Whether one is ‘better’ than the other would depend entirely on why you choose to take it.
More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of taking CBG, but so far studies suggest this cannabinoid is generally well-tolerated, though long-term data is still limited.
Yes, CBG is legal in the UK. CBG is an uncontrolled cannabinoid that can be bought over-the-counter and prescribed by a clinician at a private cannabis clinic like Releaf.
CBG is being investigated for a range of potential therapeutic applications, similar to CBD and THC, although clinical evidence is still developing. It is most commonly taken for managing mood and pain related symptoms.
Research has explored CBG for anxiety and sleep. A 2024 human trial found reductions in anxiety and stress, while a 2025 trial examining sleep was unable to draw a firm conclusion on effectiveness. More research is needed in both areas.
Like CBD, CBG has only been found to potentially cause mild side effects including dry mouth, drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset.
If you'd like to find out whether medical cannabis may be suitable for your symptoms, try our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It's free, takes less than 30 seconds and could be your first step towards finding relief.
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