CBG 101: A Beginner's Guide to Cannabigerol

Ready to discover the cannabinoid that’s been waiting in the wings? Meet CBG, a revolutionary compound that's been hiding in plain sight, waiting for science to catch up with nature's brilliance.
“What about CBD?” you ask. Don’t worry, we’ll get there.
CBD might dominate headlines, but CBG’s a rising star.
And you know we wouldn’t be talking about CBG if it couldn’t boost your wellness routine. That’s kind of our thing—so let’s dive into this powerful compound.
What is CBG, Exactly?
We’re going in with a deep dive right off the bat—so you can understand the science behind it all.
CBG stands for cannabigerol, and it's not your typical cannabinoid. CBG is a natural compound found in hemp that is formed via decarboxylation of CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), which is also the precursor to other cannabinoids like CBD & THC and is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids”.4
CBG is non-intoxicating, meaning it won't make you feel any euphoric effects. It’s typically known for promoting focus and clarity.
Note: Most traditional hemp cultivars contain very low levels of CBG in comparison to THC and CBD; however, as scientists and growers are recognizing the benefits of CBG, hemp strains with higher CBG content, or CBG-dominant plants, are being created.
Why CBG is Different from CBD (And Why You Should Care)
Cannabinoids are not interchangeable.
Think of the cast of your favorite sitcom. Everyone plays off of each other, and the entire dynamic of the show would change in a heartbeat if you removed a key player. Each cannabinoid offers a different vibe (depending on how it interacts with your body’s systems).
CBG's Unique Profile:
- Involves direct, but weak, CB1 and CB2 receptor interaction²*
- Focuses on cognitive function and mental clarity³*
- Supports a sense of calm and helps manage everyday stress*
- Promotes alertness without jitters*
CBD's Approach:
- Involves indirect influence on endocannabinoid system’s main cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)*
- Provides broad wellness support*
- Includes calming and relaxation properties*
- Promotes sleep and stress management*
How Do CBG and CBD Interact with Your Body?
CBG isn't replacing CBD—it's complementing it. The ultimate co-stars.
CBD acts like a volume control knob for cannabinoid receptors:
- A low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors (doesn’t bind to their main binding sites)
- Binds away from the main binding site for CB1
- May impact the receptor’s response to other cannabinoids
- Has indirect effects on endocannabinoid levels which may then activate CB1 or CB2.
CBG on the other hand binds directly, but weakly, to CB1 and CB2 receptors and can actually block other cannabinoids from binding to these receptors. Neither CBD nor CBD strongly activate cannabinoid receptors directly.
The Science Behind CBG's Power
Your body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates everything from mood to memory, appetite to anxiety. CBG works with this system.
How CBG Interacts with Your Body:
CB1 Receptors (Brain and Nervous System):
- Supports cognitive function¹*
- Promotes mental clarity and focus²*
- Helps maintain healthy brain activity*
CB2 Receptors (Stress Management and Beyond):
- Supports a sense of calm*
- Helps manage everyday stress*
- Helps you stay calm under pressure*
What CBG Can Do for You
Let’s cut through the noise and share what researchers are exploring.
CBG’s Areas of Interest
Focus & Clarity
Early studies are exploring how CBG interacts with key receptors in the body.3
Balanced Mood
Research is investigating how CBG may influence pathways tied to emotional well-being and stress management.3
Whole-Body Wellness
Ongoing research continues to explore how CBG could work alongside other cannabinoids to support well-being*
What Are Potential Side Effects from CBG?
Some people may notice things like mild drowsiness, dry mouth, or changes in appetite.*
Pro tip: start low and go slow—your body will let you know what works best. And if you’re taking medications (especially those with a “grapefruit warning”), check in with your healthcare provider before adding CBG to your routine.
How to Choose Quality CBG Products
Not all CBG is created equal. Here’s how to tell between a star player and a season 5 replacement:
What to Look For:
Third-Party Lab Testing:
- Full cannabinoid profile
- Pesticide and heavy metal screening
- Potency verification
- Certificate of analysis (COA) readily available
Source Transparency:
- U.S.-grown hemp
- Sustainable farming practices
- Clear extraction methods
- Batch-to-batch consistency
Brand Credibility:
- Years of industry experience
- Scientific backing
- Customer reviews and testimonials
- Regulatory compliance
Red Flags to Avoid:
- No lab testing or COAs
- Vague sourcing information
- Unrealistic health claims
- Suspiciously low prices
- No customer service or support
CBG vs CBD vs CBN: Benefits (Best for and When to Use)
Wellness is all about your personal journey. Understanding the cannabinoid spectrum helps you make smarter choices.
Cannabinoid | Primary Benefits | Best For | When to Use |
---|---|---|---|
CBG | Focus, clarity, alertness | Daytime productivity | Morning/afternoon |
CBD | Calm, balance, relaxation | Overall wellness | Anytime |
CBN | Sleep support | Rest and recovery | Evening/night |
Pro tip: Full-spectrum products often create what's called the "entourage effect"—where cannabinoids work better in harmony. A great way to test the waters, so to speak!
The Charlotte's Web Difference
We didn’t jump on the hemp bandwagon—we’ve been helping pull that thing for quite some time.
Since 2013, we've been helping rewrite laws, advancing science, and opening the world's eyes to the power of hemp. Our approach to CBG follows the same uncompromising standards:
Our CBG Promise:
- U.S. Hemp Authority Certified™ farms and facilities
- Triple-tested for purity, potency, and quality
- Sustainable growing practices that protect our planet
- Full-spectrum formulations for maximum effectiveness
- Transparent sourcing from seed to shelf
We’re pulling the wagon even further today with every CBG product we create.
Getting Started with CBG: Your Action Plan
Ready to meet a new star cannabinoid? Here’s how to make your move:
Set your vibe → Know what you’re looking for—focus, calm, or balance.
Start simple → Begin low, go slow, stay consistent. Your body will tell you what works best.*
That’s it. And remember, talk with your doctor about any possible interactions if you’re taking other medications.
The Future of CBG (It’s Pretty Cool!)
We're just scratching the surface of CBG's potential.
Your CBG Journey Is a Few Clicks Away
TL;DR: CBG is a scientifically backed, naturally occurring compound that works with your body's own systems to support focus, clarity, and overall wellness.
We’re just scratching the surface of CBG’s potential—so stay tuned to learn more about what cutting-edge research has to say about this amazing cannabinoid.
Explore our premium CBG collection and find out what this rare cannabinoid can do for you.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27557970/
- https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bph.15510
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/17/5169
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666035/
Disclaimer
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.