Understanding CBG Benefits: Uses, Mechanisms, and Product Guidance

Written & posted by Ingrid Ferris

CBD and THC get most of the attention, but they’re far from the only cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBG, or cannabigerol, is an emerging cannabinoid gaining recognition for its potential health benefits, from supporting a healthy inflammatory response to promoting everyday calm.

There’s a good reason for the growing interest. Early research has uncovered several interesting CBG benefits, and researchers have even begun studying CBG in humans. At the same time, CBG research is still in its early stages, so many of its potential benefits are based on laboratory studies rather than large clinical trials.

If you’re interested in products like Myriam’s Hemp CBG Tincture Oil, it helps to understand how this product can fit into your wellness routine. Below, we discuss what we currently know about CBG, how it interacts with the body, and what research says about its benefits.

What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Like cannabidiol (CBD), CBG is generally considered non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce the characteristic “high” associated with THC. What makes CBG particularly interesting is its role in the cannabis plant itself. 

Young cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form and chemical precursor that plant enzymes use to produce the acidic forms of several other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. That’s why you’ll often hear CBGA referred to as the “mother cannabinoid.”

As the cannabis plant matures, much of its CBGA is converted into other cannabinoids. That leaves relatively low concentrations of CBG in many mature cannabis strains compared to cannabinoids like CBD or THC. Breeders can, however, develop strains that retain higher CBG concentrations.

For those interested in learning more about how this process works, read our article: “What Is CBGA?” You can also explore our tincture options, including premium, third-party-tested Myriam’s Hemp CBGa 25mg Tincture Oil.

How Does CBG Work?

To understand the potential benefits of CBG, it helps to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a signaling network found throughout the human body. It includes naturally produced endocannabinoids, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors, including CB1 and CB2 receptors. This system is involved with numerous processes, including mood, appetite, pain signaling, immune activity, and nervous system function.

CBG appears to interact with this system differently than CBD. Research suggests CBG can interact directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, although its pharmacology is more complex than interaction with these two receptors alone. Researchers have also investigated its activity at other molecular targets involved in pain, inflammation, and neurological signaling. This is one of the many reasons scientists are interested in CBG’s therapeutic potential. 

Benefits Of CBG: What Does the Research Say?

CBG research has explored everything from inflammation and skin health to appetite and neurological function. However, the strength of the evidence varies considerably by benefit. Some findings come exclusively from cells or animals, while a small amount of human research is emerging. 

Here’s where the science currently stands:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBG’s potential anti-inflammatory properties are among its most widely researched characteristics. Laboratory research suggests CBG may influence inflammatory signaling, including the production of certain pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. More specifically, researchers have studied CBG in animal models of inflammatory conditions.

For example, preclinical research has explored CBG in models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with findings suggesting that the cannabinoid may influence inflammatory processes in the digestive system. This is promising, but there’s an important distinction: animal models of inflammatory bowel disease aren’t the same as treating IBD in people.

We don’t yet have enough high-quality human research to recommend CBG as an alternative to established anti-inflammatory treatments. Instead, these studies help researchers identify areas worth investigating.

Stress and Anxiety

One of the more notable recent developments in CBG studies is that researchers have begun analyzing its effects on stress and anxiety in humans. 

A 2024 double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study included 34 healthy adults who received either 20mg of hemp-derived CBD or a placebo. Researchers successfully found that CBG was associated with reductions in anxiety and stress! Most importantly, participants didn’t show evidence of intoxication or motor or cognitive impairment.

That’s an encouraging step beyond animal and laboratory research, but it was still a small study of healthy adults examining the acute effects of a single dose. More research is needed to understand how well these findings translate across larger populations and different doses. 

For now, CBG may be a useful cannabinoid for people seeking additional ways to support general wellness and a sense of calm rather than an established treatment for anxiety. We talk about a similar concept in our article, “Can Terpenes Reduce Stress?”

Healthy Skin

CBG may also support skin health, particularly when used topically. Laboratory research has found that CBG can influence oxidative stress and the release of inflammatory cytokines in human skin cells. Researchers also conducted a small clinical study involving 20 participants who used a topical serum containing 0.1% CBG on experimentally irritated skin.

After two weeks, CBG-treated areas showed improvements in skin barrier measurements and the appearance of redness compared with placebo-treated areas. This gives the healthy skin conversation some human evidence, but it’s important to remember that the study was small and doesn’t establish that every topical CBG product will produce the same results. 

Nonetheless, topical CBG is an interesting area of research for those interested in cannabinoids as part of a broader skin wellness routine.

Appetite, Eye Health, and Neuroprotection

Some of the other potential CBG benefits you’ve probably encountered come primarily from preclinical research. For example, animal studies have investigated appetite stimulation, with some findings suggesting CBG may contribute to increased appetite. This has led researchers to consider whether the cannabinoid could eventually be a useful way to manage appetite loss.

CBG has also been studied for its effects on intraocular pressure, which sparked interest in its potential relationship with eye health. Likewise, researchers have investigated possible neuroprotective effects in experimental models involving brain cells and the nervous system. (A topic we actually discuss more in our article, “Cannabidiol and Brain Function.”)

These findings help explain why CBG has become such a promising cannabinoid, but they’re not yet proof that taking CBG prevents neurological disease, treats glaucoma, or addresses appetite concerns. As with other areas, these questions require more clinical research.

CBG vs CBD Oil

CBD and CBD are both cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, but they aren’t interchangeable. One major difference comes down to how the two cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. 

CBG appears to interact more directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors, whereas CBD has a relatively weak connection to these receptors and influences the ECS more indirectly. There’s also another important factor: CBD has been studied heavily, while CBG research is still catching up.

Another difference is how much of each cannabinoid naturally occurs in the plant. Many hemp plants contain considerably more CBD than CBG, which can make CBG more difficult and expensive to produce in significant amounts. But you don’t have to necessarily choose one or the other. 

Some products combine the two cannabinoids, while full-spectrum hemp extracts naturally contain CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids in varying amounts. For a closer comparison, we created a full guide: “CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?”

What Type of CBG Products Are Available?

As CBG continues to gain recognition, you’ll find it in many of the same formats already familiar to CBD users. CBG products can include tincture oils, capsules, topicals, concentrates, and formulas that combine CBG with other cannabinoids. The format isn’t the only thing that matters, though. Consider the amount of CBG in the product, what other cannabinoids are included, and whether it contains THC. 

At Myriam’s Hemp, our CBG Tincture Oil contains a blend of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Additionally, it’s lab-tested, made in the USA, and formulated for maximum absorption and efficacy. Available in 600mg and 1200mg, it’s easier to select a concentration that fits your unique routine. 

Whatever product you’re considering, don’t rely solely on the front of the bottle. A third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) can give you a much better idea of what’s actually inside.

Dosage, Safety, and Storage

There’s no single established CBG dosage that works for everyone. How much someone chooses to take can depend on the product concentration, individual response, and reason for using it. If you’re new to taking CBG, follow the directions for your specific product and consider starting with a smaller amount. And of course, give yourself time to see how your body responds before deciding whether you need to make adjustments.

You should also store your CBG according to the product label. Generally, cannabinoid oils are best kept tightly closed and away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

CBD Side Effects and Interactions

CBG appears to be generally well tolerated based on the limited research we have so far, but that doesn’t mean side effects are impossible. Some people may experience effects such as dry mouth, tiredness, digestive changes, or changes in appetite when using cannabinoid products. If you experience unwanted effects after taking CBG, always talk with your healthcare provider.

Medication interactions are another important consideration. Cannabinoids can affect enzymes the body uses to process certain medications, potentially changing how those medications behave in the body.

Here’s what matters: if you take a prescription medication, have an ongoing health condition, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider before adding CBG to your routine. They can help you make a decision based on your individual health needs.

How to Choose Quality CBG Products

CBG may be a promising cannabinoid, but the quality of the product still matters. Hemp products aren’t all grown, formulated, or tested to the same standards. One of the easiest ways to learn more about a product is to look for a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA). 

This report lets you see whether the cannabinoid levels found during testing line up with what’s advertised on the label. Depending on the testing performed, it may also provide information about contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents.

You’ll also want to understand what kind of extract you’re purchasing. A full-spectrum product may contain CBG alongside other naturally occurring hemp compounds and may include trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum products contain multiple hemp compounds but are generally formulated without THC, while a CBG isolate contains the isolated cannabinoid. 

At Myriam’s Hemp, transparency has been central to what we do from the beginning. Our company grew out of our family’s own search for dependable hemp products after our mother’s glioblastoma brain tumor diagnosis. We understand why customers want to know exactly what’s in the bottle, which is why we make third-party testing and production information available to help you make an informed decision.

Where to Buy and Legal Considerations

CBG itself isn’t known for the intoxicating effects associated with THC, but you should still check the full cannabinoid profile before buying a product. That’s particularly important with full-spectrum CBG products, which may contain trace amounts of THC. THC content can matter if you’re subject to workplace drug testing or live somewhere with stricter rules for hemp-derived products. 

Federal law generally allows hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids that meet the federal definition of hemp, but states can establish additional rules. If you’re ever unsure about the law where you live, or you’re planning to travel with CBG, check current state and local regulations first.

It’s also important to remember that CBG products aren’t FDA-approved dietary supplements or medications. CBG shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical care or medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Explore your CBG options at Myriam’s Hemp.

CBG may not be as well known as CBD yet, but it’s quickly becoming a key player in cannabinoid research. And as you’ve read above, there’s still a lot left to learn. Many of the benefits of CBG are based on minimal research, so we never want to promise CBG can do something science hasn’t proven. What we can do is give you clear information and products you can feel confident incorporating into your own routine. 

That’s been part of the mission at Myriam’s Hemp from the beginning. Today, we continue that mission by offering thoughtfully formulated hemp products backed by third-party testing. Explore our CBG Tincture Oil to learn more about available strengths, ingredients, and how the product may fit into your wellness routine.

Ingrid Ferris

Ingrid is a wellness expert, researcher, and passionate advocate for CBD. With a background rooted in holistic health and evidence-based research, she’s dedicated to helping others discover safe, effective, and natural approaches to wellness. Ingrid’s work reflects a commitment to high-quality, organic, and medically focused solutions, empowering readers to make informed choices for better health.