CBG: The "Mother" of All Cannabinoids
- vancouver77
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 19

You’ve probably heard of THC and CBD, but have you ever heard of CBG? It’s a lesser-known cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant, and it’s getting a lot of attention for its potential health benefits. Some people even call it the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it helps create other important compounds like THC and CBD.
Let’s break down what CBG is, how it works, and why it might be useful for health and wellness.
What is CBG Cannabinoid?
CBG stands for cannabigerol. It’s one of the many natural compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants.
In young cannabis plants, CBG starts off as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). As the plant grows, CBGA turns into THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Because of this, only a tiny amount of CBG is left in fully grown cannabis plants—usually less than 1%. That’s why it’s considered a minor cannabinoid and is harder to find than CBD or THC.
How Does CBG Work?
CBG works with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. This system helps control things like:
Mood
Pain levels
Inflammation (swelling in the body)
Appetite (hunger)
CB1 and CB2 Brain Receptors CBG interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body. It’s different from THC because it doesn’t make you high. Instead, it may help with pain, inflammation, and even brain health without messing with your mind.
Possible Benefits of CBG
Even though research on CBG is still new, early studies suggest it could help with a lot of different health problems.
1. Fights Inflammation (Swelling and Pain)
CBG might help with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn’s disease, which cause pain and swelling in the stomach and intestines.
2. Protects the Brain
Scientists think CBG could help protect nerve cells, which might make it useful for diseases like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
3. Kills Bacteria
CBG has been shown to fight harmful bacteria, especially MRSA, which is a type of bacteria that doesn’t respond to normal antibiotics.
4. Helps with Pain Relief
CBG might be able to reduce pain similarly to THC, but without making you feel high.
5. Good for Eye Health
CBG has been found to lower eye pressure, which makes it a possible treatment for glaucoma (an eye disease that can lead to blindness).
6. Helps with Appetite
Some research suggests that CBG can increase appetite, which could be useful for people who struggle to eat because of medical conditions.
7. May Fight Cancer Cells
A 2014 study showed that CBG might help stop the growth of cancer cells, especially in the colon (part of the digestive system).
CBG vs. CBD: What’s the Difference?
Both CBG and CBD come from cannabis, but they do different things in the body.
Feature | CBG | CBD |
Gets You High? | No | No |
Main Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, brain protection, fights bacteria, appetite boost | Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, helps with sleep |
Found in Plants? | Rare (less than 1%) | More common |
Used For | Pain, brain health, gut health | Anxiety, pain, stress |
CBG is still new to the market, but some people think it might be even more powerful than CBD in some cases.
How to Use CBG
Since CBG is becoming more popular, there are now several ways to try it:
CBG Oil/Tinctures – A few drops under the tongue for quick effects.
CBG Capsules – Pills that contain a set dose.
CBG Gummies/Edibles – Tasty snacks infused with CBG.
CBG Flower – Some hemp strains contain high amounts of CBG and can be smoked or vaped.
CBG Creams/Topicals – Applied directly to the skin for pain relief.
Is CBG Legal?
CBG is legal in many places if it comes from hemp (a type of cannabis that has less than 0.3% THC). But, if it comes from marijuana, it may not be legal depending on where you live.
Final Thoughts
CBG might not be as famous as THC or CBD, but it’s quickly becoming a big deal in the world of cannabis. It has a lot of potential health benefits, including pain relief, reducing inflammation, protecting the brain, and fighting bacteria.
As more research comes out, we’ll likely see more CBG products and learn even more about what this cannabinoid can do. If you’re interested in trying CBG, make sure to buy from a trusted source and talk to a doctor if you have any health conditions.
Would you try CBG? Let us know what you think!