What is CBG? Your Secret Weapon for Focus and Sleep.
Key Takeaways
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Intro
Would you like to have more focus during the day, sleep sound as a rock night, and wake up feeling fresh as a daisy?
That’s what happened to me when I started using CBG.
I use CBG oil daily for mental focus. It gives me the alertness and concentration of two cups of coffee, but without any jitters or other unpleasant side effects.
If I’m having a restless night of sleep, I use CBG sleep capsules and return to restful sleep.
Personally, I’ve found that CBG works better in my body than CBD when used for the same things.
In the next few years, I predict we’ll see a surge of interest and innovation around CBG-infused products in the cannabis industry. From oils and tinctures to edibles and topicals, this powerful compound is poised to take the market by storm.
But what exactly makes CBG so special, and how can you start taking advantage of its potential benefits?
What is CBG?
CBG is short for cannabigerol. It is a natural compound made by the cannabis plant. Like CBD, CBG won’t make you feel high.
CBG is extra cool because it is the “mother” of the other cannabinoids: THC and CBD (and the other ~100 cannabinoids) start out as CBG! As the cannabis plant grows, the CBG molecules slowly transform into THC, CBD, and the rest.
CBG is like a “stem cell” of cannabinoids. That means CBG contains all of the magic of those compounds and more.
CBG has been gaining popularity because it’s great for mental focus, sleep, and nerve pain.
It’s just as convenient as CBD and comes in the same forms, like oil, gummies, capsules, and topicals.
CBG vs. CBD – What’s the Difference?
“It’s like D, but it’s G.”
That’s the way my cute husband explained what CBG is to his friend for the first time.
By that he meant by that is CBG is exactly like CBD, just with a different letter.
That is true in some ways, there are similarities between CBG and CBD. But there are also key differences. Let’s explore.
How CBG and CBD are the same
Both CBG and CBD are natural compounds grown by the cannabis plant.
Both are non-impairing, meaning they will not make you feel high. That makes them both great for daytime use.
Both CBG and CBD can affect your mental state, sleep better, and soothe skin issues.
Both CBG and CBD interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates core functions like sleep, memory, and immune response.
For more detail on your body’s endocannabinoid system (“ECS”), check out my article, “How Does Cannabis Work? Introducing Your Endocannabinoid System.“
How CBG and CBD are different
CBG and CBD work slightly differently in the body, which is probably why CBG works better for some people, including me.
CBG appears to interact with your ECS in the same way THC does. THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, so does CBG. On the other hand, CBD does not directly bind to any ECS receptors.
This suggests that CBG has a stronger effect than CBD, and that’s certainly what I have found.
Another difference is that CBG promotes mental focus, while CBD promotes mental calm.
What is CBG Good For?
CBG for focus
CBG is excellent at providing mental focus.
This is my primary use for it.
I take a “CBG Focus Oil” every morning, and feel long-lasting clarity and attention span. It’s honestly a little magical.
CBG for sleep
Do you fall asleep easily but wake up frequently at night? Me, too. I’ve suffered from insomnia for all of my adult life.
I’ve tried every OTC remedy and several prescriptions to give me a good night’s sleep.
Some of them worked, but it was hard to wake up in the morning and I would be groggy all day.
Not to mention the side effects of these pharmaceutical solutions scare me – increased risk of dementia with regular use?! No thank you.
I’ll use a plant instead. 🌱
CBG can give you a full night of restful sleep by preventing night waking.
CBG for pain relief
CBG is especially good for neuropathy – nerve pain – by blocking the transmission of pain signals and increasing a compound called “GABA” in the body.
Here is a super-scientific article on it if you want to learn exactly how that works.
Taking a daily dose of CBG oil can keep these levels in check, preventing the sensation of pain from appearing in your body.
CBG for skin health
CBG is naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This means it’s great for calming common skin concerns like redness and aging.
CBG balm is also great for tattoo care. That’s right, keep ink fresh and pain-free by rubbing on a CBG topical.
How to Take CBG
CBG is available in most of the same forms as CBD; gummies, oil, capsules, and lotions.
To use CBG for focus, take one dose in the morning, and follow with an afternoon dose if needed.
To use CBG for sleep, take your dose 1 hour before bedtime. That gives your body time to process the CBG before you fall asleep.
How much CBG to take
A good starting dose of CBG is between 5-40mg, 1-3 times per day.
My personal dose is 20mg of Focus CBG Oil in the morning, and one 10mg CBG sleep capsule at night as needed.
As with all cannabis products, experiment with the dose until you find what works best for you.
How to take CBG oil
My Favorite CBG products
The best CBG products on the market from brands I know and love.
Head & Heal Focus CBG Oil
Head & Heal is a USDA Organic family farm in Upstate NY. Their Focus CBG Oil provides the calm you get from coffee, without the caffeine jitters.
HealerCBD CBG Capsules
Physician-formulated HealerCBD is a market leader in high-quality CBG. These capsules are a convenient, mess-free way to better sleep.
Wyld CBD+CBG Gummies
Wyld is a respected name in THC gummies, but they also offer CBG! These pear gummies use both CBG and CBD to maximize rejuvenating effects.
Rare Cannabinoids Rapid Relief Gel
Dispensary-strength levels of CBG, CBD & THC shipped to your door! This powerful formula soothes sore muscles and skin issues alike.
FAQs
How do I find high quality CBG products?
The easiest way is to use the products I’ve already vetted and recommended here.
If you want to buy CBG outside of my recommendations, make sure that the product comes with a “COA,” or Certificate of Analysis. This is proof that the product has been tested by a third-party lab to ensure that the product doesn’t have any harmful chemicals, and that the amount of CBG in the bottle matches the label.
Will CBG show up on a drug test?
If you’re using a high-quality, lab-tested CBG product, it will not show up on a drug test. (Nor should it, it’s not making you high! It’s just a plant remedy).
Drug tests are designed to test for THC, the cannabis compound that does make you feel high. High quality CBG products do not contain THC. But if you are using a low-quality product that has not been lab tested and does not have a COA, there is a chance that it contains THC that could show up on a drug test.
If you are regularly drug tested, you should use a CBG product that is not “full spectrum,” as those products contain trace amounts of THC.