Does CBG Get You High?

There are many misconceptions surrounding cannabinoids—and for good reason. More than 100 of these compounds are extracted from the cannabis plant, so often, people assume what holds true for one cannabinoid (for example, THC) holds true for all of them.

This could not be further from the truth, and to give the cannabis plant its due, recognizing it’s no “one trick pony,” we will explore one of its compounds in greater detail.

CBG is just one of the hundred-plus compounds extracted from the cannabis plant, and it is easily confused with CBD, thanks to the one-letter difference. But CBG is its own unique compound, and many would-be users for health and wellness benefits want to know, “will CBG get me high?” Read below for the answer and a general guide to CBG and its benefits.

What Is CBG?

If you are confused by all the acronyms associated with cannabinoids, you are definitely not alone. Most people are familiar with THC and CBD, the two primary compounds, but many lesser-known compounds are gaining greater recognition as more research yields promising information about their health and wellness benefits.

CBG (or cannabigerol) is one of those compounds, and its origins are in CBGA or cannabigerolic acid. This acid turns into various compounds we can extract from the hemp plant and use in a variety of products for their therapeutic benefits.

CBG is closely related to CBD, which is now prominent in a wide range of consumer products. In time, we expect to see more therapeutic uses of other compounds, such as CBG and CBN.

To extract enough CBG from a hemp plant, manufacturers focus on and genetically select those plants with the highest CBGA content.

How Does CBG Work in Our Bodies?

Once you ingest CBG—in a gummy or oil tincture, for example—it acts as other cannabinoids do in that it communicates with your body’s own endocannabinoid system. The powerful receptors in this system act as a sort of control center for homeostasis, regulating many of our body’s functions. 

The endocannabinoid system has a hand in regulating everything from our appetite and digestion to our mood and sleep. When this system is not operating at its very best, our overall health can suffer in many ways. 

Sleep deprivation alone is a major contributor to serious health issues, and this is why the use of cannabinoids has become increasingly popular for those with insomnia and various sleep disorders.

CBG interacts with your receptors in ways that benefit homeostasis, whether that means improving your quality of sleep, enhancing your skin, or playing a role in managing a healthy appetite. We will take a closer look at these benefits next.

CBG and Its Health Benefits

As is the case with any supplement you want to try, it is best to speak with your primary healthcare provider first. CBG is a safe and natural remedy that shows promising effects to treat many conditions; however, you should always consider how it may react with your specific health conditions or any medications you are taking. 

With your doctor, you can formulate the best plan for your unique circumstances. What most users have come to expect from CBG (or CBG paired with other cannabinoids, such as CBD) are benefits such as:

• An improvement in sleep quality
• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Relief from some digestive issues
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Improved complexion (especially for dry skin)

Whether you are using CBG as part of a workout recovery, to address painful skin conditions such as psoriasis, or to help regulate digestive function, you are sure to see a number of benefits from this effective compound.

CBG can help stabilize moods and leave you feeling refreshed and calm without the “high” associated with THC.

Does CBG Get You High?

In case you missed the spoiler alert in that last paragraph: no! CBG will not give you the “high” effect you would experience with THC. CBG contains 0.3% THC (or smaller amounts), which means it won’t have you feeling “high,” groggy, or running to your pantry to devour every last bag of chips in your home.

The paranoia sometimes associated with THC is clearly an unwanted side effect for those who want to use a cannabinoid to treat something like chronic pain, nausea, or general inflammation. CBG is a good option for anyone who wants the benefits of cannabinoids without the extra buzz.

Buyer Beware: Check Your Ingredients

While you can generally expect CBG will not get you high, you still need to verify the ingredients for any cannabinoid products you may be using. Some products may contain more THC, which will vary from state to state based on what recreational marijuana laws exist in that area.

From a federal standpoint, only products containing 0.3% Delta 9 THC are legal. However, you may live in a state where recreational marijuana products can be sold, so you could inadvertently ingest a product with more THC than you realize. 

If you seek the therapeutic benefits of CBG (or CBD) but do not want to experience a high, you should always look closely at ingredient lists and avoid products with more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Another good general lesson is that if you have never ingested any cannabinoids, you should start with smaller quantities to see how your body reacts to them, and you can increase those if needed to achieve the desired effects. Play it safe and start with the lowest recommended dosage of gummies, oil tinctures, and other products until you see how your body reacts.

For people using cannabinoids for health and wellness benefits, it is also important to find products with the highest-quality, natural, organic ingredients. 

When trying to improve your health, the last thing you want is to risk exposure to low-quality and poorly manufactured products, which goes for everything from your multivitamin to your skincare regimen! Any manufacturer focused on a quality product will be 100% upfront about the ingredients in their products.

The Ins and Outs of CBG Formulations

If you are shopping for a CBG product, you may be confused by some of the terminology manufacturers use to explain what is in their products, so use these points as a reference to familiarize yourself with the formulas.

CBG products will be described in three different formulas: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate.

Full Spectrum CBG

As the name implies, a Full Spectrum CBG product contains what we call a complete cannabinoid profile. So, in addition to CBG, the product contains THC along with various other compounds. Remember: this is a product where you should verify the THC level before ingesting it!

Broad Spectrum CBG

Broad Spectrum CBG does not contain THC but includes other cannabis components. Therefore, Broad Spectrum CBG products are a safer bet for consumers who want to enjoy the benefits of CBG without a high.

CBG Isolate

Finally, a product designated as CBG Isolate contains 99% CBG and no THC.

Are There Any Side Effects While Using CBG?

Fortunately, most people tolerate CBG well; in the cases where side effects are experienced, it is usually associated with ingesting more than the recommended dose.

Taking too much CBG could result in the following:

• Diarrhea and/or nausea
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth

These effects can typically be avoided by sticking with the recommended dosage. Remember, it is always wise when trying cannabinoids for the first time to start with the smallest recommended dose and work your way up.

Final Thoughts on CBG

Whether used on its own or in combination with other cannabinoids, CBG has many wonderful benefits. It is safe to assume we will see more CBG products in the coming years as researchers and manufacturers learn more about its potential.