CBG Definition – What is Cannabigerol?
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid produced exclusively in the cannabis plant and has no intoxicating properties. The abbreviation CBG stands for the molecule's scientific name.
CBG owes its nickname, "mother of all cannabinoids", to its biochemical function: In the young hemp plant, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is initially produced, serving as a precursor for the formation of other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Without this starting compound, the plant could not synthesize any further cannabinoids.
The chemical structure of cannabigerol differs significantly from psychoactive substances like THC. While THC binds to specific receptors in the brain and thereby triggers a high, CBG interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system in a different way – without comparable psychoactive effects.
Compared to the over 200 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBG is considered a "minor cannabinoid." This designation refers not to its importance, but to its low concentration: In mature cannabis plants, CBG typically makes up less than 1% of the total cannabinoids, as it is converted into other compounds during the ripening process.
CBG as a cannabinoid – Understanding the basics
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system of the human body – and CBG occupies a special position as a precursor substance.
To understand the role of CBG, it helps to look at plant botany: In the early growth phase, the hemp plant initially produces cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This acid form is the actual biochemical starting point. CBGA is converted by specific enzymes into THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCA.
The conversion from CBGA to CBG occurs through a process called decarboxylation. In this process, a carboxyl group is cleaved off through the application of heat – for example, from sunlight or the drying process. The result is the neutral cannabinoid CBG, as found in products.
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substance
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form
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function
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CBGA
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acid
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Original precursor
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CBG
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Neutral
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Active cannabinoid
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CBDA/THCA
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Acids
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Subsequent cannabinoids
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Mature cannabis plants contain only small amounts of CBG because most of it has already been converted into other cannabinoids. This transformation is a natural part of plant growth: CBBG directs energy to the flowers for resin and seed production, while simultaneously stimulating programmed cell death in the leaves.
As a phytocannabinoid – that is, a plant-based cannabinoid – CBG differs from the body's own endocannabinoids, which the human body produces itself. However, both classes of substances can interact with the same receptors.
How does CBG differ from other cannabinoids?
CBG differs from CBD and THC both in its biochemical structure and in its function within the plant – but most importantly in the fact that it is their common precursor.
The difference between CBG and CBD begins at the molecular level: Although both come from the same plant and are non-psychoactive, they have different chemical structures. CBG is essentially the precursor to CBD. During the ripening process, cannabigerolic acid is enzymatically converted into cannabidiolic acid, which later becomes CBD.
The distinction from THC is even clearer: THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, thereby producing the well-known high. While CBG also interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, it does so with a significantly lower affinity and without psychoactive effects. You can take CBG without experiencing a "high."
Comparison table: CBG, CBD and THC
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Characteristic
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CBG
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CBD
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THC
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Psychoactive
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No
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No
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Yes
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Concentration in mature plant
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Low (<1%)
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Medium-high
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Variable
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Biochemical role
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precursor
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End product
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End product
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Legal status (DE)
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Legal (<0.3% THC)
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Legal (<0.3% THC)
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Controlled
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As a precursor cannabinoid, CBG plays a unique role: without cannabigerol and its acid form CBGA, neither CBD nor THC would be produced in the plant. This function as a “stem cell” makes cannabigerol particularly interesting for research, as understanding its conversion processes could have implications for the breeding and cultivation of cannabis. Learn more about the difference between CBD and CBG.
CBG molds and product types
CBG is available in various dosage forms – from oils to flowers to capsules – which differ in composition, concentration and application.
What is CBG oil?
CBG oil consists of cannabigerol extract dissolved in a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include hemp seed oil, MCT oil, or olive oil. The quality of the oil depends on several factors: the extraction method, the purity of the CBG extract, and the quality of the carrier oil used. Learn more about CBG oils.
What are CBG flowers?
CBG flowers are hemp flowers from specially bred cannabis plants that have a particularly high CBG content. To achieve high cannabigerol concentrations, these plants are often harvested earlier – before a large portion of the CBG is converted into other cannabinoids.
Isolate vs. Full Spectrum
CBG products are categorized as follows:
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CBG Isolate: Pure cannabigerol without other cannabinoids
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Full-spectrum products: Contain the entire phytocannabinoid spectrum of the plant, including CBD, CBC (cannabichromene), CBN (cannabinol) and other ingredients.
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Broad-spectrum products: Full spectrum without THC
The combination of different cannabinoids in full-spectrum products is often preferred because the different components can work synergistically together.
CBG in the hemp plant – occurrence and formation
CBG occurs naturally in all cannabis and hemp varieties, but in significantly smaller quantities than CBD or THC – which is why special breeding and early harvesting times are crucial for its extraction.
In conventional hemp plants, the CBG concentration at harvest is often less than 1%. The reason: During the ripening process, the plant converts most of the CBBG into THCA, CBDA, and other acids. Heat and sunlight further accelerate this transformation.
Optimal harvest time
The highest CBG concentrations are found in young cannabis plants, approximately 6–8 weeks after the start of the flowering phase. At this point, the enzymatic conversion has not yet been completed. An early harvest ensures higher CBG levels, but often results in lower overall yields.
CBG-rich strains
Through targeted research and breeding, hemp varieties have now been developed that:
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Show higher CBGA production
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Slower enzyme activity is indicated
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CBG concentrations can reach up to 15%.
Extraction process
The most common methods for extracting CBG include:
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CO₂ extraction: Considered to be particularly gentle and produces pure extracts
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Ethanol extraction: More cost-effective, but with potential residues
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Lipid extraction: Uses fats as a solvent
The high costs involved in cultivation, early harvesting, and gentle extraction explain why CBG products often have a higher price than comparable CBD products.
CBG Application and Dosage – Basics
CBG is typically administered orally, sublingually, or by inhalation – with the dosage being individually adjusted and depending on the product form.
Typical applications
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Product type
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Application
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Special features
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CBG oil
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Sublingual (under the tongue)
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Rapid absorption via the oral mucosa
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Capsules
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Oral with water
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Simple dosage, delayed absorption
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CBG flowers
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Evaporation
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Fastest absorption, dosage-intensive
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Topical products
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On the skin
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Local application
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General dosage guidelines
The correct CBG dosage is individual and depends on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and the intended use. A proven approach is the "start low, go slow" principle:
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Start with a low dose (e.g. 5–10 mg CBG)
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Observe the tolerance over several days.
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Increase the dose gradually as needed.
CBG Oil vs. CBG Flowers
Using CBG oil allows for more precise dosing thanks to its dropper form. CBG flowers, on the other hand, offer the full spectrum of plant compounds but require more experience with dosage. Click here for user experiences with CBG.
Frequently asked questions about CBG
What exactly does CBG mean?
CBG is the abbreviation for cannabigerol, a naturally occurring cannabinoid from the hemp plant. The name is composed of "cannabi-" (cannabis) and "-gerol" (chemical class of compound).
Is CBG the same as CBD?
No. Although both cannabinoids come from the same plant and are not psychoactive, they are different compounds. CBG is the biochemical precursor of CBD – in the plant, cannabigerolic acid is converted to cannabidiolic acid, which then becomes CBD.
Does CBG make you high or intoxicated?
No. CBG is not psychoactive and does not produce a high. Unlike THC, cannabigerol does not bind to CB1 receptors in a way that would trigger an intoxicating effect.
Why is CBG so rare?
The low concentration of CBG in mature hemp plants (often below 1%) makes it a rare cannabinoid. During plant growth, most of the cannabigerolic acid is converted into other cannabinoids. Higher CBG levels require special breeding or early harvesting.
Is CBG legal in Germany?
CBG products from industrial hemp with a THC content below 0.3% are legally available in Germany, provided they originate from certified industrial hemp seeds listed in the EU variety catalogue.
How is CBG produced?
CBG is extracted from hemp plants, typically through CO₂ or ethanol extraction. To obtain high CBG concentrations, either special CBG-rich hemp varieties are cultivated or the plants are harvested early, before the conversion to other cannabinoids is complete.
What is the difference between CBG and cannabigerol?
There is no difference – CBG is simply the abbreviation for cannabigerol. Both terms refer to the same cannabinoid.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about the use of CBG, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
