CBG (cannabigerol) shares many of CBD’s benefits, but its effects on your state of mind are distinct.

CBG oil is best known for its ability to boost motivation, reduce brain fog, and induce productive flow states — all without the intoxicating effects of THC.

In this article, we’ll explore the top five best ways to use CBG oil — and how to squeeze every drop out of it. We’ll talk about side effects, optimal dosage, and how to properly store the oil to preserve its potency.

What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)?

Cannabigerol is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid naturally present in the cannabis plant. It’s a precursor to the most important compounds in cannabis. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are derived from CBG’s acidic form, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

CBG is a minor cannabinoid found in smaller quantities in the cannabis plant. Most strains contain up to 1% of CBG, compared to 25% of CBD and THC. So, consumer products derived from CBG are rare and expensive — but growing in popularity.

What is CBG Oil?

CBG oil is a natural cannabinoid oil made with hemp-derived or marijuana-derived cannabigerol (CBG). Like CBD oil, the CBG is dissolved in carrier oil to help with absorption. In most cases, CBG oil is CBD oil enriched with high levels of CBG. 

You might encounter the terms “oil” and “tincture” when speaking about this product. However, they are not the same because a tincture is made by soaking the herb material in an alcohol solvent. As a result, the alcohol pulls the cannabinoids out of the plant matter into the solution.

CBG oil is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high. It’s often mixed with CBD and other cannabinoids, allowing the user to experience the fullness of hemp’s cannabinoid profile.

Research on this cannabinoid is scarce, but it’s believed that it interacts with the same receptors in the body that CBD interacts with.

CBG can induce the munchies, but helps combat the psychotropic effects of THC.

Different Types of CBG Oil

On the current market, you’ll find three types of CBG oil, including:

1. Full Spectrum CBG Oil

Full-spectrum CBG oil tends to be the most desired option among users because it allows them to experience cannabis’ chemical profile in its entirety. This type of oil contains highly concentrated CBG, alongside CBD, trace amounts of THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes— maximizing the synergy between these compounds known as the entourage effect [2].

2. Pure CBG Isolate

Pure CBG oil or “isolate” is, as the name implies, an oil made strictly from pure CBG and no other cannabinoids or terpenes. With this oil, you’ll only reap the benefits of the CBG cannabinoid without the addition of other compounds.

3. Mix of CBG/CBD Isolate

One of the most common blends is the CBG/CBD one. This oil contains a specific ratio of CBG and CBD isolate and no other cannabinoids and terpenes. At Area 52, we offer a 2:1 blend of the Mars Energy Gummies.

4. Broad Spectrum CBG Oil

Broad-spectrum oil is a blend of CBG and other cannabinoids and terpenes — but without the THC. It’s the next best option to consume after the full-spectrum option.

How to Take CBG Oil

There are various ways to consume CBG oil, but not all of them are equal. From vaping to drinking it or placing it under your tongue, the methods of using this oil are similar to using CBD oil.

CBG oil also comes in different product forms, including tinctures, capsules, and vape oils. Tinctures and oils come in droppers, so, unlike with pre-measured capsules, you’re going to have to figure out the dosing yourself.

This oil tends to be a little bit more expensive than CBN oil, so here are some ways to use every drop of it effectively: 

1. Sublingual Administration

If you’re after quick and efficient absorption of the oil into your body, go for sublingual administration. Sublingual administration involves placing a few drops of oil under the tongue, waiting for the oil’s absorption, and then swallowing it.

Although more research is needed to confirm the bioavailability of this cannabinoid, substances administered sublingually enter the bloodstream directly.

The benefits are twofold: the substance, as a whole, is immediately transported to your tissues, and you’ll experience its effects quicker than if ingested. This method of administration is preferred by many people.

How to Take CBG Oil Sublingually:

Step 1: Shake the bottle

Step 2: Calculate the correct dose. Using the dropper, place a specific number of drops under the tongue — without touching the mouth.

Step 3: Hold the oil under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing.

Allow the oil to absorb fully before swallowing it. If you can, hold it under the tongue for 2 minutes because once you swallow, the rest is absorbed through the digestive tract. Typically, you should feel it kick in within 15-30 minutes after taking it.

Some oils have a bitter, grassy taste, while others come in various flavors, including cinnamon, peppermint, mint chocolate, and watermelon. If you cannot take cannabis’ earthy, natural flavor, go for the flavored oils and tinctures.

2. Mix With Food & Drinks

You can add your CBG oil to foods and beverages, from snacks to smoothies and coffee. Some people use this oil for cooking or combine it with CBD.

When preparing salads, you can add a few teaspoons of this oil and mix it with olive oil. This cannabinoid incorporates well into brownies and cookies, which you can infuse with a few drops.

Many CBG oil blends work perfectly when added to your favorite beverage. You can add it to your morning coffee or tea or put a few drops in your favorite cocktail.

3. Oral Administration

Another option is to swallow the CBG oil immediately. The issue with this method of administration is that many compounds lose their bioavailability when ingested.

An exception is some vitamins, like vitamin B, which need to be activated by the liver to work, so swallowing it is essential. Aside from weakening the potency, oral administration delays the onset of effects. 

The proper absorption of cannabinoids depends on various things, including the quality of the oil and the pH consistency of the product. Also, most formulas contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, making it a bit difficult to notice the difference.

In general, studies support the notion that CBD’s bioavailability is much better when consumed sublingually as opposed to orally [3]. Because CBD gets broken down by the digestive tract, it can take up to two hours for the effects to kick in, and you’ll only absorb 20 to 30 percent of the concentration [4]. While there are no specific studies on CBG, the same may hold for this cannabinoid as well.

4. Apply it Topically

You can easily apply CBG oil directly to your skin or infuse it into your lotions and balsam for topical application.

The key is to apply it generously. For topical use, avoid tinctures because they are alcohol-based and can irritate and dry out the skin.

How Much CBG Oil Should I Take?

If this is your first time trying CBG oil, it’s best to start with the lowest dose possible. The recommended lowest dose is 5ml of oil per serving or half a dropper. You can go even lower than that and try out a sub-threshold microdose to ensure you don’t experience any adverse effects.

If the small dose is not doing anything for you after an hour or two, take the minimal dosage.

Factors like age, metabolism, weight, potency, and the type of CBG oil used can affect the outcome. You should start low and increase the dose gradually, even if you have taken CBD oil in the past. This is a new cannabinoid and may affect you differently.

In general, aim for minimal doses a few times a day when starting. The average daily amount is around 20-50 mg of CBG. This cannabinoid gives some people a slight buzz and makes them incredibly energetic and content. On others, it has relaxing and soothing effects.

Side Effects: Can You Take Too Much CBG?

While there’s no such thing as CBG overdose considering the compound is non-intoxicating, moderation is best. If your tolerance is low, high doses might make you experience a more alert headspace with elevated feelings of bliss.

CBG’s side effects have yet to be explored. One study shows that this cannabinoid is well tolerated by rats, but we need more research on potential adverse effects [6].

A survey of people using CBG-predominant (full-spectrum) cannabis products reported that the most common side effects were [7]:

• Dry mouth
• Extreme relaxation
• The munchies
• Dry eyes

Note that the products used in this survey were not pure CBG, so we don’t know if consuming it as a single cannabinoid will cause the same effects. 

CBG’s metabolism is not well understood, but it appears that the compound follows the same metabolic pathways as CBD and THC. Regarding drug interactions, some research suggests this cannabinoid might interfere with drugs that act on serotonin-like SSRI antidepressants [8].

How To Store CBG Oil

If CBG oil has become part of your daily regime, you need to make sure it’s properly stored. Optimal storage conditions maintain the oil’s integrity and maximize potency and effectiveness. You should keep the oil away from light and high temperatures as a rule of thumb. 

Cannabinoids are fragile components that break down when exposed to heat and high-intensity UV rays. These two factors contribute significantly to CBG’s breakdown, so to protect it., make sure to store it in a cool, dark location. Yes, you can store the CBG oil in the fridge without freezing it.

What Does CBG Do While in the Cannabis Plant?

When CBGA forms in the trichomes of the cannabis plant matter, certain enzymes eventually break it down into three other cannabinoids, including cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA), and cannabichromic acid (CBCA). Through decarboxylation (heat exposure), these acidic forms convert into their active forms CBD, THC, and CBC.

This cannabinoid is derived from young cannabis plants because the CBG concentration in them is higher than in fully developed plants. Mature plants contain high concentrations of CBD and THC, which means CBG has already converted to these cannabinoids during the development process.

Certain strains — like White CBG, Jack Frost CBG, and Super Glue CBG — are higher in CBG content than others. So, cultivators grow these flowers specifically to yield more elevated quantities of this cannabinoid.

Final Thoughts: What’s The Best Method for Taking CBG Oil?

CBG oil is becoming increasingly popular.

If you want to try CBG oil, make sure you buy from a reliable and trusted brand. It can be challenging to find high-quality full-spectrum CBG oil in the current market, but not impossible.

This product is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to administer, it’s legal, and offers an array of effects.

References Used

1. Navarro, G., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Sanchez de Medina, V., Rivas-Santisteban, R., Sanchez-Carnerero Callado, C., … & Franco, R. (2018). Cannabigerol action at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and at CB1–CB2 heteroreceptor complexes. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 632. [1]
2. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.[2]
3. Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & biodiversity, 4(8), 1770.[3]
4. Bruni, N., Della Pepa, C., Oliaro-Bosso, S., Pessione, E., Gastaldi, D., & Dosio, F. (2018). Cannabinoid delivery systems for pain and inflammation treatment. Molecules, 23(10), 2478.[4]
5. Paudel, K. S., Hammell, D. C., Agu, R. U., Valiveti, S., & Stinchcomb, A. L. (2010). Cannabidiol bioavailability after nasal and transdermal application: effect of permeation enhancers. Drug development and industrial pharmacy, 36(9), 1088-1097.
6. Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2016). Cannabigerol is a novel, well-tolerated appetite stimulant in pre-satiated rats. Psychopharmacology, 233(19), 3603-3613.[6]
7. Russo, E. B., Cuttler, C., Cooper, Z. D., Stueber, A., Whiteley, V. L., & Sexton, M. (2021). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.
8. Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W. M., & Vrana, K. E. (2021). The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 376(2), 204-212.