Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so it won't make you feel high like THC does. However, it has the potential to create a clear-headed and uplifting experience while offering certain health-related benefits. The sensation you can get from CBG is likely to be subtle. It can, as always with cannabis, depend on the dosage and your body chemistry. CBG can also contribute to the entourage effect, so other cannabinoids in the product matter as well.
Understanding what to look for when you are trying to get the most out of this cannabinoid can help you zero in on the sensation and enjoy the experience.
Does CBG Make You Feel High?
CBG doesn't give you the euphoric high that THC can. It lacks the chemical makeup to do so. However, it interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) in a different way. Accordingly, there is a potential for a certain change in the way you feel.
Many people who experiment with CBG report a subtle change in their mood and focus. The sensation may be mild and hard to miss unless you are looking for it. If you don't have experience with cannabis, you may not be able to spot the changes right away.
Being realistic about the effects of CBG can help you make the most out of the experience. The euphoric sensation will likely not be part of it.
How Do Most People Describe the Feeling of CBG?
Many people feel mild effects of CBG on their mood and physical state. It has the potential to make you feel clear-headed and focused. Some describe an additional sense of balance and calm. The sensation comes from the way CBG interacts with your ECS, which is responsible for maintaining internal balance.
Other changes you may experience include:
- Calm without feeling overly sleepy
- Mentally refreshed
- Uplifted
The sensations may feel less "heavy" than some cannabinoid formulations.
Why Does CBG Feel Different for Everyone?
Whatever you feel when taking CBG is likely to vary from what other people experience. The effect depends on your metabolism and previous experience with cannabis. Other factors that can affect the experience are:
- Individual endocannabinoid system: Everyone's endocannabinoid system is different. Its makeup can affect how your body responds to CBG.
- Tolerance: Regular cannabinoid use can affect how strongly you notice CBG. A person with a higher tolerance may experience more subtle effects.
- Dosage: The amount of CBG you take can affect what you feel. A smaller amount may produce very subtle sensations, while a larger amount could result in more prominent sensations (but not always).
- Product formulation: CBG products can contain different combinations of cannabinoids and other ingredients. Each combination can come with its own experience.
- Presence of THC or CBD: Other cannabinoids in a CBG product may affect how it feels. THC, in particular, can cause intoxicating effects that can overpower the subtle CBG-induced sensations.
- Time of day: When you take CBG may also affect how you experience it. Your energy levels and daily activities may change the sensation.
The combinations of these factors are almost endless. That's why everyone has a different opinion about the way CBG makes them feel. However, knowing what to look for and experimenting can help you figure out how this cannabinoid works for you.
CBG and THC: Why They Work Well Together
While both CBG and THC interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS, the strength of this interaction differs. THC binds strongly to the receptors, while CBG has a weaker effect on them, but it also interacts with non-ECS pathways in the body like Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels.
When CBG and THC work together in one product, they may create a different experience than THC alone. They can complement each other and change the effect.
Many cannabis enthusiasts enjoy CBG together with THC because they feel it creates a more balanced experience. While CBG itself doesn't produce intoxicating effects, adding it to a THC product may balance the sensation. Different formats like CBG and THC gummies or vapes can have different effects.
Products that combine CBG, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids have also become increasingly popular. These formulations give consumers a way to experience the entourage effect.
CBG by Itself vs. CBG Combined with Other Cannabinoids
You can consider using CBG on its own when you want to experience its more or less pure effects. You can start with that to try and single out the sensation that comes specifically from this cannabinoid.
Some people also prefer to combine CBG with CBD. The two cannabinoids may complement each other and create a different experience than just CBG. Understanding the difference between CBG and CBD can help you study the combined effect.
When you mix CBG with THC, you can get a different experience altogether. THC brings its intoxicating effects, while CBG may balance them out and bring more clarity to the sensation. Both of these contribute to the entourage effect.
How Long Does It Take to Feel CBG?
The onset time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours. It heavily depends on the type of product you use. Gummies and other edibles usually take longer to kick in because the cannabinoid needs to pass through your digestive system before reaching your bloodstream. Oils tend to work faster, especially when used under the tongue.
The duration of the experience can also vary depending on:
- Metabolism
- Food intake
- Product formulation
You can single out the exact timing range for yourself after doing some experimenting.
What to Expect the First Time You Try CBG
If you've never tried CBG before, starting with a low serving can help you understand how your body responds. Give the product enough time to take effect before deciding whether you need more. Taking another dose too quickly can make it harder to understand the experience.
Pay close attention to how you feel. You may notice changes in your mood and focus. Be aware that you may experience very little at first. Everyone responds differently.
Choosing a reputable brand is also important. Look for products that provide clear ingredient information and use third-party testing. If you are looking for a non-intoxicating CBG experience, you may prefer products that combine CBG and CBD without THC, like CBG + CBD gummies.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While CBG is non-intoxicating, it may still be possible to experience a few mild side effects. They can include:
- Dry mouth
- Digestive discomfort
- Drowsiness
The effects usually fade away fairly quickly. However, it can be easy to avoid them with responsible use. Always start slow and watch your reaction before taking an additional portion.
Research into CBG's safety in humans is still developing, so it is important to keep expectations realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CBG make you feel compared to CBD?
Both CBG and CBD can produce subtle effects without the high associated with THC. People may describe the sensations differently, including clarity and calmness. The effects differ for everyone.
Does CBG make you feel high?
No. CBG is non-intoxicating, so it doesn't produce the euphoric high associated with THC.
Does CBG give you energy?
Some people describe CBG-induced sensation as uplifting. However, it shouldn't be considered an energy booster. As always, the experience can vary from person to person.
Does CBG make you sleepy?
CBG doesn't usually cause strong sedation. Still, some people may feel more relaxed or drowsy after using it.
How long does CBG take to work?
From 30 minutes to several hours. Gummies and capsules generally take longer than oils. The exact timing is individual for each person.
Can you take CBG every day?
Some people use CBG regularly. However, there's still limited research on long-term daily CBG use. If you plan to use it regularly, start slow and consider discussing it with a healthcare professional
Final Thoughts
CBG can make you feel clear-headed and focused. It has the potential to make you relax without taking away the clarity. The sensation can depend on the product formulation and body chemistry,
Individual responses vary, while more research needs to be done to single out the positive health effects. To understand how CBG makes you feel, you need to start with low dosages of high-quality products while always focusing on realistic expectations.
References:
1) Cuttler, C., Stueber, A., Cooper, Z. D., & Russo, E. (2024). Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 16163. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66879-0
2) Li, S., Li, W., Malhi, N. K., Huang, J., Li, Q., Zhou, Z., Wang, R., Peng, J., Yin, T., & Wang, H. (2024). Cannabigerol (CBG): A comprehensive review of its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Molecules, 29(22), 5471. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225471
3) Muller, C., Morales, P., & Reggio, P. H. (2019). Cannabinoid ligands targeting TRP channels. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 11, 487. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2018.0048
