What is Cannabigerol (CBG)?
CBD and THC are not the only active compounds in cannabis. There are also hundreds of beneficial minor cannabinoids, like cannabigerol (CBG).
CBG is non-intoxicating so it can’t get people high. CBG is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because most other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGa), the acidic precursor to CBG.
The majority of CBGa in cannabis converts into THCa and CBDa, with only a small amount turning into CBG. That’s why most cannabis strains typically contain less than 1% cannabigerol.
But it’s possible to get larger amounts by harvesting plants at a specific time and growing CBG-rich cultivars.
Anti-Anxiety & Antidepressant Effects
Most recently, a 2021 study found that CBG may be particularly helpful for anxiety and depression.
The researchers surveyed 121 people who used CBG-rich cannabis, finding that it was most commonly used to treat anxiety (51.2% of people), chronic pain (40.9%), depression (33.1%), and insomnia/disturbed sleep (30.7%).
Most reported that their symptoms were “very much” or “much improved”, with 80% saying that CBG-rich cannabis worked better than conventional medicine for depression, 78.3% for anxiety, 73.9% for chronic pain, and 73% for insomnia.
Some respondents also noted mild side effects similar to regular cannabis, including dry mouth, sleepiness, dry eyes, and increased appetite.
Dr. Ethan Russo, the lead researcher behind the study and a renowned cannabis expert, believes that CBG has a “strong anti-anxiety effect and for people who have had access to it, this is an almost universal describer of the effects.”

Other CBG Benefits
Early studies suggest that CBG also has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, appetite-stimulating, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties.
One 2010 study also found that CBG is a potent activator of a2 adrenergic receptors, suggesting that it could have sedative and antihypertensive effects.
While these findings are promising, more high-quality human studies are needed before we can fully understand CBG’s benefits.
CBG vs. CBD
CBG is similar to CBD because they’re both non-intoxicating cannabinoids with potential benefits. They share some properties, like anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and pain-relieving effects.
Having said that, CBD is more popular than CBG because it’s easier to source and has seen far more research. But minor cannabinoids like CBG are starting to get more attention.
CBG: A Promising Cannabinoid
Researchers are just beginning to examine the potential benefits and uses of CBG. The early evidence suggests that CBG holds promise for relieving anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and other common issues.
CBG is naturally present in small quantities in most cannabis strains. That means cannabis enthusiasts may already benefit from its unique properties and synergistic interactions with THC and CBD.
On top of that, the cannabis industry is starting to release CBG-rich products. One such product listed in our Producer Connect platform is the CBG flower from Fleurish’s newest brand, Growtown, a licensed cannabis producer based in Kemptville, Ontario.