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Limited evidenceStress & mood

CBG (Cannabigerol)

A non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid promoted for anxiety and inflammation. One small controlled human trial suggests an acute anti-anxiety effect; almost everything else is preclinical or self-reported.

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What the science says

  • Acute anxiety and stress Limited evidence

    A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover field trial in 34 healthy adults found that a single 20 mg dose of CBG reduced self-reported anxiety and, in one measure, stress, without impairing cognition. This is a single small acute study and has not been replicated.

  • Self-reported benefits in users Limited evidence

    A survey of 127 people using CBG-predominant cannabis preparations reported perceived improvements in anxiety, chronic pain and sleep, with mild adverse effects such as dry mouth. Survey data cannot separate a drug effect from expectation.

  • Anti-inflammatory and other uses Limited evidence

    Claims about inflammation, gut disease and antibacterial activity rest on cell and rodent studies. A small randomized trial of a CBD/CBG beverage powder for exercise-induced muscle soreness was a pilot safety study, not a demonstration of efficacy.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe controlled trial used a single 20 mg oral dose. Commercial products typically supply 10–50 mg per serving; no effective daily dose has been established.
SafetyShort-term use in the small trial produced mainly dry mouth and mild sedation. Cannabinoids inhibit CYP enzymes and can interact with many medications; CBG products may contain trace THC and can cause a positive drug test. Legality varies by country, and quality control of cannabinoid supplements is inconsistent. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to take it

TimingNo effective schedule has been established; the single trial used one dose, and mild sedation makes the evening the sensible choice.
With food?With a fat-containing meal - cannabinoid absorption rises several-fold with dietary fat compared with fasting, which matters far more than the label dose.
Worth knowingCBG products often carry trace THC, which is enough to fail a workplace drug test - check for a batch certificate of analysis if that matters to you.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin, clobazam and other drugs with a narrow margin cleared by CYP2C9 or CYP3A4

    Cannabinoids inhibit these enzymes and can raise the drug's blood levels - the warfarin and clobazam interactions are well documented for cannabidiol. do not combine without prescriber supervision and drug-level or INR monitoring

  • benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol and other sedatives

    Additive sedation; mild drowsiness was one of the two main effects in the controlled trial. do not combine, and do not drive until you know how it affects you

With other supplements

  • melatonin, valerian and other sedative supplements

    Additive drowsiness. use one at a time

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does CBG help with anxiety?

The evidence for CBG (cannabigerol) is limited: a single small crossover trial in 34 healthy adults found one 20 mg dose reduced self-reported anxiety, and it has not been replicated.

Does CBG help inflammation or pain?

Claims that CBG reduces inflammation rest on cell and rodent studies, and user surveys reporting pain relief cannot separate effect from expectation, so the evidence is limited.

Can CBG make you fail a drug test?

Yes. CBG products often carry trace THC, which can cause a positive drug test, so check for a batch certificate of analysis if that matters to you.

Does CBG interact with medications?

CBG, like other cannabinoids, inhibits CYP enzymes and can raise levels of drugs such as warfarin and clobazam, so do not combine them without prescriber supervision. It also adds to the sedation of benzodiazepines, opioids and alcohol.

Scientific references

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