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What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid usually present in small amounts, nicknamed the mother cannabinoid because its acid form, CBGA, is what the plant's enzymes turn into THCA, CBDA and CBCA, the raw forms of THC, CBD and CBC. Most of it is converted by harvest, which is why little CBG remains.

Why it is called the mother cannabinoid

The plant builds CBGA from two smaller molecules, olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate. Enzymes then turn CBGA into THCA, CBDA or CBCA, depending on which enzymes the plant carries. Heat or time converts those acids into the THC, CBD and CBC a label reports (decarboxylation), and any CBGA left unconverted becomes CBG the same way.

Not every cannabinoid starts there. THCV and CBDV come from a parallel branch built on a shorter starting molecule, which is why they carry shorter side chains (see THCV).

Why there is so little of it

Because the plant spends most of its CBGA making other cannabinoids, little is usually left as CBG by harvest. A product high in CBG usually comes from plants bred to convert less of their CBGA.

Is CBG intoxicating?

CBG is generally considered non-intoxicating. A product that carries CBG may carry THC too, though, so its full cannabinoid panel, not one compound, says what it is (see how to read a lab label).

What research shows

Research on CBG in people is early and limited compared with THC and CBD. What is well established is its place at the start of the plant's chemistry; popular claims beyond that run ahead of the evidence and deserve skepticism. For its relatives, see minor cannabinoids.

Educational content, not medical advice. Effects vary by person, product, and dose. For use only by qualified patients. Keep out of reach of children and pets.