CBD vs CBG: What’s the Difference?

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25th February 2026

On 6th October 2021

Most people know CBD and THC. But cannabis contains over 100 other compounds called cannabinoids. One of them — CBG — is now getting more attention from scientists and product makers.

So what is the difference between CBD vs CBG? In this article, we explain how each one works, where they come from, and what the research says. This is an educational guide. It is not medical advice.

Cannabinoids in Cannabis: A Quick Overview

Cannabis sativa contains hundreds of natural compounds. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. However, cannabinoids get the most attention in science. This is because they interact with systems in the human body.

Both CBD and CBG belong to the cannabinoid family. CBD has been studied for many years. CBG, on the other hand, is a newer area of research. Still, it is growing fast in both science and product development.

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Hemp plants — grown to have low THC — tend to have high amounts of CBD.

CBD does not make you feel high. It has no mind-altering effect. Because of this, scientists study it to understand how it works with the body’s own systems. Some CBD-based medicines have also gone through formal review by regulators.

As a result, CBD is the most widely studied cannabinoid after THC.

What Is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol. It is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids.” Here is why: early in the plant’s growth, CBG exists in its raw form (CBGA). As the plant grows, it turns CBGA into other cannabinoids — including CBD and THC.

So by the time a cannabis plant is fully grown, most of the CBG is gone. Mature plants usually contain only around 1% CBG or less. Because of this, CBG is called a minor cannabinoid.

However, that does not mean CBG is unimportant. In fact, without CBG, none of the other cannabinoids would form.

How Are CBD and CBG Similar?

Although they are different compounds, CBD and CBG share some key traits:

Neither one makes you feel high — both are non-intoxicating.
Both come from the cannabis plant naturally.
Both are the subject of active scientific research.
Both appear in products like oils, capsules, and topicals.

Because of these shared traits, scientists often group CBD and CBG together when they discuss non-intoxicating cannabinoids.

How Are CBD and CBG Different?

Despite their shared traits, CBD and CBG differ in several clear ways. Here is a breakdown.

Their Shape at a Molecular Level

CBD and CBG have different molecular shapes. This matters because the shape of a molecule affects how it fits into receptors in the body. So even though both are cannabinoids, they work in slightly different ways.

How Much Is in the Plant

CBD is found in large amounts in hemp — sometimes up to 20% of the plant’s dry weight. CBG, however, is found in tiny amounts. Most plants contain less than 1% CBG.

Because of this, CBG is harder and more costly to produce. Growers need to harvest plants early or use special strains to get enough CBG. This is why CBG products are less common and often more expensive than CBD products.

How Much Research Exists

CBD has thousands of published studies behind it. Some CBD medicines have even passed regulatory review. CBG, on the other hand, is still at an early stage. Most CBG studies come from labs and animal tests. Human trials are still limited.

So while both compounds are being studied, the evidence base for CBD is much stronger right now.

How They Work in the Body

In lab studies, CBD tends to work indirectly with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. CBG, however, appears to work more directly with some of those same receptors.

These are findings from controlled lab research. They describe how the compounds behave in a lab setting — not what they do as treatments in people.

Effects on Appetite in Animal Studies

Some animal studies have looked at how cannabinoids affect eating. In these tests, CBD and CBG showed different results. However, animal study results do not always apply to humans. So these findings need more research before we can draw any firm conclusions.

Are CBD and CBG Legal?

In most of Europe, hemp-derived CBD products are legal as long as they stay below the THC limit — usually 0.2% or 0.3% depending on the country. CBG products follow the same rules in most EU markets.

However, laws do vary by country. Always check the rules in your area before you buy or use any cannabinoid product.

Can You Use CBD and CBG Together?

Some products contain both CBD and CBG. Researchers are also studying how cannabinoids work together — a concept called the entourage effect. The idea is that cannabinoids may work better in combination than on their own.

However, research on combined CBD and CBG products is still limited. Neither compound is an approved medicine. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor before adding cannabinoid products to your routine.

What to Look for in CBD and CBG Products

When you buy any cannabinoid product, look for these quality markers:

Third-party lab tests — An independent lab checks what is in the product.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) — A COA lets you see the exact cannabinoid content and check for any harmful substances.
Clear labelling — The product should say clearly whether it is isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum.
Legal compliance — THC levels must stay within the legal limit for your country.

These steps help you make a more informed choice.

Conclusion

So what is the key difference in the CBD vs CBG debate? Both are natural, non-intoxicating cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. But they differ in how they are made, how much is in the plant, and how much research currently exists.

CBD is the more studied compound. It has a large body of research and some regulatory recognition. CBG, on the other hand, is a promising new area of science. It plays a central role in how all cannabinoids form — and it has a unique chemical profile that researchers are keen to explore.

As cannabis science grows, both compounds will remain important subjects of study. Watch this space.

References

Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. (1964). Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 86(8), 1646–1647. [First isolation of CBG described in context of cannabinoid biosynthesis.] Journal ↗
Nachnani R, et al. (2021). The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 376(2), 204–212. Journal ↗
Russo EB. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. Journal ↗
Atalay S, et al. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21. Journal ↗
Andre CM, et al. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The plant of the thousand and one molecules. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 19. Journal ↗

Frequently Asked Questions: CBD vs CBG

What is the main difference between CBD and CBG?

CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are both non-intoxicating cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, but they differ in structure, concentration, and how much research exists on each. CBD appears in high concentrations in hemp and has a large body of published research. CBG is a precursor cannabinoid that converts into CBD and THC as the plant matures, leaving only trace amounts (around 1%) in mature plants. CBG research is more limited and largely preclinical.

Is CBG stronger than CBD?

“Stronger” is not a scientifically meaningful comparison between CBD and CBG. They have different molecular structures and interact with biological systems in different ways. Research on CBD is far more extensive than research on CBG. Neither compound is intoxicating, and neither is an approved treatment for any condition. Any claims about one being “stronger” than the other go beyond what current research supports.

Why is CBG called the mother of all cannabinoids?

CBG is called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the chemical precursor from which other major cannabinoids — including CBD, THC, and CBC — are synthesised as the cannabis plant matures. Enzymes in the plant convert CBGA into these other cannabinoids. By the time a plant reaches full maturity, most of the CBG has already converted, leaving only trace amounts.

Can you take CBD and CBG together?

Some cannabinoid products contain both CBD and CBG. Researchers study how multiple cannabinoids interact together — a concept sometimes referred to as the entourage effect. However, research on combined CBD and CBG formulations is still limited. Neither CBD nor CBG is an approved medication. If you are considering using cannabinoid products alongside any prescription treatment, consult a qualified healthcare professional first.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. We review and reference available studies and reputable sources; however, content may not reflect the most current research or regulations and should not be taken as medical, legal, or professional advice. We do not make or imply health claims. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and statements have not been evaluated by EFSA or the FDA. Effects can vary between individuals. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use and verify that any product or ingredient is lawful in your jurisdiction.