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What exactly is CBG, and why are people asking about it more and more often? What properties does cannabigerol have, and how exactly does it differ from CBD? Anyone who studies the hemp plant is encountering these questions more and more frequently, alongside the main compounds THC and CBD. Whether in discussions about modern plant breeding or in new scientific publications, interest in this unique plant compound is steadily growing. We’ll take a look at the plant’s biochemistry, review the latest clinical studies in humans (as of 2026), and explain why researchers often refer to it asthe “mother of all cannabinoids.”
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA): The True “Mother of Cannabinoids”
To answer the question“What is CBG?”from a biological perspective, one must go back to the very beginning of plant growth. The abbreviation CBG stands for cannabigerol, a natural phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.).
Although the term “mother of all cannabinoids” is often used colloquially in the literature, strictly speaking, scientists do not mean the cannabinoid CBG itself, but rather its acidic precursor: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). In the young cannabis plant, CBGA is the first major cannabinoid to form. As the plant matures, specific enzymes convert this acid into other compounds, primarily:
- THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
- CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
- CBCA (cannabichromic acid)
Without the precursor CBGA, the plant would contain neither CBD nor THC. It is only through drying or heating (decarboxylation) that a carbon dioxide molecule is released. The remaining, unconverted CBGA residues are thus converted into the neutral compound CBG. Since mature plants have already converted most of their CBGA, the natural CBG content is usually less than one percent, which is why special cultivars are used to achieve higher concentrations.
Is cannabigerol intoxicating?
One of the most common questions about cannabigerol concerns whether it has any intoxicating effects. The clear answer is: No, CBG is not intoxicating.
Just like cannabidiol (CBD), CBG is one of the non-psychoactive (non-intoxicating) compounds found in the hemp plant. It does not induce a “high” and, based on current knowledge, does not impair mental clarity in everyday life.
How Does CBG Work? Preclinical Findings on the Receptors
To understand how cannabigerol potentially works in the body, scientists are studying its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other receptors. It is important to note that the following mechanisms of action are currently derived almost exclusively from preclinical basic research (in vitro cell cultures and animal models) and cannot necessarily be applied 1:1 to humans:
- CB1 and CB2 receptors: In laboratory models, CBG binds as a weak partial agonist to receptors in the central nervous and immune systems without triggering a psychoactive cascade.
- Alpha-2-adrenoreceptors ($\alpha_2$): Preclinical data (e.g., Mendiguren et al., 2023) show that CBG can modulate these receptors. In the body, they theoretically act as a brake on the sympathetic nervous system, which has sparked research interest regarding stress responses.
- 5-HT1A receptor and TRP channels: In cell culture experiments, cannabigerol also interacts with serotonin receptors and influences TRP ion channels, which are involved in the transmission of temperature and pain stimuli.
Research Agenda 2024–2026: Initial Clinical Trials in Humans
For a long time, knowledge about the effects of CBG was based solely on the preclinical research mentioned above. However, in 2024 and 2026, scientists took important first steps with clinical trials in humans.
Pilot Study on Stress and Memory (2024)
In 2024, a team from Washington State University published the first small, placebo-controlled pilot study involving 34 healthy adults. After taking 20 mg of CBG, the participants reported a significant reduction in subjective feelings of anxiety and stress during a standardized stress test. Furthermore, no cognitive impairments were observed; in fact, the CBG group performed slightly better than the placebo group on the verbal memory test. However, due to the very small sample size, these results must be considered preliminary.
Phase 1 Study on Safety and Tolerability (2026)
Another milestone was achieved in a double-blind Phase 1 study conducted by Johns Hopkins University in 2026. In this study, 12 healthy adults received single doses of 25 to 200 mg of CBG. The study primarily confirmed safety: Cannabigerol was well tolerated, did not cause any intoxication, and did not impair cognitive function. Notable was the high individual variability in how quickly and in what amount the substance was absorbed into the bloodstream.
Preclinical Research: Potential, Yet No Promise of a Cure
In addition to human studies, research using cell and animal models is in full swing. Among other things, researchers are investigating effects on the tumor microenvironment, neuroprotective properties (protection of nerve cells), and antibacterial potential against multidrug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA. CBG has also demonstrated antioxidant effects in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease.
Important Note: It must be strictly emphasized that these results come from laboratory studies. Over-the-counter hemp products containing CBD or CBG are not medications, do not make any claims of therapeutic benefits, and must never be used as a substitute for medical treatment of medical conditions.
CBG vs. CBD and the Entourage Effect Hypothesis
“Which is better, CBD or CBG? There is no single scientific answer to this question, as research on the two compounds has focused on different areas.”
While CBD is frequently studied in the literature for its potential sleep-promoting and physically relaxing properties, research on CBG focuses more on the modulation of stress receptors.
In cannabis research, the so-called “entourage effect” is frequently discussed. This theory posits that various cannabinoids and terpenes, when combined, may have a more synergistic effect than a single, isolated compound. Many users therefore prefer to use combined full-spectrum extracts to cover as broad a range of the plant’s spectrum as possible.
Swiss Legal Framework, Security, and Interactions
What is the legal status of CBG in Switzerland? As a general rule, hemp products with a total THC content below the legal limit of 1.0 percent are not subject to the Narcotics Act in Switzerland.
However, this does not mean that any product can be sold or consumed at will. Depending on their labeling, CBG and CBD products are subject to strict regulations under food law (e.g., the Novel Food Regulation), cosmetics law, or chemicals law.
Note on Interactions: Preclinical evidence suggests that cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG may affect certain liver enzymes responsible for the metabolism of many medications. Anyone who regularly takes prescription medications should therefore consult a doctor before using hemp products.
Conclusion & Discover the Diversity of Plants
Cannabigerol has increasingly become the focus of research. However, clinical research in humans is still in its early stages. Furthermore, findings regarding isolated CBG cannot automatically be applied to commercially available hemp products.
If you’d like to discover the diversity of the hemp plant, you’ll find it in our CBD online store for Switzerland . When making your selection, pay attention to the listed ingredients, available lab reports, and the intended use.
Our Swiss CBD flowers offer a variety of cannabinoid and terpene profiles. In the CBD Oils , you can compare different concentrations and extracts. To determine whether a product contains CBG and in what amount, you should check the respective product information and lab reports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabigerol (FAQ)
What is CBG, and what does the term stand for?
The question“What is CBG?”is easy to answer: CBG is the scientific abbreviation for cannabigerol, a natural phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Since other well-known compounds such as CBD and THC are formed from its acidic precursor (CBGA) during plant growth, CBG is considered in research to be the “mother of all cannabinoids.”
Why doesn’t CBG have an intoxicating effect?
Unlike THC, CBG does not bind to receptors in the brain in a way that triggers a psychoactive cascade. It therefore does not cause intoxication or a “high” and does not impair mental performance in everyday life.
Under what conditions is CBG legal in Switzerland?
According to the guidelines of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), CBG is not subject to the Narcotics Act. The hemp products offered are legally available in Switzerland as long as they strictly comply with the legal limit of less than 1.0 percent THC.
What does CBG do in the human body?
CBG interacts directly in the body with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, as well as with specific alpha-2 adrenoreceptors in the nervous system. An initial clinical study conducted by Washington State University (2024) showed that CBG can significantly reduce acute stress and inner restlessness in humans. Preclinical studies are also investigating its anti-inflammatory properties.
Which is better, CBD or CBG?
Whether CBD or CBG is more suitable depends on individual needs, as both cannabinoids target slightly different receptors in the body. In practice, the combination of both substances in a blended oil has proven particularly effective. Through the so-called entourage effect, they reinforce each other’s balancing properties.
References
- Wolinsky, D. et al. (2026): Safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of oral cannabigerol. View study
Cuttler, C. et al. (2024): Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: Learn more - Mendiguren, A. et al. (2023): Cannabigerol modulates α2-adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A receptor-mediated .Read more
- Nachnani, R. et al. (2021): The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. About the study
- Borrelli, F. et al. (2013): Research on CBG in experimental inflammatory bowel diseases. View Study
- Farha, M. A. et al. (2020): Uncovering the hidden antibiotic potential of cannabis. Learn more
- Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH): Current Legal Status of Hemp and Cannabis Products. Further Information
