Cannabigerol is called the "mother of all cannabinoids". Here's everything you need to know about this natural remedy, how to take it, and what effects you can expect to see.

What is CBG oil?

CBG is short for cannabigerol. Like the name suggests, it's one of over a hundred cannabinoids, or active compounds, that can be extracted from natural hemp. 

Each cannabinoid is a unique combination of molecules. They all interact with something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The ECS sends signals through the body to help manage things like sleep, metabolism, inflammation, digestion, and brain health. 

But CBG stands out from the other cannabinoids. In fact, it's the source of other cannabinoids. That's why CBG is often referred to as the mother cannabinoid.

When the hemp plant is young, it contains a lot of CBG. Then, over time, the CBG gets converted into other cannabinoids. A mature plant contains just about 1% CBG—making it a rare and valuable compound.

What are the benefits of CBG oil?

CBG oil can support your physical and mental health in many different ways.

• Reduce inflammation. When CBG oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it can send signals in the body to reduce the inflammation. For some people, that leads to a reduction in pain and autoimmune issues.
• Anti-bacterial action. A 2020 scientific study found that CBG could fight bacterial infections such as the drug-resistant superbug MRSA. This could help protect the body from illness, especially as scientists worry about over-use of other antibiotics.
• Boost neurotransmitters. Taking CBG has been linked to increased levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is a crucial neurotransmitter that tells your brain and muscles when to relax. That means deeper rest and faster recovery from exercise and injuries.
• Protect brain and gut health. As well as boosting key neurotransmitters, CBG has also been used in studies to treat bowel disease. It could protect healthy bodies and support treatment for people who experience gut problems.

Research is ongoing into many other uses for CBG—including treating anxiety, depression, chronic pain, glaucoma, Huntington's disease, and even cancer. While we're still waiting on scientific confirmation, it is a fact that CBG has been used in traditional medicine around the world to treat a wide range of conditions.

What is bioavailability and why does it matter?

Bioavailability is a way of measuring how much your body can use a substance. In other words, how "available" it is to your "biological" systems.

For example, a CBG oil product with high bioavailability would be absorbed efficiently by your body. You'd get a powerful effect relative to the dosage.

But a lower-quality product with poor bioavailability would be wasted. Your body would only absorb and use a small amount of the product, while most of it passed through your system. 

Bioavailability is normally described as a percentage. For example, a CBG oil with 30% bioavailability would be 30% absorbed and used by the body.

5 ways to use CBG oil (and their bioavailability)

You can take CBG oil in a variety of ways, from the oil itself to sprays, drops, patches, and even teas.

The bioavailability of each product depends on two factors:

• How strong the oil is.
• How it is absorbed into the body.

Here are some of the most effective ways to take different CBG products.

1. Sublingual administration

Sublingual administration just means taking the CBG oil under your tongue. It's fast and simple.

To take CBG oil sublingually, place a few drops of oil underneath your tongue. Hold it for a few seconds before swallowing. 

The tissue underneath your tongue is thin and leads directly to your bloodstream, so the oil gets absorbed directly, rather than passing through your digestive system first. Many people prefer this method because it's so quick and efficient. It also has an exceptionally high rate of bioavailability, from 34-46%.

2. Orally in a capsule

CBG oil has a naturally earthy, bitter taste. Some people love it—and some people don’t! 

If you're put off by the flavour, then you could try taking CBG oil capsules instead. You can buy ready-made capsules, or purchase empty ones and fill them yourself. Some experienced users prefer the second option because it's cost-effective and you can choose your own dosage. 

When you take CBG oil as oral capsules, it has to pass through your digestive system before your body can absorb it. Past studies have also found that when you take CBG or CBD oil orally, the bioavailability is only around 13-19%. So you may feel a smaller, slower effect compared to other methods.

3. Mixed with food or drinks

Another way to consume CBG oil is by mixing it into food, teas, smoothies, shakes, and even cocktails. It's a simple way to conceal the flavor while combining the CBG with other healthy foods. You can buy food and drink that's made with CBG or mix in the oil yourself.

However, just like oral capsules, CBG oil in food and drink has to pass through your digestive system first. You'll feel a gradual, delayed effect, and you may need a stronger dosage compared to other, more bioavailable methods.

4. Inhaled or vaped

Some people like to inhale CBG oil directly. This method has very high bioavailability, from 31% up to 60%, which out-performs many other options. It's popular with people who are already used to vape pens or vaporizers. 

However, vaping does carry its own health risks. Inhaling a lot of vapor over time can put a strain on your lungs. And while vaping seems less harmful to the heart and blood vessels than smoking, the long-term effects of vaping are still unclear.

5. Applied to the skin

You can apply CBG oil by rubbing it onto your skin as an oil, cream, or mixed into other lotions and balms. Similarly, you can apply CBG patches, which gradually release the compounds onto your skin over time.

This is a good option if you're looking for targeted relief—for example, to treat sore muscles or stiff joints. Many people like the scent, too!

CBG oil that's applied to the skin is less bioavailable than CBG that's consumed through other methods. Your body can't absorb it in the same effective way. However, many people find CBG pastes and creams helpful, and research in this area is ongoing.

Different types of CBG oil

Whatever method you prefer for taking CBG oil, you can improve its effects by choosing the right oil for you—full spectrum, pure, mixed isolate, or broad spectrum.

Full spectrum CBG oil

Full spectrum CBG oil is the most popular option on the market. That's because it offers a more rounded experience, including a wider range of compounds from the hemp plant. 

As well as CBG, full-spectrum oil contains CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and even trace amounts of THC. The combination of compounds leads to something called the "entourage effect". 

Instead of just feeling the effects of CBG, you get the effects of other compounds, too. They can even work together to heighten and improve your experience.

Pure CBG oil

Pure CBG oil is the opposite of full-spectrum oil. It only contains CBG—absolutely nothing else. This is a good choice if you're looking for a very specific effect and know exactly what you want.

Mix of CBG/CBD isolate

CBG/CBD isolate offers a compromise between full-spectrum oils and pure CBG. It's a mix of pure CBG and pure CBD, without any other compounds. The ratio of CBD to CBG is carefully balanced so that you get a mix of effects without any downsides.

Broad spectrum CBG oil

Broad-spectrum oil works similarly to full-spectrum oil. It uses the entourage effect to maximize the bioavailability of CBD, CBG, other compounds, and terpenes.

However, there's one crucial difference. Broad-spectrum CBG oil doesn't contain any THC at all. That means it doesn't have any of the compounds which can cause a high. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oils are a popular choice for people who want to experience the entourage effect without any THC.

Precautions and tips when taking CBG oil

CBG oil and products are carefully regulated. However, there are some basic precautions that you should always follow.

• Check the quality of any products that you take. Look for a certificate from the seller which explains how they harvest CBG oil, how they process it, and who checks up on their standards.

• Start with a small dose to find out what works for your body. 1-2 drops of oil per day is a good starting point for beginners. As you get used to taking CBG, you can increase the dosage gradually.

• Stop when you're happy with the effects of taking CBG oil. Once you've reached a dosage that gives you relief and supports your health, there's no need to keep increasing it.

So, how should I take CBD oil for maximum bioavailability?

If you're still wondering how to take CBG oil and what products to choose, let's recap. 

Sublingual administration—taking the oil under your tongue—is probably the most effective method if you want to maximize bioavailability. But if the taste doesn't work for you, try taking capsules or mixing the oil with food and drink instead.

Full-spectrum CBG oil will give you the most powerful experience, and broad-spectrum CBG oil is a close second if you'd prefer to avoid THC. Taking advantage of the entourage effect can help you feel the benefits of CBG more, regardless of how you absorb it.

FAQs

How much CBG oil should I take?

The right dose of CBG oil varies from person to person. It depends on your body, how it reacts to CBG, and what results you're hoping for. Start out small, around 1-2 drops per day, and gradually increase your dosage if you feel the need.

What time of day should I take CBG oil?

Once again, this depends on your body and what effects you're looking for. For example, if you use CBG oil to support healthy sleep, then you may prefer to take it in the evening. Experiment with different times to find what suits you.

Can you take too much CBG oil?

If you take too much CBG oil, you could feel some adverse effects such as nausea or diarrhea. However, this is rare. That's why you should always start with a small dose, increase it gradually, and stop when you've found an effective dosage for your body.

Will CBG make me high?

No, CBG oil won't make you high. The extract of cannabis that causes a high is called THC, and it's only present in trace amounts, even in full-spectrum oils. You might find that CBG oil lifts your mood, but you won't feel any other psychoactive effects.

What is the difference between CBD oil and CBG oil?

CBD and CBG are both natural compounds from the hemp plant. However, they're found at different stages of the plant's growth, and they have different effects. CBG oil may be more effective for some uses, such as fighting bacteria. However, they're most effective when used in combination.