What Is CBG? A Simple Guide

CBG is one of the fastest-growing names in the hemp world, and you’ll spot it on more and more labels alongside CBD. So what is CBG, and why is it sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid”? Here’s a clear, hype-free rundown from CBD on Broadway.

What is CBG? The short answer

CBG stands for cannabigerol. Like CBD, it’s a naturally occurring, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It earns the nickname the “mother cannabinoid” because of its role in the plant’s chemistry: CBG starts out as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), the compound the hemp plant uses as a building block to produce other cannabinoids — including CBD and THC — as it grows. Because so much of it converts into other cannabinoids during growth, mature hemp usually contains only small amounts of CBG, which is part of why it’s prized.

Is CBG the same as CBD?

No — they’re separate cannabinoids, though they share some traits:

• Both are non-intoxicating — CBG won’t produce a “high.”
• CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in most hemp products.
• CBG is typically present in much smaller amounts, so CBG-forward products are often made from hemp harvested early or bred for higher CBG content.

Curious how CBG stacks up against other cannabinoids? Compare it with CBN (cannabinol) in our companion guide, or brush up on the basics on our Cannabis Education page.

What kinds of CBG products are there?

CBG shows up across our daytime “Mood Balance” and blended product lines. Common formats include:

• CBG tinctures — such as our CBG Mood Balance Tincture and THC-free CBG oils.
• CBG gummies — like our CBG Mood Balance Gummies.
• CBD + CBG blends and capsules — including softgels that combine CBG with ingredients like ashwagandha, such as our CBD/CBG capsules.

Browse the full selection on our tinctures, edibles, and softgels pages.

How do I know what’s actually in a CBG product?

Check the label and the lab report. Because CBG products vary a lot in how they’re formulated, third-party testing is the best way to confirm exactly what’s inside and that the THC stays within the legal 0.3% limit. See our lab results page.

Have questions about CBG?

Ask a real person. Call or text (720) 999-3989, or visit CBD on Broadway at 5809 S. Broadway, Ste C, Littleton, CO — we’ll help you compare your options. Not local? Shop online and we’ll ship to you.

This article is for general educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any hemp or CBD product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.