Last updated: October 2026
CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD are both non-intoxicating hemp cannabinoids, but CBD has far more research and safety data. Human evidence for CBG is limited to a few small studies: one found a single 20mg dose lowered anxiety and stress ratings in healthy adults, another found few effects at up to 200mg.
Below: a side-by-side comparison, what the CBG studies found, taking them together, UK legal status and how to choose.
CBG vs CBD at a glance
| CBG (cannabigerol) | CBD (cannabidiol) | |
|---|---|---|
| In the plant | Small amounts; the precursor of other cannabinoids | The main cannabinoid in most hemp |
| Intoxicating? | No | No |
| Human studies | A handful of small, short studies | Many trials and a licensed medicine |
| Safety data | Single doses up to 200mg well tolerated; long-term data lacking | Much more data, behind the FSA’s 10mg advice |
| Price | Usually higher, as it’s harder to produce | Lower |
| UK availability | Less common as a main ingredient | Widely available in FSA-listed products |
What is CBG?
The hemp plant first makes CBGA, sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid”. Enzymes then turn most of it into the acid forms of CBD, THC and CBC. By harvest, little CBG is left, which is why CBG-rich hemp strains have been bred. See minor cannabinoids explained and what is CBGA?
What the CBG research shows
| Study | What it found |
|---|---|
| Anxiety and stress, 2024 (34 healthy adults, single 20mg dose, placebo-controlled) | Lower anxiety and stress ratings soon after taking it, and slightly better verbal memory; no feeling of being high or impaired |
| Safety, 2026 (12 healthy adults, single doses up to 200mg) | Well tolerated with few noticeable effects; some feelings of jitteriness at 50mg |
| User survey, 2026 | People who use CBG report it helpful, but surveys can’t prove it works |
| Lab and animal studies | Interest in effects on inflammation, appetite and gut health; not confirmed in people |
These are early, small, single-dose studies. CBG isn’t a treatment for anxiety or any condition. See CBD and anxiety for the larger body of CBD research.
Can you take CBG and CBD together?
Many broad and full spectrum products already contain small amounts of CBG alongside CBD. There’s no known harmful interaction between them, but there’s also no good evidence that combining them works better. See the entourage effect. Count both towards your daily total and check with a pharmacist if you take medicines, as cannabinoids can affect how some drugs are processed.
Is CBG legal in the UK?
CBG isn’t a controlled drug. Like CBD, cannabinoid extracts sold as food are novel foods, so CBG food products need to go through the FSA’s novel food process and keep THC within strict trace limits. See is CBD legal in the UK?
Which should you choose?
For most people, a well-made, lab-tested CBD product is the more practical choice: more research, more safety data, lower cost and clear UK regulation. If you’re curious about CBG, look for a product on the FSA public list with a batch lab report showing both CBG and THC levels.
The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FAQs
Is CBG better than CBD?
There’s no evidence it is. CBG has a few small studies; CBD has far more research and safety data.
Does CBG get you high?
No. In a 2024 study, people taking CBG reported no feeling of being high or impaired.
What does CBG do?
In one small study, a single 20mg dose lowered anxiety and stress ratings in healthy adults. Most other research is in the lab.
Can I take CBG and CBD together?
There’s no known harmful interaction, and many broad spectrum products contain both. Check with a pharmacist if you take medicines.
Why is CBG more expensive than CBD?
Hemp contains much less CBG by harvest, so it’s harder and more costly to extract.
Sources
- Cuttler C et al. Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover field trial. Sci Rep, 2024.
- Wolinsky D et al. Safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of oral cannabigerol in healthy adults. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2026.
- Lutz ETH et al. A survey of cannabigerol users’ patterns of use, perceived efficacy and satisfaction. J Psychoactive Drugs, 2026.
- Nachnani R et al. The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 2021.
