Did you know that CBG is known as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’? This hemp compound is available in oils that boast similar healing properties to CBD, or cannabidiol. Although CBG hasn’t been studied as much as its more popular counterparts, due to its rarity within the hemp plant, discoveries on CBD have led scientists to start discovering what effects CBG can have on us when it comes to natural and holistic medicine. In this article, you’ll find an exclusive list on the top 5 CBG oil brands available on the market in addition to in-depth and scientifically proven research on CBG
What is CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is the powerful yet lesser-known counterpart to CBD (cannabidiol). Just like CBD, CBG is also a compound from the hemp plant with restorative properties and health benefits. According to Verywell Mind, CBG is not a widespread substance in hemp– for every 20-25 percent of CBD or 25 to 30 percent of THC, there’s only 1 percent of CBG. CBG is typically taken from younger hemp plants because it is more concentrated in younger plants than fully grown ones. As the plant develops, a lot of the CBG acid begins to create and transform into other compounds like CBD and THC, leaving little CBG.[1]
CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body– a system that all humans and even animals have– to help mitigate symptoms of anxiety and paranoia, movement disorders, and inflammatory diseases. This is similar to the effects of CBD– however, preliminary research has shown that CBG has the potential to be even more therapeutic than CBD.[2]
Top 5 CBG Oil Brands in 2022
- FAB CBD – Editor’s Pick and Best Overall
- CBDistillery – Most Potent
- Medterra – Most Powerful
- Nuleaf Naturals – Best Variety
- Lazarus Naturals – Most Affordable
How We Chose The Brands of CBG Oil
- Extraction method: While your oil may look just like all of the other oils on the market, the extraction process can vary greatly between companies. We ensured to provide you with a list of brands that only use safe extraction methods like CO2 extraction or aerial extraction that avoids cross-contamination and is environmentally sustainable.
- Source of hemp: When ordering from a brand you aren’t sure that you can trust, you may potentially be ordering illegal oil that may contain more THC than what is allowed (0.03 percent). In addition to this, low-quality hemp simply creates low-quality products. All the brands we have picked source their hemp in the United States, on high-quality farms using the best extraction methods for the job.
- Third-party testing: Probably the most important factor on this list, third-party lab testing ensures that the product you are receiving is completely safe, legal, and doesn’t contain heavy metals or pesticides. It also checks to make sure that there is no illegal amount of THC and the correct amount of CBD and CBG. Every single brand on this list is third-party lab tested and also offers their lab reports on their website so that you can check them out for yourself.
- CBD and CBG Ratio: All of the oils on our list have been picked for their high amount of CBG in comparison to CBD. An ideal ratio would be 1:1– and by working together with CBD, the CBG oil creates a balanced entourage effect that maximizes its impact.
Best CBG Oils Recommended for 2022
If you’re new to the world of cannabinoids, especially cannabigerol, the list below ranks the top five oils currently on the market. We’ve maintained the same format of our CBD product reviews— in our product lists, we only provide companies selling legal, lab-tested, natural, and safe products so that you can browse through worry-free.
#1 FAB CBG Oil: Editor’s Pick and Best Overall
Highlights:
- Organic hemp
- 100% Natural Ingredients
- No harsh chemicals or pesticides
- No artificial sweeteners
- No GMO’s
- Choose from citrus and mint
FAB CBD was founded in Wisconsin during the year 2017. They grow their hemp in Colorado organically, using no chemicals or pesticides, and provide nutritional products, health and skincare products, and pet products. FAB uses part of their profits for greater causes, including wishes for the Make-A-Wish foundation. FAB’s CBD-infused products offer support with everyday stress, exercise recovery, calmness, muscle soreness, and pain. If you’re looking for joint pain relief or arthritis help, their CBD cream may be the perfect match. For anxiety and mood regulation, they offer several different CBD oils with many flavors to choose from. If you want a more convenient on-the-go option, they sell gummies in both ‘nighttime’ and ‘anytime’ options; their nighttime gummies contain melatonin.
When it comes to CBG, FAB has got you covered. Their CBG+CBD oil is offered in two delicious flavors and high potencies with a high amount of CBG– a ratio of 1:1 between the CBG and CBD. With both of these full-spectrum compounds included in the oil, you’ll experience an even greater entourage effect as they work together to maximize their healing properties. This CBG and CBD oil is available for $129 in mint or citrus with a whopping 2400mg of CBG and CBD– that’s potent. The product arrives packaged in a 1 fl oz glass bottle and you can pay the $129 payment in four installments if you like.
Lab Testing
FAB CBD works together with ProVerde laboratories to test their CBD products, including this oil. ProVerde laboratories checks FAB products and shows that they contain the ingredients described on their website and the appropriate potency that they promise.
FAB CBD remains completely transparent about their own lab testing reports. In fact, they make them available on the internet for anyone to read. You can access them on the FAB website.
How to Use
Fab offers a step-by-step guide with tips and instructions on how to get the maximum benefit from their products. For most, the 300 or 600 mg option is the best place to start. If you feel that these bottles are not producing that great of an effect, you may try out the 1200 or 2400 mg option. All of them are perfectly safe to try out, however, it is best to start slowly, especially if you are new to CBG or CBD.
According to FAB, simply fill up the dropper halfway with oil and place it under the tongue. If you like, you can pour your oil dosage into a drink, smoothie, or other CBG/D recipe and still receive the same benefits. FAB also states that it’s better to avoid touching the dropper to your mouth or tongue to preserve the hemp extract’s quality and pureness.
Shipping and Returns
FAB promises a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of their products. They accept returns only if they contain RMA (return merchandise authorization), and also pay shipping fees if the delivery was a mistake. For multiple item purchases, only one item can be opened and used for a return. Return shipping time takes approximately 3-9 days, while processing takes 4-7 days.FAB calculates their customer’s shipping charges uniquely based on product height and weight. For orders of 99 dollars or more, shipping is completely free in the United States.
Note: This company only ships to the United States. This includes all 50 states.
Pros:
- Shipping is free for orders over 99 dollars
- Very high potency
- Rewards program for customers
- Full-spectrum oil
Cons:
- Only ships to the United States
- No autoship option available
#2 CBDistillery: Most Potent
Highlights:
- Vegan and Kosher
- Oil extracted from aerial plant parts
- Certified by the US Hemp Authority
- Non-GMO
- 1:1 ratio of CBD to CBG
CBDistillery was founded in 2016 in Colorado led by CEO Chase Terwilliger. They created a movement known as the ‘#CBDMOVEMENT’ and created a CBD user guide that was downloaded thousands of times, their mission being to bring awareness to CBD as a wellness alternative. The company is certified by the US hemp authority and proudly uses natural farming practices on their industrial hemp. CBDistillery sells a combination of oils, topicals, soft gels, gummies, and powders.
Their CBG tincture contains CBD in a 1:1 ratio. The blue glass 1fl oz bottle contains 1000mg of CBD and CBG and sells for $85. CBDistillery also offers many other full-spectrum oil products that are CBD only. This product is known as the ‘relief and relax’ tincture and is perfect for everyday use and general wellness as well as mood stabilization.
Lab Testing
All of CBDistillery’s products are third-party lab tested, ensuring that the THC amounts in their products are less than .05%. To view their lab reports, simply scan the QR codes on the product’s packaging. The lab reports are also available on the product pages of the site if you haven’t yet purchased the product.
How to Use
For individual recommendations on dosing, you should consult with a doctor. Otherwise, measure your desired dose with the marked glass dropper and take the oil sublingually. Hold it under your tongue for at least 10-20 seconds. CBDistillery notes that you should begin with 5-10mg of CBD/CBG and wait 3-4 hours before increasing your dose if you are new to CBD/CBG. A regular dose would be around 30-60mg per day.
Shipping and Returns
If you are unsatisfied, unopened and unused products may be returned within 7 days of delivery. If you need to cancel an order after purchasing, you must email CBDistillery customer service; cancellations are not guaranteed. You must also email CBDistillery customer service if you would like to make a return. Their products ship via UPS Surepost and take approximately 2 days to ship after payment. For orders above 75 dollars, shipping is free. This company does not ship internationally.
Pros
- Affordable
- Free shipping for orders above $75
- Third-party lab tested
Cons
- No shipping outside of the USA
- Difficult and limited returns/cancellations
- No flavor variety
#3 Medterra CBG Oil: Most Powerful
Highlights:
- Vegan
- High-Quality Hemp
- 100% Plant-Based
- 99 percent natural ingredients
- No artificial sugars or sweeteners
- Can help with sleep, focus, and mood
Medterra’s hemp is Kentucky grown. Their hemp extraction practices are carefully regulated to meet the standards of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. They are based in Irvine, California, and all their CBD products are made in the United States. They grow their hemp in Kentucky in compliance with Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, making their CBD products legal at the federal level. Medterra CBD sells a wide variety of CBD products as well. Like FAB, they also offer CBD oils and creams.
Medterra offers an oil containing a 1:1 ratio of CBD to CBG. The bottle is 1 fl oz and contains a marked glass dropper for convenience. You can pick from either 1000 or 2000mg of CBD and CBG, and this tincture is available as a citrus flavor. The 1000mg oil sells at 79 dollars while the 2000mg oil sells at $129. In addition to the cannabinoids, the tincture also contains natural MCT oil and natural citrus flavoring. Note that Medterra oils including this tincture are made using isolate compounds and are not full-spectrum.
Lab Testing
Medterra gets their products lab tested through Green Scientific Labs. This lab runs tests on all of their products to ensure there are no pesticides, heavy metals, or bacteria. The company also provides their lab testing reports online so you can see their results for yourself. To view these, simply find the product page of the item you want to check and you’ll find an easy and accessible button to take you to a PDF of their real and raw results. Their products are also certified by the US hemp authority.
How to Use
According to the Medterra website, their 30-serving CBD oil can be taken day or night as needed. As with many other CBD oils, simply place the dropper with oil underneath the tongue and squeeze the oil out. Their dropper is marked with lines for the amount of oil you are taking. One serving should be 1 milliliter. Each serving contains 16mg of CBD.
Shipping and Returns
Medterra CBD ships their products legally to all fifty states, as well as internationally to Europe. Shipping is free. If you want to return your product, you can do so within thirty days of when it was received. However, Medterra does not cover return shipping fees.
Pros:
- Third-party lab tested
- Free shipping
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- No full-spectrum products
- Expensive
- Shipping cost not covered for returns
#4 Nuleaf Naturals CBG Oil: Best Variety
Highlights:
- No additives in any of their products
- Full-spectrum products
- Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
- Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil
- CO2 extraction method
Nuleaf Naturals was founded in 2014 by plant medicinists. For all of their products, they use a CO2 extraction method that is completely safe for humans and animals to use. In fact, CO2 is found in a lot of foods and beverages we consume already. As far as Nuleaf Naturals products go, you can also purchase CBD oil specifically for your pet or consume CBD yourself through softgels.
Nuleaf offers CBG oil in three different potency options including 300, 900, and 1800mg. They don’t state the ratio of CBG to CBD, but they add that they use full-spectrum hemp extract so that there are additional cannabinoids like CBD and CBN in the oil. The oil is full-spectrum and unflavored. The 300mg bottle is .17 fl oz and is $38.50. The 900mg bottle is .5 fl oz and sells at $99. Lastly, the 1800mg bottle is $179 and contains 1 fl oz of product.
Lab Testing
Nuleaf Naturals products are all tested by independent labs. You can view the reports of their lab tests on the product pages on their site. According to Nuleaf, their independent labs check for mold, fungi, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals. They also check to ensure that there is a good amount of terpenes and cannabinoids to create a quality product[3].An organization known as the Detox Project checks Nuleaf products for pesticides. The products are also cGMP and ISO certified.
How to Use
You can use Nuleaf Naturals’s CBD oil in multiple ways; for example, the traditional sublingual method. Place the 1mL dose under the tongue and hold it for thirty seconds. This is the recommended method, and is also the fastest.However, you can also mix the oil with a skin moisturizer or just apply it directly onto your skin. If you want to get even more creative, you can add your dose to a smoothie and drink it through there.
Shipping and Returns
Nuleaf ships their products to all fifty states and internationally. In fact, USA shipping is free and fast, arriving in 2-3 days. This company ships with USPS, and you can pay for express shipping at checkout. You may return products within thirty days of delivery for a full refund, but they must be unused and unopened. Nuleaf Naturals does not pay return shipping costs. Nuleaf will give you a free exchange if your product arrives damaged or defected.
Pros:
- Free shipping for US orders
- 30-day return policy
- Available for purchase in select retail stores
Cons:
- Expensive
- No flavors
#5 Lazarus Naturals CBG Oil: Most Affordable
Highlights:
- USDA certified organic
- Lazarus Naturals assistance program
- Free of pesticides and heavy metals
- 1:1 ratio of CBG to CBD
- Contains organic MCT coconut oil
Lazarus Naturals’s farms are located in Central Oregon, where 120 acres are certified organic by the USDA. Their founder, Sequoia Price-Lazarus, opened up the business in 2014 with a goal to make cheaper CBD products that are accessible to everyone. He became the head of a unique assistance program of Lazarus Naturals that helps to achieve this for veterans, people with disabilities, and others in need.
Lazarus’s CBD/CBG tincture has a 1:1 ratio of CBD to CBG and uses natural and organic MCT oil as its carrier oil. The product is full-spectrum and available in two different sizes: 15ml, with 750mg of CBD/CBG ($24), and 60ml, with 3000mg of CBD/CBG ($70). Lazarus Naturals states that this tincture is ideal for battling pain, inflammation, and nausea.
Lab Testing
All Lazarus Naturals products are third-party lab tested and are posted on a test results repository. They adhere to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) monograph on cannabis. They test for potency as well as heavy metals and pesticides.
How to Use
Lazarus Naturals states to start off with 1ml of oil (taken sublingually) and wait two hours if you aren’t familiar with CBD/CBG and want to find your own correct dosage. Increase the dose from 1ml as needed. If you have been advised against eating grapefruit, Lazarus Naturals says to consult your doctor before consuming this CBD/CBG product.
Shipping and Returns
Lazarus provides free shipping on all orders over $25. You can return any of their products for any reason within 90 days of delivery for free. You must contact their customer service to make a return. They ship internationally to a large list of countries outside of the USA, and the list is available on their FAQ page.
Pros:
- Third-party lab tested
- Free shipping on orders over $25
- Oregon grown hemp
Cons:
- No broad-spectrum oil
- Limited international shipping
- Added ingredients
CBG oil vs CBD Oil
The most important difference between CBD and CBG is that they are separate compounds entirely– but are both non-psychoactive, healthy, and found in hemp. A lot of CBD actually comes from CBG. CBG is a compound in the acid that is widespread in young hemp plants. As the plants age, the CBG turns into other compounds like CBD.
The Center for Advancing Health Organization states that CBD and CBG both share many commonalities including their potential to relieve and numb pain. They have different chemical makeups however, and also interact differently with certain serotonin receptors. One scientific study found that rats who consumed CBG had a higher appetite, while CBD didn’t affect their appetite.
Both CBD and CBG are legal according to the 2018 farm bill in all fifty states. CBG is non-psychoactive, so it cannot get you high. The CB1 receptor in the brain is responsible for this euphoric feeling, and THC interacts with this (THC is the main ingredient in cannabis). However, CBG does not interact with this receptor and neither does CBD.
Unlike CBD, studies have shown that CBG has the potential to cure or alleviate the symptoms of Huntington’s disease and bladder dysfunctions, as well as other bacterial infections. It also interacts with appetite and can help some appetite disorders. Both CBD and CBG have shown to slow cancer progression by killing cancer cells.[4]
How CBD and CBG Work Together
CBD and CBG work best when taken together instead of separately [4]. They can create an entourage effect, which is a scientifically proven maximization of their impact that doesn’t happen if they are taken separately. One example is CBD and THC– if these are taken together, the CBD can actually dampen the effects of the psychoactive THC and prevent anxiety and paranoia that may be induced by it. When CBD and CBG are taken together, the results are amplified in terms of their painkilling, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their mood-regulation abilities. CBD is better known for its physical healing properties, while CBG is best known for its mental healing properties. Therefore, combining them both will get you ‘the best of both worlds’. By taking them together, you may also experience results faster.[5]
Benefits of CBG Oil
1. Pain: A national study found that CBG interacts with the same pain receptors in the endocannabinoid system (CB2 receptors) as CBD, meaning that it has similar pain relief properties to cannabidiol. [8] A Harvard study showed that CBD was ten times more potent than morphine in pain treatment; and is a greater antioxidant than vitamins E and C. These properties haven’t been confirmed in CBG just yet, but it is likely that CBG holds these truths as well.
2. Anxiety: While CBD increases serotonin in the body, CBG actually does something different– it inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps relieve stress and is responsible for calming down the body and mind. By blocking its reuptake, the neurotransmitters can’t be taken back into the neurons– this allows for GABA to travel throughout the nervous system more easily so that you will feel more calm and at ease, and possibly even treat anxiety.[9]
3. Inflammation: Just like CBD, CBG is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can treat bladder and gut inflammations, as well as muscle inflammation. One notable study done on rats showed that CBG helped their inflammation when it came to IBS. It also significantly reduced nausea and abdominal pain that came with the disease. [10]
How to Use CBG Oil
Most CBD and CBG oils are taken sublingually. Take the dropper and fill it to the desired mark, then squeeze the oil underneath your tongue. Hold the oil there for 30 to 60 seconds, and then you can swallow normally. You can also add the oil to a salad or smoothie, or even rub it onto the skin topically (although this may produce a less potent effect). Do not use CBD if you are under the age limit, pregnant, or nursing. Always ask the doctor before starting CBD if you are currently on other medication or have allergies to similar products.
CBG Oil Dosage
According to Healthline, start with 20-40 mg per day and increase your dose by 5mg after a week. Keep repeating this 5mg increase schedule per week until you have achieved your desired results.[6]However, you can really take as much as you feel that you need. Take a look at your individual product’s website page to see what the specific brand recommends as a daily dosage. You can play with the recommended dose to create your own custom dosage schedule. Take your nightly oil dose at least thirty minutes before you go to sleep, as the effects of CBD/CBG take approximately 15-30 minutes to begin showing any effect (although it may take less or more time depending on the individual).
Possible Side Effects
As with any medical product, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects before use. Luckily, CBD and CBG typically have no side effects, and when they do, they are very mild. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as children under 18 should consult a health specialist before using cannabinoid products. Current scientific research has shown that CBG has very similar side effects to CBD.
The US National Library of Medicine has conducted a survey on those experiencing side effects to document which are the most prevalent.[7]
- 30% dry mouth
- 22% feeling high
- 20% change in appetite
- 19% fatigue
- Some also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.
Researchers are currently looking to see if these side effects are not caused by CBG or CBD, but rather by small amounts of THC in the product (specifically the ‘high’ feeling).
One notable difference in the side effects between CBG and CBD is that studies have shown that CBG can increase appetite. It is likely that you may find yourself reaching for a snack more often– making CBG the perfect booster for assistance with eating disorders.[8]
Final Thoughts
Just when you thought CBD was the all-new breakthrough in natural medicine, CBG has actually become an even newer medical phenomenon that scientists and doctors are excited to explore. Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a rarer cannabinoid found in hemp that has anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and mood stabilizing properties among many other benefits. This compound is known as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ as it is mainly present in young hemp plants and then transforms into other compounds as the plant grows. If we’ve sparked your interest, we also included a handy list of the top 5 2021 CBG oils and tinctures that are all 100% safe, legal, legitimate, and lab tested.
References:
[1] Cannabigerol (CBG): Uses and Benefits – https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266
[2] What Is CBG, And Is It Different Than CBD? Experts Weigh In – https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a33405455/what-is-cbg/
[3] CBD FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Hemp – http://www.nuleafnaturals.com/faq
[4] Meet CBG, the New Cannabinoid on the Block – https://www.healthline.com/health/cbg-oil#choosing-a-product
[5] The Benefits of Taking CBD and CBG Together – https://wcp2018.org/the-benefits-of-taking-cbd-and-cbg-together.html
[6] CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take? – https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-dosage#how-much-to-take
[7] Are adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination? – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7029751/
[8] Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
[9] Why Should You Give A Try To CBG Oil? – https://worldfinancialreview.com/why-should-you-give-a-try-to-cbg-oil/
[10] Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/
