You’ve probably heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that makes cannabis psychoactive. By now you also probably know something about cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis that offers numerous benefits without the intoxicating side effects of THC.
However, there are over 100 cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG). Researchers are only starting to understand CBG’s beneficial potential despite its integral role as the chemical precursor to both THC and CBD. In fact, CBG-A naturally exists in the plant and breaks down into CBG when heated. CBG then forms CBD, THC, and CBC (cannabichromene, another cannabinoid).
Marijuana researchers Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam discovered CBG in Israel in 1964. Although research has been slow to advance since that time, we do know that CBG has no psychoactive effects and shows excellent potential in treating many health conditions.
The Best CBG Oil Products
- Best Pure CBG Oil – Extract Labs CBG Oil Hemp Tincture
- Best CBD/CBG Mixture – Medterra CBG+CBD Tincture
Extract Labs CBG Oil Hemp Tincture
Extract Labs’ flagship CBG product offers a high potency 1:1 ration of 500mg CBG to 500mg CBD. The tincture is made from 100% natural full spectrum hemp oil, grown and processed on Colorado farms.
Extract Labs offers a truly science-driven product that you can trust. Extract Labs starts their process with a high-CBG plant and separates it using chromatography. They then test the extracted plant matter for heavy metals and pesticides and extract the cannabinoids with CO2. Next the team winterizes the oil and decarboxylates it to activate the cannabinoids.
In the last part of the process, the team removes the THC and separates out minor cannabinoids, including CBG. This pain-staking process is necessary to produce such a high-quality product, and the results are substantiated by third-party verification which is posted for every single lot.
Extract Labs is also GMP certified, meaning they passed a rigorous examination of good manufacturing practices that reflect what you can expect of manufacturers of food and dietary supplements.
Another reason to trust the science behind Extract Labs? Their leadership. Alyssa Rosenblum and Logan Cline run Extract Labs, and both have deep bench experience in hemp biology. Rosemblum holds a BS in plant-science studies from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree from Colorado State University, and did research on hemp protein; Cline researched CBD yield in industrial hemp at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky.
Extract Labs CBG Oil Hemp Tincture is the flagship CBG product of the company and claims to be the first to feature a 1:1 ratio of CBG to CBD. Other facts about this product that we love:
- 500mg CBG, 500mg CBD—an even split and a good high level per serving
- C02 extraction
- Full spectrum (with less than 0.3 percent THC)
- American-grown hemp
- Lab tested, results accessible
The bottom line: You will love using Extract Labs CBG Oil Hemp Tincture, and it’s our favorite so far. It offers you the benefits of the entourage effect from its full-spectrum formulation, yet it won’t produce psychoactive effects. It also showcases the benefits of CBG in a safe, reliable way.
Medterra CBG+CBD Tincture
This tincture is a 1:1 blend of CBG and CBD creating the optimal synergy between the two cannabinoids. It comes in a refreshing citrus flavor and packs 30, 1ml servings per bottle.
Medterra CBG+CBD Tincture offers a really tasty yet still potent and pure CBG option. In a market full of pretender products and false claims, this is tough to come by.
Medterra is an excellent all-around CBD brand, focused on unparalleled flavor. The team uses CO2 extraction to preserve beneficial terpenes and other hemp compounds.
Medterra also sources hemp for all of its products from the world’s best hemp in the USA. Most hemp is sourced from Russia, China, and South Korea, but Medterra is based in Kentucky, one of the hemp producing hot spots in the US. Medterra is a member and adheres to the guidelines of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program.
This means Medterra’s unique 1:1 blend of CBD and CBG is derived from 100 percent organic, non-GMO hemp plants. And despite the notable 30-1mL servings in both the 1000mg and 2000mg options, the flavor of this CBG oil is truly mellow and nice, not bitter or plant-y like CBD can be.
Medterra CBG tinctures are user-friendly at all formulations and strengths. Serving sizes are flexible since each one-ounce bottle has measurement markers on it.
And, truly, this is a pure product you can count on. The only ingredients are citrus, medium-chain triglyceride MCT oil from coconuts, and CBG and CBD isolate extract—just check the third-party lab results right on the site.
Medterra CBG+CBD Tincture is among the only reliable CBG products available, and it features a 1:1 ratio of CBG to CBD. Other facts about this product that we love:
- 500mg CBG, 500mg CBD per 1000mg—an even split and a good high level per serving
- C02 extraction
- Delicious citrus flavor
- USA-grown hemp
- Products bear US Hemp Authority seal
- Lab tested, results accessible
The bottom line: Medterra CBG+CBD Tincture is an affordable, reliable way to introduce yourself to the health benefits of a CBG tincture, and it tastes better than the alternatives by a mile.
What is CBG Oil?
Cannabigerol CBG is among at least 113 unique compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants. The best-known among those compounds are the cannabinoids, which include THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, and CBG.
Since they are all cannabinoids, it may seem like CBG and CBD are cousins, but actually all cannabinoids evolve from CBG in its raw form, the only cannabinoid present in young cannabis plants, CBG-A. Natural cannabis enzymes break down CBG-A over time into THC-A and CBG—and eventually THC, CBD, CBN, and CBC.
The decarboxylation process heats the raw versions of these cannabinoids and converts them into their regular, usable form such as CBD. These “active” cannabinoids are typically what is found in products since they are the final step of natural processes.
In contrast, to produce CBG-rich products, the hemp growth cycle must be interrupted. As a result, full spectrum CBD products typically have very low levels of CBG in them. Producers are working to solve this issue by modifying hemp growing and extraction methods and by harvesting hemp earlier in the growth cycle.
CBD vs CBG Oil
In many ways, CBD and CBG are alike. Neither produces any of the intoxicating effects that THC is known for, so neither will get you high. However, both are known to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote overall wellness.
The primary difference between CBD and CBG is their unique therapeutic properties. CBD and CBG share many of the same antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. However, based on the evidence, it’s possible that CBG is more effective than CBD for certain issues.
How to Use CBG Oil Products
CBG produces effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS supports homeostasis, the various self-regulating processes that enable our bodies to function well and our biological systems to remain stable.
CB1 receptors are located in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are situated in the immune system throughout the body. CBG has more affinity for CB2 but does interact with both CB1 and CB2, the two basic kinds of cannabinoid receptors.
Research indicates that CBG has many benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties, potentially treating arthritis, gut inflammation, including from inflammatory bowel disease, joint pain, and muscle pain
- Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial properties, including against MRSA
- Antioxidative properties, delaying or preventing some types of cell damage, reducing damage-causing free radicals
- Neuroprotectant effects, which make it a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease
- Appetite stimulant, may treat nausea, cachexia
- May boost anandamide, which in turn increases dopamine levels and may treat depression
- May inhibit brain’s uptake of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) to treat anxiety
- Promotes bone growth, strengthens connective tissues, possibly helping to heal fractures and treat osteoporosis
- Glaucoma, reduces intraocular pressure
- Inhibits tumor growth, selectively blocks growth of colorectal cancer cells (CRCs)
- Overactive bladder, relieves contractions and symptoms
- Psoriasis and eczema, may relieve related inflammation
- General pain, including from cancer and multiple sclerosis
Final Thoughts
CBG is really gaining popularity in the cannabis world and in the natural wellness world more generally. It has a lot to offer by way of its many potential benefits, although, as always when trying something new, ask a doctor and go slow.
If you’re excited about trying CBG oil, check out these amazing options. Or, if you aren’t sure, you can always go for a full-spectrum CBD oil or broad spectrum product and see if the lab results have detected any CBG. But if you really want to see what CBG can do for your health, these are the best CBG oils on the market right now.
Disclaimer: These have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. None of this information is a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Always consult a healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible side effects before using any product.