You might think it’s obvious how to take CBG gummies. Just eat them, right? Not exactly. But bear with us. While the act of consuming CBG gummies may seem self-explanatory, we have some helpful tips regarding how many to take, when to take them, how to absorb them faster, and what to expect from CBG.
As you navigate the ins and outs of these delicious treats, you may be surprised by what you find. For instance, where you dissolve them in your mouth will affect absorption rates, onset and duration of effects, and overall intensity.
Keep reading for the inside scoop on the best CBG gummy experience.
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a type of cannabinoid obtained from the cannabis plant. Though not as well-known or popular as CBD, it’s sometimes referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG [1].
Found in smaller quantities in cannabis than most other cannabinoids, CBG makes up only 1% of many cannabis strains. In contrast, many strains boast 20% or 25% CBD [1].
The scarcity of the CBG makes products derived from this cannabinoid harder to come by and sometimes expensive. However, the demand for CBG is rising due to its many benefits.
Learn more in the Guide to CBG and CBN
Effects of CBG
CBG is a promising compound of the cannabis plant with a wide range of potential benefits. However, more research is needed to fully understand its secrets, because it has not yet been fully studied.
Anecdotal reports indicate that people may benefit from the cannabinoid in various ways through the entourage effect, the way in which cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically in the body. The entourage effect is a factor when consuming full-spectrum CBG gummies and perhaps to a lesser extent with broad-spectrum products.
CBG’s effects will vary depending on the individual. Many people report experiencing alertness and focus, and more drive. Studies have even found promising results in areas of medical benefits from CBG but more exhaustive research is necessary to be conclusive [2].
The effects of CBG depend on the dose taken, how and when it is consumed, other substances in the system, and experience and tolerance of cannabis products.
Full-spectrum CBG products may yield more beneficial outcomes versus taking pure CBG isolate because of the entourage effect at play. In the same way, taking CBD and CBG together may enhance the effects of each cannabinoid.
CBG is non-intoxicating, so it won’t make you feel “high.” However, people may still experience pleasant mood-enhancing effects.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system has a unique relationship with the cannabis plant and is likely vital for almost every aspect of our body’s ability to function [3]. While many of us have heard of chemical transmitter systems like the central nervous system, fewer have heard of the more recently discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS affects our perceptions by activating a complex network of chemical signals and receptors that exist throughout the human brain and body. These cannabinoid receptors (including CB1 and CB2 receptors) are stimulated by cannabinoids: either endocannabinoids (made by our body) or phytocannabinoids (made from plants).
Each type influences our bodily functions by turning up or down neural activity and adjusting to things like hunger, temperature, or alertness. CB1 receptors mediate most of the psychoactive effects of certain cannabinoids, whereas CB2 receptors are principally involved in anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive responses [4].
Our natural receptors get stimulated by our body’s endocannabinoids: the molecules that have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. These tiny cannabis-like molecules float through our brains and bodies at any moment, affecting our sensations and perceptions.
Likewise, the effects of the cannabis plant occur when cannabis molecules (cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids) utilize our bodies’ ancient cellular machinery and engage with the cannabinoid receptors. CBD, CBG, and CBN are only three of the hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant that interact with the ECS when they are consumed [3].\
How to Use CBG Oil for Great Results
Does CBG get you high?
CBG does not get you “high” in and of itself. However, if the cannabis product that you consume is full-spectrum, you may experience mood enhancement from the entourage effects.
What does hemp-derived mean?
“Hemp-derived” indicates that a given product is made from hemp— sometimes known as industrial hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill (see next section) established new federal legal definitions and rules for hemp. In short, the rules say the hemp plant and “any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis” may be used for production, sales, transport, and use.
Hemp plant derivatives include cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-10 THC. These and other cannabinoids are federally compliant for use in myriad products—including gummies—when they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight [5].
CBG Gummies Review: Best CBG Gummies
Are CBG gummies federally legal?
In a word, yes, but keep reading, In the 2010s, the United States Congress enacted two groundbreaking pieces of legislation.
These “Farm Bills” as they are known, recognized that hemp with very low Delta-9 THC concentration is distinct from higher-THC cannabis. In addition to the hemp plant, hemp extracts and hemp product are also allowed by the Farm Bills [5].
Thus, CBG products, including CBG gummies, fully comply with federal laws.
The Difference Between CBD, CBG, and CBN: Exploring Cannabinoids for Wellness
The resurgence of hemp farming
After the 2014 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) list of Schedule 1 substances, hemp had a commercial resurgence. The Bill made hemp federally legal and allowed long-forbidden research into hemp-derived cannabinoids to begin in earnest.
Expanding on the 2014 Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm Bill allowed people to produce, sell, and consume hemp-derived products, making it clear to legal experts that all other plant materials and substances derived from legally-defined hemp (including cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN) are also federally-compliant [6].
Since then, federal legislation defines cannabis plants with less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC per dry weight as hemp plants and allows hemp production and consumption in all 50 states. On the other hand, a plant with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight is defined as marijuana, which federal law still treats as a controlled substance on the DEA’s Schedule 1 list.
Nonetheless, many states now allow medical use and/or adult recreational use of marijuana containing much more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Is hemp a controlled substance?
The simple answer is no. Hemp is not a controlled substance. The Farm Bill, drafted by the federal government, uses this definition:
Hemp–The term `hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis [6].
Most states passed similar laws in the year or years following the Farm Bill’s enactment while adopting similar definitions of hemp. This resulted in the widespread commercialization of hemp products that are not considered controlled substances by the DEA at the federal level.
Learn more in the Guide to CBD
What’s the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum?
Full-spectrum cannabis products utilize all of the cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight. The entourage effect is believed to be related to the complete panoply of cannabis compounds working together.
In contrast, broad-spectrum products contain some or all of the same compounds as full-spectrum products, except for the THC [7]
Full Spectrum Gummies Review: Best Low THC Gummies
What is CBG distillate versus isolate?
CBG distillate is a distilled extract that contains high concentrations of CBG. While distillate is purer than a crude extract, it still includes some other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds that are naturally present in hemp flowers.
CBG isolate, in contrast, contains that particular cannabinoid only, excluding all of the other cannabinoids and compounds [8].
When to consume CBG gummies
Depending on personal preferences, CBG gummies can be taken any time of day and even multiple times per day. Each individual’s desired dosage and maintenance level is unique to their specific system. If you are unsure what your CBG needs are, most users succeed by trying smaller doses at first and moving on to higher doses until they reach their desired effects.
Some people enjoy taking CBG gummies for energy, focus and revitalization, yet these effects have not been scientifically proven. Still, the interplay among cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may influence the body in this way.
Maintaining optimal CBG levels
A CBG product may be taken at the same time (or times) each day to maintain a consistent level of CBG in your body. Again, the amounts and frequency of CBG needed will differ for different individuals.
For example, a person taking CBG gummies may take one in the morning and may schedule additional use throughout the day. While another person may use gummies less often or only before or after specific activities.
Consumption methods and unique effects
CBG can be consumed as a part of cannabis flowers in small amounts or in products like gummies or oils. Let’s explore how you can consume CBG and how these consumption methods affect your experience.
The most bioavailable consumption methods
Sublingual and buccal administration
Sublingual and buccal administration are two methods of consuming CBG products by mouth. Sublingual administration involves having the dissolved product under the tongue, where it is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue.
In a similar way, buccal administration involves having it between your gums and cheek, where it is absorbed likewise [8].
This practice doesn’t mean you have to put the gummy under your tongue or in your cheek. You can simply let it dissolve fully in your mouth to get the optimal effects. Nonetheless, the areas under the tongue and the cheeks can absorb various active substances into the bloodstream more readily.
Thus, when you let it dissolve this way, the CBG can enter your bloodstream and metabolize faster than if it goes through your digestive system. Still, it’s perfectly fine to swallow pieces of gummy, just know that the timing and strength of the CBG effects may be more variable [9].
Better, faster effects
Though there’s nothing wrong with swallowing CBG gummies, the effect may differ from what you may experience if you use the above methods. If you don’t absorb the gummy under your tongue or between your cheek and gum, more of the CBG that is swallowed may be digested by the liver before entering the bloodstream, potentially causing a less potent effect [10]. Therefore, using the sublingual or buccal methods will likely yield better effects.
How many CBG gummies?
While products generally have a suggested dose listed on each package, the strength of the CBG effects on a particular person will differ depending on a few things: the dosage level, body weight, food or other substances in the system, and personal body chemistry. Generally speaking, it is recommended that you start with the lowest dose and gradually increase it until you reach satisfactory results.
Newer users can easily have a lighter dose by taking half or a quarter as much as the recommended dosage. More experienced users can take more for stronger results. Personal preference is the key.
Wrap-up
To find the most trustworthy CBG gummies, it’s important to buy from a reputable company that provides lab reports of their products. Avoid products with artificial flavors and colors. Not all CBG gummies are created equal. Some of the best-loved CBG gummies are full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, which will give you the synergistic interplay between cannabinoids like CBD and CBG while harnessing the powers of additional cannabis compounds.
Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.
References
- Cannabigerol CBG Uses and Benefits
- CBG Oil Potential Benefits
- Harvard Health The Endocannabinoid System Essential and Mysterious
- CB1-CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors in the Brain
- HIA Position Statement on Delta-8 and Hemp Cannabinoids
- Congressional Testimony Hemp Production and 2018 Farm Bill
- Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD
- CBN Comparison Distillate vs Isolate
- Sublingual and Buccal Medication Administration
- True or False: the Most Effective Way to Take CBD Is Under Your Tongue
- CBG White CBD Flower
- Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects Induced by Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Rat CTX-TNA2 Astrocytes and Isolated Cortexes
