Skip to content
Last updated: October 2026.
After CBD, CBG is the hemp compound people ask us about most. It is sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid”, it is more expensive than CBD, and there is a lot of hype around it online. This guide explains what CBG oil actually is, how it differs from CBD, what the research does and does not say, and how to use it.
The short answer
- CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-intoxicating compound found in hemp, usually in much smaller amounts than CBD.
- CBG oil is a hemp extract rich in CBG, mixed into a carrier oil and taken under the tongue.
- The research is early. Most studies are in the lab or in animals, with only a few small human studies so far.
- Legally, CBG is treated like CBD in Ireland: not a controlled drug, but subject to the novel food rules and the THC rule.
What is CBG?
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It earned the nickname “mother cannabinoid” because of how the plant makes its compounds. Young hemp plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). As the plant grows, enzymes convert most of that CBGA into the acid forms of other cannabinoids, including CBDA and THCA, which later become CBD and THC.
By the time most hemp is harvested, very little CBGA is left, which is why CBG usually makes up less than 1% of the plant. To make CBG oil, producers either harvest earlier or grow varieties bred to keep more CBG.
CBG vs CBD: the key differences
| CBG | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabigerol | Cannabidiol |
| Amount in typical hemp | Usually under 1% | Often the main cannabinoid |
| Causes a high? | No | No |
| Amount of research | Small, mostly lab and animal studies | Much larger, including many human trials |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Legal status in Ireland | Not controlled; novel food rules apply | Not controlled; novel food rules apply |
What does the research say about CBG?
CBG is far less studied than CBD. Most published research has been carried out on cells in the lab or in animals, which tells scientists where to look but does not show what happens in people.
Human research is just beginning. A small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2024 looked at how healthy adults felt after a single dose of CBG, and researchers have also surveyed people who use CBG-rich products. These are interesting first steps, but they are small, short and not enough to draw firm conclusions. Anyone telling you CBG is proven to treat a condition is going well beyond the evidence.
How CBG oil is made
Making CBG oil starts in the field. Growers either harvest hemp earlier, before most of the CBGA has been converted into other cannabinoids, or grow varieties that have been bred to keep high levels of CBG. The plant material is then extracted, usually with CO2 or ethanol, to separate the cannabinoids from the plant. The extract is tested, measured and blended into a carrier oil at a set strength, such as 10% or 20%.
Because CBG-rich hemp is less common and yields less per plant, every step costs more than it does for CBD. That is the main reason CBG oil is priced higher.
What does CBG oil cost in Ireland?
The fairest way to compare oils is cost per milligram: divide the price by the total mg of the cannabinoid. At the time of writing:
| Oil | Total cannabinoid | Price | Cost per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBG Oil 20% | 2000mg CBG | €119.95 | about 6c |
| CBD Oil 20% | 2000mg CBD | €100 | about 5c |
| CBD Oil 10% | 1000mg CBD | €59.95 | about 6c |
If a CBG oil works out at far less than this per mg, ask to see the lab report. It may contain much less CBG than the label suggests.
Is CBG oil legal in Ireland?
CBG is not listed as a controlled drug in Ireland. But like CBD, hemp extracts containing CBG are treated as novel foods under EU law, and no cannabinoid food has yet been authorised in the EU. Irish drugs law also controls THC at any level, so the THC content of a CBG product matters just as much as with CBD. Read our full guide: is CBD oil legal in Ireland?.
Is CBG safe?
There is much less safety data on CBG than on CBD. In the small human studies so far it has been reasonably well tolerated, with occasional reports of dry mouth, drowsiness or changes in appetite. Because CBG is processed by the liver in a similar way to CBD, it may interact with some medicines.
Do not use CBG if you are under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, and speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication, especially blood thinners. See our guide to CBD and blood thinners for why this matters.
How to take CBG oil
- Shake the bottle and fill the dropper.
- Place a few drops under your tongue. With a 20% oil, start with 2 or 3 drops.
- Hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow.
- Take it at the same time each day and keep the same amount for a week before adjusting.
Many people take CBG in the morning or early afternoon as part of their daytime routine, and save CBD or CBN for the evening.
How to choose a good CBG oil
- CBG content in mg per bottle and per drop, clearly stated.
- A lab report for the batch showing the CBG content and the THC result.
- A real company with an Irish or EU address.
- No medical claims. CBG is sold as a food supplement and cannot claim to treat any condition.
CBG is more expensive to make than CBD, so be suspicious of very cheap CBG oils with large mg numbers and no lab report.
Our CBG Oil
Our CBG Oil 20% contains 2000mg of CBG and is our most concentrated cannabinoid oil. The lab report for each batch is on the product page. If you are new to cannabinoids, our CBD Oil 10% Calm is a gentler place to start, and our Muscle & Joint Cream combines 1000mg of CBD with 500mg of CBG for use on the skin.
CBG, CBD, CBN and CBC: a quick guide
- CBD (cannabidiol): the best-known and most studied hemp cannabinoid.
- CBG (cannabigerol): the “mother cannabinoid”, less common and less studied.
- CBN (cannabinol): forms as THC ages; often used in evening products such as our CBN Snooze oil.
- CBC (cannabichromene): another minor cannabinoid, found in our CBC Oil.
Frequently asked questions
What is CBG oil?
CBG oil is an extract of the hemp plant that contains cannabigerol (CBG) as its main cannabinoid, mixed into a carrier oil and taken under the tongue, like CBD oil.
Does CBG get you high?
No. CBG is not intoxicating and does not cause a high. As with any hemp product, check the lab report for THC.
Is CBG legal in Ireland?
CBG is not a controlled drug in Ireland. Like CBD, hemp extracts containing CBG fall under EU novel food rules, and any product containing THC can be treated as a controlled drug. Read our guide: is CBD oil legal in Ireland?
Is CBG better than CBD?
Not better, just different. CBD has far more research behind it. CBG is much less studied, and most of the research so far is in the lab. Some people use one, some use both.
Can I take CBG and CBD together?
Many people do. There is little research on the combination, so start with one, add the other gradually, and speak to your pharmacist if you take any medication.
How much CBG oil should I take?
Follow the label. With a 20% oil, most people start with 2 or 3 drops a day and adjust slowly. Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you take medication.
Why is CBG oil more expensive than CBD oil?
Most hemp contains only small amounts of CBG, so more plant material or specially bred CBG-rich varieties are needed to make it. That makes it more costly to produce.
Does CBG show up on a drug test?
Drug tests look for THC, not CBG. A hemp product that contains THC could cause a positive result, so check the lab report.
How long does CBG oil take to work?
Like CBD oil held under the tongue, most people notice it within 15 to 45 minutes, and the effects usually last a few hours. Taken with food or swallowed, it takes a little longer.
Should I take CBG in the morning or evening?
Many people prefer CBG during the day and CBD or CBN in the evening, but there are no fixed rules. Try a consistent time each day and see what suits you.
Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- Cuttler, C. et al. (2024) “Acute effects of cannabigerol on anxiety, stress, and mood: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial.” Scientific Reports
- Russo, E.B. et al. (2022) “Survey of patients employing cannabigerol-predominant cannabis preparations: perceived medical effects, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Nachnani, R. et al. (2021) “The pharmacological case for cannabigerol.” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
