Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol (CBG), 'mother of cannabinoids': biosynthetic precursor of CBD and THC, present in small quantity in mature plant.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid of Cannabis sativa L. It is often called 'mother of cannabinoids' because its acid form CBGA is the biosynthetic precursor of the main cannabinoids: CBD, THC, CBC, CBN.
It was first isolated in 1964 by Yehiel Gaoni and Raphael Mechoulam — the same year THC was identified.
Plant biosynthesis
In the young hemp plant, CBGA accumulates in the glandular trichomes. Specific enzymes — synthases — then transform it:
- THCA synthase → THCA (precursor of THC)
- CBDA synthase → CBDA (precursor of CBD)
- CBCA synthase → CBCA (precursor of CBC)
In a mature classic plant, almost all CBGA has been converted. The residual rate is therefore low (often < 1%), which makes CBG a 'minor' cannabinoid in practice.
CBG-dominant varieties
Since the 2010s, specialized breeders have developed CBG-dominant cultivars — selected to block conversion enzymes and accumulate CBGA. These cultivars can contain 5 to 15% CBG.
Examples: White CBG, CBG Force, Stem Cell CBG.
This selection allows producing dedicated CBG extracts at viable cost.
Pharmacological properties
CBG research is more recent than that of CBD, but several areas are explored:
- CB1 and CB2 receptor binding : low
- Action on alpha-2 adrenergic and 5-HT1A receptors : in vitro studies
- Antibacterial properties : in vitro studies on resistant strains (MRSA)
- Action on glaucoma : exploratory studies (intraocular pressure)
⚠️ As with all cannabinoids, no therapeutic claim is authorized in France outside of approved medicines (none for CBG to date).
Legal status
CBG follows the same legal regime as CBD in France:
- Legal if extracted from a hemp variety < 0.3% THC
- Subject to DGAL controls if marketed as food (CBG gummies banned 15 May 2026)
- Authorized in cosmetics without prior authorization
- For food supplements, Novel Food (EU 2015/2283) framework applies
CBG vs CBD : differences
| Criterion | CBD | CBG | |---|---|---| | Origin | from CBGA via CBDA synthase | direct from CBGA | | Quantity in classic plant | 8-20% (mature) | < 1% (mature) | | Production cost | low | high (rare cultivars or early harvest) | | Aromatic profile | varied | often herbaceous, slightly bitter | | Legal status FR | legal | legal (same regime) |
Practical use
CBG appears mainly in:
- Specific CBG oils (often 5-10% CBG)
- Mixed CBD/CBG oils to enrich entourage effect
- Flowers from CBG-dominant cultivars (rarer, more expensive)
- CBG cosmetics (creams, balms)