I’m sure you’ve heard of CBD, but how much do you know about CBG? The non-psychoactive cannabinoid is the latest therapeutic powerhouse from the hemp plant, and now you can enjoy it with all the benefits of the entourage effect. Full-spectrum CBG oil is still relatively rare compared to its CBD alternative, but several brands are now making world-class CBG tinctures.
I’ll start with my top five products before deep diving into CBG!
1. NuLeaf Naturals – Full Spectrum CBG Oil
Unrivaled and unbeaten, NuLeaf Naturals has developed a truly fantastic full-spectrum CBG oil. Harnessing proprietary genetics, NuLeaf uses hemp rich in CBD, CBC, and CBN in addition to CBG, maximizing the entourage effect.
And that’s not all – this tincture contains terpenes, essential oils, and other crucial phytonutrients. NuLeaf monitors the cultivation process, from seed to harvest, and manufactures its tinctures following the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.
In terms of quality and purity, this full-spectrum CBG oil is unmatched. NuLeaf’s tincture is made with organic, non-GMO hemp and is third-party approved.
Strengths available: 300mg (60mg/ml), 900mg (60mg/ml), 1800mg (60mg/ml)
2. CBDistillery – Daytime Synergy CBG + CBD 1:1 Tincture (1000mg)
An established name in the legal hemp market, CBDistillery has a glowing reputation for its awesome tinctures. This Daytime Synergy CBG + CBD 1:1 Tincture is an awesome addition to their collection.
Made with a whole-plant hemp extract, fractionated coconut oil rich in MCTs, natural terpenes, and an extra dash of CBG, the Daytime Synergy tincture is bursting with flavor and therapeutic effects.
Each full dropper (1ml serving) contains an even ratio of CBG to CBD, with 16.7mg of each cannabinoid. This non-GMO product is certified by the US Hemp Authority and has passed third-party checks.
3. Plant People – CBD + CBG Drops + Relief
This herbal supplement tincture from Plant People consists of a full-plant hemp extract, turmeric rich in curcumin, and a myriad of synergistic botanicals. These ingredients combine to create a potent and well-balanced CBD and CBG tincture.
Wild orange, ginger, and black pepper extract increase the anti-inflammatory value. Meanwhile, the MCT-rich coconut oil and hemp seed oil offer additional bioavailability and health benefits.
Plant People has put a lot of thought into this full-spectrum CBG oil, and I’m impressed with the results. Third-party tested and approved.
Strengths available: Starter (360mg – 12mg/ml), Standard (720mg – 24mg/ml), Strong (1440mg – 48mg/ml)
4. Kiara – Full Spectrum CBG + CBD Oil
Feeling stressed out or struggling to sleep at night? Kiara’s Full-Spectrum CBG + CBD Oil could be just the tonic. Made with pharmaceutical-grade hemp extract and an MCT-rich carrier oil, this Swiss tincture is both pure and potent.
Sized at 10ml, Kiara’s full-spectrum oil contains up to 500mg of crude CBG extract and 1000mg of CBD. The hemp used is rich in myrcene, a terpene associated with improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
This product is third-party approved, cGMP-certified, and made in a Swiss medic-approved facility.
5. LeafyWell – 1000mg CBG Oil with Terpenes
With high quantities of CBG, CBD, CBN, CBC, and CBL, there’s no doubt that LeafyWell’s full-spectrum CBG oil brings out the entourage effect. Organic and boasting a smooth texture and taste, this tincture also contains delicious monk fruit agave.
Each 30ml tincture consists of 500mg CBG and CBD and delivers almost 17mg of each cannabinoid per serving. The MCT carrier oil provides a handy bioavailability boost, and the full-spectrum extract used is rich in terpenes.
LeafyWell CBG oils offer relaxing, indica-style effects. The Blueberry and Watermelon tinctures contain Blueberry OG and Watermelon OG terpenes, respectively. Third-party approved with less than 0.3% THC.
What is Full-Spectrum CBG Oil?
Full-spectrum CBG oil contains a whole-plant hemp extract rich in cannabigerol (CBG) with less than 0.3% THC. Most full-spectrum hemp products have high levels of CBD, but the benefits of CBG are too important to be ignored.
A secondary cannabinoid typically found in small concentrations, CBG has earned the “mother of all cannabinoids” nickname. In the early stages of cultivation, hemp plants contain large amounts of CBG before later converting mostly into CBD and THC.
Generally, CBG makes up less than 1% of a hemp plant’s total cannabinoid content. CBG is non-psychoactive, so you can’t get stoned with it. Instead, CBG serves a purely therapeutic purpose.
A weak partial CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist, CBG promotes endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulation. Research suggests the compound may have pain-killing properties and reduce inflammation. CBG has also demonstrated antibiotic potential in preliminary trials.
Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum Hemp
Tinctures containing full-spectrum or whole-plant hemp extracts combine all the plant’s compounds. In the context of CBG oil, that includes CBG, CBD, secondary cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and phytonutrients.
In contrast, in CBG-isolate tinctures, CBG is the only active therapeutic agent. But full-spectrum tinctures are not simply about including extra compounds; studies indicate that cannabinoids are greater than the sum of their parts when taken in unison.
This unique cannabinoid synergy is known as the “entourage effect.” In a nutshell, all these cannabinoids work together to enhance therapeutic relief and promote better ECS regulation.
However, full-spectrum CBG oil isn’t ideal for everyone. Naturally, a whole-plant hemp extract will contain traces of THC. In the US, hemp products can legally have up to 0.3% THC. While unlikely, daily users of strong full-spectrum hemp products could return a positive drug test.
Those worried about drug tests may prefer broad-spectrum or CBG-isolate tinctures. The former preserves much of the entourage effect with a full slate of cannabinoids, barring the THC. But inevitably, products without that fraction of THC aren’t quite as therapeutic.
How to Take Full-Spectrum CBG Oil
You can take CBG tinctures sublingually for fast-acting and intense relief. Just apply a few drops of CBG oil under the tongue and hold for 30 seconds or so to get the benefits of sublingual absorption.
For more gradual and discreet CBG effects, add a few drops of oil to your beverage. This masks the flavor, and CBG taken via oral consumption provides sustained benefits for several hours. Keep in mind that taking tinctures this way delays the onset of effects.
Applying CBG oil to the skin may offer localized pain and inflammation relief. Topical application administers cannabinoids directly to the affected area. However, this method only works for physical complaints and cannot be used to alleviate anxiety or stress.
What to Look For When Buying Full-Spectrum CBG Oil
Ready to purchase your first full-spectrum CBG oil product? Before you do, I have some top tips to share on what you should be looking for. And once again, there’s no better place to start than my top five – the likes of NuLeaf and CBDistillery are among the best in the industry.
Third-Party Lab Reports
Never buy CBG oil products that haven’t received third-party authentication. In the hemp scene, it’s up to independent laboratories and well-intentioned brands to monitor the market, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate.
Because THC is present, full-spectrum oils are more likely to be illegal than other hemp-derived products. A third-party test checks THC content and that companies are being truthful about how much CBG and CBD are in their products.
Independent labs also carry out a variety of purity checks, testing for pesticides, mycotoxins, solvents, and heavy metals. As a bio-accumulator, hemp often sucks up unwanted compounds from the soil when growing, which must be removed during extraction.
Buying third-party tested products keeps you safe and offers protection from scammers. The highest-quality brands may also have cGMP certification, but you should still check for third-party certificates of analysis.
High Bioavailability
Full-spectrum CBG oil with high bioavailability is more potent than standard CBG oil. Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a substance that ultimately becomes active in the bloodstream.
The leading CBG oil brands use carrier oils rich in medium-chained triglycerides (MCTs), such as fractionated coconut oil. MCTs boost CBG’s bioavailability by enhancing solubility and minimizing first-pass metabolism.
Some full-spectrum CBG oils are water-soluble and utilize nanotechnology, which also increases bioavailability. Don’t be put off by a low total CBG count – highly bioavailable tinctures go further than you might think.
Product Potency
That said, overall product potency still matters. Working out the cost per milligram will help you decide which CBG oil to pick. First-timers should look for lower-strength products. But don’t write off potent tinctures – you can always take fewer drops if necessary.
Check the CBG to CBD ratio before buying. Some brands opt for an even 1:1 mix, while others are infused with much more CBG than CBD. Expect to pay more for tincture oils with high concentrations of CBG.
Proprietary Genetics
Hemp companies like NuLeaf make tincture oils using secret hemp strains cultivated with proprietary genetics. These strains are rich in secondary cannabinoids, such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabicyclol (CBL).
Unsurprisingly, tinctures with above-average levels of secondary cannabinoids are more effective. The additional therapeutic properties justify the higher price tags, especially given the enhanced entourage effect offered by these products.
How to Store Your Full-Spectrum CBG Oil
Keep your full-spectrum CBG oil in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. CBG oil left in the sun will lose potency due to UV degradation. After use, ensure the bottle cap is tightly fastened to prevent air leakage and oxidation, affecting potency.
CBG oil is non-intoxicating and safe, but I still recommend storing it out of reach of children. Full-spectrum tinctures have a small amount of THC and could be harmful to minors.
How Long Does Full-Spectrum CBG Oil Last?
Sublingual absorption of CBG oil produces effects for up to three or four hours. CBG oil taken in a beverage can provide relief for up to eight hours. Regular CBG users may need to consume higher dosages more regularly due to increased tolerance.
If you’re new to CBG, start with a low dosage. As you become accustomed to the effects, gradually up your intake until you reach an optimum dose. With this approach, you’ll never take more than you need, and you’ll have the most economical experience possible.
Purchasing CBG Oil Online vs. Shops Near Me
Full-spectrum CBG oil is increasingly on the radar of convenience stores, headshops, and health stores – although it’s not as well-known as CBD. But I much prefer buying CBG oil online as opposed to brick-and-mortar stores, primarily for safety reasons.
Third-party testing is critical to weed out low-quality companies and scammers. However, convenience stores and gas stations often don’t care about what they are stocking and don’t know how to tell a good CBG product from a bad one.
Price is another factor. Online vendors have fewer operating costs than brick-and-mortar stores and inevitably offer better value. You should be very suspicious if you see CBG products on sale at a local store for super low prices. There’s a good chance it’ll be fake.
