CBG and CBD are mostly non-toxic and not harmful to the body system. In some cases, taking small doses of CBG might not be effective for its purpose. This brings us to the question of overdose on CBG. There is no adequate research to determine the particular dose for a particular health condition. However, there are some reports on the side effects of overdose on CBG by some users. It shows that it is possible to overdose on CBG. This article explores how to dose on CBG, side effects of overdose on CBG, and so on.
What is CBG?
CBG stands for cannabigerol, and it’s a cannabinoid naturally produced in hemp and marijuana plants.
CBG is the “mother cannabinoid” to CBD and THC. Early flowering hemp plants will have a higher concentration of CBG and as the plant matures, it transforms into either THC, CBD, or CBC.
Because most cannabis plants are harvested in the mature flowering phase, there isn’t much CBG left in the plants, so this cannabinoid often went under the radar as a minor cannabinoid.
What makes CBG so special?
Our bodies naturally produce a collection of neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body by regulating vital systems.
When we consume additional cannabinoids from cannabis plants, we strengthen the endocannabinoid system, which can add many positive benefits to our overall wellbeing. CBD, THC, and CBG are notable cannabis-produced compounds that have been widely investigated for their interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
A number of studies have linked CBG to unique benefits including supporting healthy inflammatory function in the gut, memory, and appetite, and combating the psychoactive effects of THC. While the research for the benefits of CBG is still new and continues to unfold, it’s showing promising potential and we can expect to see more hemp products featuring it.
How to get the right dose for CBG
Unfortunately, there is no precise drop-by-drop instruction on how to properly dose CBG. Dosing CBD and CBG are personal affairs as dosage can depend on a wide variety of factors, including:
- Age
- Baseline health
- Underlying conditions
- Cannabis experience
Only you can determine your ideal doses for cannabis products — but the best rule of thumb is to start low and go slow, just like with CBD dosing.
Each brand will usually label in MG or a percentage of how much CBD or CBG is in the product. If it’s not listed — check the lab results on the website. Always look for the product’s recommended dose and start on the lower end of the spectrum and gradually build up until you reach your desired effects.
Gradually introducing the product into your system can help you to get used to the compound and help you avoid any adverse side effects.
Side effects of overdose on CBG
- TIREDNESS
It shouldn’t surprise too many people to see tiredness at the top of the list for CBG side effects. After all, one of the most popular reasons for taking hemp in the first place is for sleep. So, some may feel that tiredness is a welcome side effect when consuming a cannabinoid.
But, extremely high doses of CBG can produce feelings of fatigue and grogginess, and this is due to the unique properties of the compound. Therefore, if you’re taking CBG for the first time, make sure that you do so at night, or when you know that you have nothing going on for a few hours. This way, if tiredness strikes, you’ll be able to simply lie down and rest until it passes.
- DIARRHEA
Some people say that high doses of CBG can produce diarrhea. This is probably due to the fact that the digestive system is telling the body that it doesn’t need such a high volume of the compound. It’s likely that the risk of diarrhea is higher when consuming CBG in the form of an edible, as this allows the CBG to interact directly with the digestive tract.
- DRY MOUTH
A lot of us are familiar with the side effect of dry mouth after consuming cannabis. Interestingly, this isn’t a sign of dehydration, as many people think. In fact, there are cannabinoid receptors in our salivary glands. So consuming cannabis can temporarily impact their ability to produce saliva. If you are experiencing dry mouth as a result of taking CBG, you can drink some water as this should help. Other than that, you can simply wait it out, as it usually passes when the CBG is no longer active in the body.
- CHANGES IN APPETITE
Changes in appetite can occur whenever a person consumes cannabis. Certain compounds in cannabis seem to suppress the appetite, while others can boost the appetite. How CBG affects you in terms of your appetite can vary. In other words, high doses of CBG can either make you wish to eat more or make you feel like you have no interest in eating at all. Again, this should pass after the CBG is no longer active within the body.
- CHANGES IN WEIGHT
Some people have reported changes in weight after taking CBG in high doses over a fairly long period of time. We believe that this likely has to do with CBG’s potential effects on appetite, rather than metabolism.
Factors to consider to avoid an overdose on CBG
Dosing a CBG extract isn’t as straightforward as many people would like it to be. It will simply come down to trial and error.
Here are a few outside factors that can affect your CBG dosage:
- The Brand:
You may have different ratios of the cannabinoid in your Full Spectrum or THC-Free Broad-Spectrum product. This depends on the strain and the product formula,
- Liver metabolism:
This all comes down to your genetics and how fast your liver can metabolize compounds. Different rates of your liver metabolism can affect how much CBG you should take and how long it will stay in your system.
- Reason for using CBG:
Your dose can depend on the desired effects you’re looking for when using a CBD or CBG product. Some instances will require lower doses, like for supporting mental focus, while improving sleep and stress typically require higher doses.
- Product you’re taking:
A CBG oil taken sublingually will get to work quite quickly (15 minutes). It will last for a shorter amount of time (2-3 hours). While CBG gummies will take a longer time to kick in (45 minutes) and have longer-lasting effects (up to 7 hours).
