First Survey of CBG Users: Most Reported It Worked Better Than Conventional Medications | Research

The takeaway

In the first patient survey of cannabigerol (CBG) use, 127 respondents reported using it primarily for anxiety (51%), chronic pain (41%), and depression (33%), with 74-80% claiming it was superior to conventional medications for these conditions.

Cannabis researchers planning clinical trials; patients interested in CBG; clinicians asked about non-THC cannabinoids.

80% of CBG users rated it superior to conventional depression medications

What the researchers found

Most common conditions treated: anxiety (51.2%), chronic pain (40.9%), depression (33.1%), insomnia (30.7%). Majority rated conditions "very much" or "much improved." 73.9% reported CBG superiority over conventional pain medicines, 80% for depression, 73% for insomnia, 78.3% for anxiety. 44% reported no adverse events.

Why it matters

CBG is the least studied of the major cannabinoids despite being called "the mother of all cannabinoids." This is the first systematic data on how people actually use it and what they perceive it does, creating a foundation for designing clinical trials.

The numbers in context

127 eligible participants. 51.2% medical use only. Top conditions: anxiety 51.2%, chronic pain 40.9%, depression 33.1%, insomnia 30.7%. Superiority claims: depression 80%, anxiety 78.3%, chronic pain 73.9%, insomnia 73%. No adverse events: 44%. Most common side effects: dry mouth 16.5%, sleepiness 15%. No withdrawal symptoms: 84.3%.

How the study worked

Online survey of 127 US adults who used CBG-predominant cannabis (>50% CBG content) in the past 6 months. Assessed use patterns, conditions treated, perceived efficacy, adverse events, and withdrawal symptoms.

What this study cannot tell us

Self-selected online survey with no verification of CBG product content or diagnosis. Self-reported superiority over conventional medications is subject to bias. No control group or blinding. 127 respondents is a small sample.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: first survey of its kind but limited by self-selection, no verification, and no control group.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

CBG is emerging as a distinct cannabinoid with its own therapeutic profile. The very high self-reported efficacy rates and benign side-effect profile make a compelling case for randomized controlled trials, which do not yet exist for CBG.

Questions still open

Would randomized trials confirm CBG efficacy for anxiety, pain, and depression? How does CBG compare to CBD in controlled conditions? Is CBG safe for long-term use? What doses are optimal for different conditions?

Common questions

What is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is sometimes called "the mother of all cannabinoids" because it is the precursor from which THC and CBD are biosynthesized in the plant. CBG-predominant products contain more than 50% CBG.

Is CBG better than CBD?

This survey collected self-reports from CBG users only and did not compare CBG to CBD directly. While users reported high efficacy and few side effects, randomized head-to-head trials would be needed to make any comparative claims.

Read the original research

Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 706-716

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Russo, Ethan B; Cuttler, Carrie; Cooper, Ziva D; Stueber, Amanda; Whiteley, Venetia L; Sexton, Michelle. (2022). Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 706-716. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0058