CBG vs. CBD: What's the Difference?

You've probably noticed CBD on nearly every hemp product label. CBG is the one you're just starting to see next to it, and it's worth knowing why.

CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, while CBG is rare, since most of it converts into CBD, THC, and CBC as the plant matures. CBD supports general calm and everyday balance, while CBG is often chosen to help maintain a positive mood and manage everyday stress.* Both are non-intoxicating and come from the same hemp plant.

Quick Comparison

Key Differences Between CBG and CBD

CBG and CBD share the same plant source but differ in how much of each the hemp plant actually produces. CBD is abundant. It's the most common cannabinoid in hemp, which is part of why it's so widely available. CBG is rare by comparison.

As hemp matures, most of its CBGA converts into CBD, THC, and CBC, leaving only a small amount behind as CBG. That scarcity is why CBG costs more to extract and why it's newer to most people's routines.*

The two are also chosen for different reasons. CBD is chosen for general calm and everyday balance.* It's also a widely available starting point for someone new to cannabinoids. CBG is often chosen to help maintain a positive mood and manage everyday stress.* It tends to appeal to people who already have an established CBD routine and want to add other cannabinoids to their routine.* Neither cannabinoid is intoxicating, and neither will get you high.*

Timing and Routine: When People Take Each One

CBD works as an any-time addition to a wellness routine, whether that's morning, midday, or night. CBG fits into a routine the same way, and many people add it alongside CBD rather than swapping one for the other.

Those who keep both on hand often use CBD as a steady daily baseline and add CBG specifically when they want extra support for positive mood and everyday stress management.* If you're deciding what to try first,  our guide to what CBG is breaks down the cannabinoid on its own in more depth, including how NuLeaf Naturals sources and formulates it.

Which One Should You Try First?

CBD is the more researched, more widely available starting point. Once you're comfortable with a CBD routine, CBG is a reasonable next step when positive mood and everyday stress management are the goal*. There's no strict order requirement. Some people start with CBG directly, particularly if calm isn't their main goal*.

Can You Take CBG and CBD Together?

Yes. Full-spectrum and multicannabinoid products already combine them, since hemp naturally contains both. NuLeaf Naturals formulates its Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBG Oil from the same whole-plant extraction process, so using them together is common practice.

This reflects what's known as the entourage effect: the idea that hemp's naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes work together rather than in isolation. If you want to see how a third cannabinoid fits into the picture, our full CBD, CBN, and CBG comparison walks through a day-and-night routine built around all three.

How NuLeaf Naturals Formulates CBD and CBG

NuLeaf Naturals' Full Spectrum CBD Oil contains full spectrum hemp extract and organic virgin hemp seed oil, at a potency of 60mg/mL, with a suggested serving of 10 drops (30mg) daily. The CBG Oil is formulated the same way, at the same 60mg/mL potency and the same 10-drop serving size, so switching between the two or using them together doesn't require relearning a new dosing routine. For a closer look at how the CBG side of that formula is built, see our full breakdown of CBG oil.

For anyone who wants to avoid THC entirely, NuLeaf Naturals' Broad Spectrum CBD Oil uses a USDA Certified Organic broad spectrum distillate instead of full spectrum extract, at the same 10-drop (30mg) serving size. Both CBD and CBG products go through third-party lab testing, and each batch's Certificate of Analysis is available for lookup before purchase.

Choosing Between CBD and CBG for Your Goals

• If general, everyday balance is what you're after: CBD is the more established option, and it's formulated to fit into a routine at any time of day.
• If positive mood and everyday stress management* are the goal: CBG is the more targeted choice, and it fits into a routine at any time of day.
• If you already take CBD and want to add something new: CBG is a common next step, and full-spectrum products already contain both, so you don't need two separate bottles to get the combination.
• If you're also curious about other minor cannabinoids: CBD vs. CBN covers how CBN compares for evening use, which rounds out the picture alongside CBD and CBG.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.