How To Use CBG For Pain According To Experts

CBG: another pain-relieving cannabinoid.

Rachel Abela

Pain is universal. It affects millions of people worldwide, and finding effective relief without a long list of side effects remains one of healthcare’s biggest challenges.

With the opioid epidemic at its peak—over 80,000 opioid overdoses annually in the US alone—people are starting to look for alternative treatment methods for effective pain relief without addiction risk and other adverse effects.

There’s been growing interest around cannabigerol (CBG), and it might be worth trying. Here’s what you need to know about this naturally occurring cannabinoid and why cannabinoid based pain treatments and other opioid alternatives are on the rise.

How Does CBG Help With Pain?

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Just like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network that helps regulate pain, mood, and inflammation. CBG specifically binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, playing a role in how the body processes pain signals.

Here’s what the research says:

CBG Stops Pain Signals

Scientists at Yale found that CBG can block a key protein Nav1.8, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the body to the brain.

Out of all the cannabinoids tested, CBG was the most effective at blocking these signals and slowing down how pain travels through your nervous system. Importantly, researchers found that CBG was the least likely cannabinoid to cause dependence.

CBG Fights Inflammation & Protects Nerves

CBG’s interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors also helps reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells from damage.

Early research suggests this could be especially helpful for painful inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic muscle pain.

CBG Works Best For Neuropathic Pain

Studies show CBG works particularly well for neuropathic pain—the type of pain caused by nerve damage or irritation. Nerve pain is notoriously difficult to treat with conventional medications, which makes CBG an appealing option for those who haven’t found relief elsewhere.

While research suggests CBG may be less effective for other types of pain, like general aches or pain triggered by heat or pressure, its ability to target nerve-related discomfort sets it apart.

Another major advantage of CBG is that it’s non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t cause mind-altering effects. That makes it a promising option for those seeking daily pain relief without feeling impaired — a key factor for anyone managing chronic conditions.

Finding Your CBG Dose For Pain Management

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First time taking CBG on its own? Don’t let this cannabinoid intimidate you. It’s not like THC, where you’ll immediately know if you’ve had too much.

CBG is generally well-tolerated, even at higher doses. Here’s how to find your perfect dose for pain management:

Starting Dose Recommendations

Although CBG isn’t psychoactive, it’s best to have a more conservative approach, especially for first-timers.

Start with 5-10mg of CBG twice daily and gradually increase until you’re satisfied with the resulting effects. Most people find relief between 15-45mg daily, though some with severe pain may need higher doses.

Factors Affecting Dosage

Pain intensity: More severe pain might need higher doses
Body weight: Higher body mass generally requires higher dosages
Metabolism: Individual metabolism affects processing speed
Type of pain: Neuropathic pain versus inflammatory pain could respond differently
Delivery method: Tinctures, capsules, and topicals have different onset of effects and bioavailability

Delivery Methods For Pain Relief

Sublingual tinctures: For the second fastest effects, tinctures kick in within 15-30 minutes
Topicals: For localized pain, creams and balms provide targeted relief without full-body effects
Capsules: Offer longer-lasting effects (4-6 hours) but slower onset (45-90 minutes)
Vaporized flower: Fastest onset (minutes) but shorter experience (2-3 hours)

It’s no secret that many find relief using CBG for pain and reducing overall pain sensation. But what else? How does CBG make you feel?

Turns out, CBD and CBG have a lot in common. They’re both great for general relaxation, lowering anxiety, and addressing chronic pain conditions. But CBG stands out in other ways:

Increased alertness: Improved focus without the occasional anxiety of THC
Stable mood: Boosted mood without euphoria or feeling high
Muscle relaxation: Reduces physical tension without drowsiness
Mental clarity: Different from pain medications that can cloud thinking
Reduced anxiety: Calming effects without feeling tired

It’s worth noting that CBG is most effective when used with other cannabinoids, like THC, CBD, CBN, and more. Together, they produce something called the entourage effect, where different cannabis compounds enhance each other’s effects for a more balanced, therapeutic experience.

Other Surprising CBG Benefits

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CBG benefits go far beyond pain relief. Here’s what you didn’t know:

General:

Non-intoxicating option for pain management
May help modulate pain signals by targeting Nav1.8 protein
Shows promising analgesic properties in early studies

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits:

Potential anti-inflammatory effects with fewer side effects than traditional medications
May help manage inflammatory conditions like IBD and arthritis
Could modulate immune system response rather than suppressing it

Unique Notes:

Acts across multiple bodily systems simultaneously (nervous, immune, cardiovascular, sensory)
Demonstrates antibacterial properties, including effectiveness against MRSA

Be sure to check out our full guide on maximizing the effects of CBG for different uses beyond pain relief.