Last updated: October 2026
CBD is the cannabinoid most people have heard of. CBG is the one more and more people are asking us about. They come from the same plant, they’re both sold as oils in Ireland, and neither will make you feel high, so it’s natural to wonder what the difference actually is and whether you need one, the other or both. This guide explains CBG and CBD in plain English: where each comes from, how they compare, how the oils are made and labelled, how people use them and how to choose.
The short answer
- CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant non-intoxicating cannabinoid in most hemp grown today. It’s widely available, well studied and the backbone of most CBD oils, gummies and capsules.
- CBG (cannabigerol) is a cannabinoid the plant makes early in its growth. Most of it is converted into other cannabinoids as the plant matures, so mature hemp usually contains only a small amount. That scarcity is why CBG oils are less common and cost more.
- Neither is “better”. They’re different compounds. Some people take CBD on its own, some take CBG on its own and some take both.
Where CBG comes from: the “mother cannabinoid”
CBG is sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid”, and the nickname is fairly accurate. As a hemp plant grows, it produces a compound called CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). Enzymes in the plant then convert most of that CBGA into the acid forms of other cannabinoids, including CBDA, which becomes CBD, and THCA, which becomes THC. By the time a typical hemp plant is harvested, most of the CBGA has already been converted, leaving only a small percentage as CBG.
To make a CBG oil, producers either harvest certain plants earlier or use hemp varieties bred to keep more CBG. Either way, it takes more plant material and more work to get a meaningful amount of CBG, which is reflected in the price.
CBG vs CBD at a glance
| CBD | CBG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cannabidiol | Cannabigerol |
| Amount in mature hemp | Usually the main cannabinoid | Usually a small amount |
| Makes you feel high? | No | No |
| Amount of research | Much more | Less, though growing |
| Availability | Very common | Less common |
| Typical price per mg | Lower | Higher |
| Formats | Oils, gummies, capsules, balms, creams | Mostly oils; some creams |
Do CBG and CBD feel different?
People describe their experiences of CBD and CBG in different ways, and everyone responds differently. What we can say honestly is that they are distinct compounds, so it makes sense that some people prefer one over the other or like to use both. We don’t make claims about what either will do for you. In Ireland, CBD and CBG oils are sold as food supplements, not medicines, and a reputable seller won’t promise specific results.
If you’re curious, the sensible approach is the same for both: start with a modest amount, take it at the same time each day, keep a short note of how you get on, and give it a couple of weeks before changing anything.
Is the research on CBG as strong as CBD?
No. CBD has been studied far more than CBG, including in human studies. Research on CBG is at an earlier stage, with much of it in laboratory and animal studies. That doesn’t mean CBG isn’t interesting; it means there is less evidence about it in people, so be cautious of anyone making confident promises about it. If you want a cannabinoid with the largest body of research behind it, CBD is the more established choice.
How CBG and CBD oils are labelled
Both types of oil are labelled the same way, which makes them easy to compare:
- Percentage: how concentrated the oil is. In a 10ml bottle, 5% is about 500mg and 20% is about 2,000mg.
- Total mg: the amount of the cannabinoid in the whole bottle. Check which cannabinoid the number refers to; a CBG oil should state its CBG content.
- Per drop: a 10ml bottle holds roughly 200 drops, so a 2,000mg oil gives about 10mg per drop.
- Lab report: an independent test showing the cannabinoid content and checks for heavy metals and pesticides. See our guide on how to read a CBD lab report.
Our CBG and CBD oils compared
| Oil | Total | Per drop | Typical daily amount | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% CBD oil | 1,000mg CBD | 5mg | 5 drops (25mg) | €59.95 |
| 20% CBD oil | 2,000mg CBD | 10mg | 3–5 drops (30–50mg) | €100 |
| 5% CBG oil | 500mg CBG | 2.5mg | around 8 drops | €32.95 |
| 20% CBG oil | 2,000mg CBG | 10mg | 3–4 drops (30–40mg) | €119.95, with free Lion’s Mane drops |
Can you take CBG and CBD together?
Many people do. Some take a few drops of each at the same time; others take CBG in the morning and CBD in the evening. If you combine them, keep it simple: introduce one at a time so you know how you get on with each, and keep your amounts modest. If you take any medication, speak to your GP or pharmacist first, because cannabinoids can interact with some medicines.
How to choose between CBG and CBD
A few practical questions help:
- Are you new to cannabinoids? Most people start with CBD, because it’s the most established and the most affordable per mg. A 10% CBD oil is the usual first step.
- Already take CBD and curious about CBG? Try adding a CBG oil alongside it, or swap for a few weeks and see which you prefer.
- Is budget a factor? CBD gives you more mg for your money. CBG costs more per mg because there’s less of it in the plant.
- Do you prefer no taste? CBD comes as capsules and gummies; CBG is mostly sold as an oil.
What about THC?
Both CBD and CBG come from hemp, and hemp naturally contains small amounts of THC. Choose products whose lab report shows THC “not detected”. Every CBD product we stock is THC-free, and every batch of our oils is independently tested.
How to take CBG or CBD oil
- Shake the bottle well.
- Place the drops under your tongue.
- Hold them there for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow.
- Take them at the same time each day.
- Store the bottle somewhere cool and dark with the lid tightly closed.
Where to buy CBG oil in Ireland
CBG oil is still less common in Irish shops than CBD. Online, look for a seller who states the CBG content in mg, shows an independent lab report and gives a named company you can contact. CBD Éire stocks CBG oil in 5% and 20% strengths, made by the Irish CBD company Dr. Hemp Me. Order before 2pm on a working day for next-day delivery anywhere in Ireland, with free delivery over €50 and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
CBG and CBD in creams and balms
Cannabinoids aren’t only taken by mouth. Some skin products combine both: our Soothe cream, for example, contains CBD and CBG alongside arnica, peppermint and ginger root, and is used for massage. Topicals are applied to the skin rather than swallowed, so they’re a different kind of product from oils, and many people use one of each. As with any cosmetic, patch-test first and keep it away from your eyes and broken skin.
Common mistakes when comparing CBG and CBD
- Comparing bottle prices instead of mg. A cheaper CBG bottle may simply contain less CBG.
- Not checking which cannabinoid the mg refers to. Some products labelled “CBG” contain mostly CBD with a little CBG. The lab report shows the real split.
- Changing too much at once. If you start CBG and change your CBD amount in the same week, you won’t know which change made a difference to your routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CBG and CBD?
Both are cannabinoids from hemp. CBD is usually the main cannabinoid in mature hemp; CBG is made early in the plant’s growth and mostly converted into other cannabinoids, so there’s much less of it. Neither makes you high.
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
Not in a simple sense. They’re different compounds, so “stronger” depends only on how many mg are in the product. Compare the mg per drop on the label.
Why is CBG oil more expensive?
Mature hemp contains only a small amount of CBG, so it takes more plant material or special varieties to produce a CBG oil.
Can I take CBG and CBD at the same time?
Many people do. Introduce one at a time, keep the amounts modest and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
Will CBG make me high?
No. CBG is not intoxicating.
Is CBG sold in Ireland?
Yes. CBG oils are sold in Ireland as food supplements, mostly online.
Which should I try first, CBG or CBD?
Most people start with CBD because it’s the most established and the best value per mg. If you already take CBD, adding or trying CBG is a simple next step.
CBD and CBG products are food supplements, not medicines, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Not for under-18s, or if pregnant or breastfeeding. Check with your GP or pharmacist before use if you take medication.