What is CBG? (And Why It's in Our Coffee)
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from the hemp plant, often called the mother cannabinoid because other cannabinoids including CBD are synthesized from it during the plant's growth. In young hemp plants CBG is abundant, but as the plant matures most of it converts into CBD, CBC, and other compounds. That makes CBG relatively rare, and extracting it requires harvesting earlier or using selectively bred strains. Buddha Beans was the first coffee company to infuse CBG into coffee, alongside CBD, in dedicated product lines.
How CBG differs from CBD
Both are non-psychoactive and both come from hemp, but they interact with the body differently. CBD tends to work indirectly, influencing the endocannabinoid system without strongly binding to its main receptors. CBG, according to research published in the Journal of Natural Products and elsewhere, appears to bind more directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, the same sites the body's own endocannabinoids engage. The practical difference for most customers is subtle, but many report CBG feels slightly more focused where CBD feels more calming.
CBD vs CBG quick comparison
| CBD | CBG | |
|---|---|---|
| Psychoactive? | No | No |
| Abundance in mature hemp | High | Low (usually under 1% by weight) |
| Receptor interaction | Indirect modulation | Direct CB1 and CB2 binding |
| Subjective effect (customer reports) | Calm, relaxed, reduced anxiety | Focused, clear, steady |
| Typical cost | Moderate | Higher (harder to produce) |
Why Buddha Beans was first to put CBG in coffee
By 2021 the CBD coffee category had several entrants, but nobody was selling CBG coffee. We worked with our hemp partners in Oregon to source CBG extract and extended the ZenFusion process to accommodate it. The first production runs shipped in small batches to test consumer response, and the CBG line is now a permanent part of our lineup.
Buddha Beans CBG products
- Colombia CBG + CBD: 150mg CBG and 150mg CBD per 12oz bag, from $25
- Black Label CBG + CBD: 300mg CBG and 300mg CBD per 12oz bag, from $37
Is CBG coffee legal?
Yes, in the United States. CBG derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, the same law that legalized hemp-derived CBD. Every batch is third-party lab tested and verified to contain zero detectable THC.
Related terms
FDA disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
