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.
CBG questions, answered
Is CBG stronger than CBD?
Not stronger, different. CBG binds more directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors while CBD works more indirectly. Both are non-intoxicating, and neither produces a high.
Why does CBG cost more than CBD?
Hemp produces only 1 to 2 percent CBG versus 15 to 25 percent CBD, so extracting CBG takes far more raw plant material. That scarcity is why CBG products carry a premium.
Does Buddha Beans make CBG products?
Yes. We launched CBG-infused specialty coffee in 2021, one of the first roasters to do it. Browse the CBG coffee hub, shop the CBG coffee collection, or try the water-soluble CBG tincture in 300mg and 900mg strengths.
Is CBG legal?
CBG derived from hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Related terms
- CBG coffee: products, dosage, and how we make it
- What is CBD Coffee?
- What is ZenFusion?
- About CBD, how it works, and what the science says
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.
Reviewed by Marc Narrie, Founder and Head Roaster, Buddha Beans Coffee Co. Last updated July 2026.
