CBD vs. CBG vs. CBN: How to Choose

CBD, CBG, and CBN get grouped together a lot, and they are easy to mix up. Here is the plain-English version of what each one is and how people decide between them.

What each one is

• CBD (cannabidiol) is the most common cannabinoid in hemp after THC. It is non-intoxicating, so it will not get you high, and it shows up in nearly every kind of product.
• CBG (cannabigerol) is also non-intoxicating. It is nicknamed the “mother cannabinoid” because the plant builds other cannabinoids from it. More in what is CBG.
• CBN (cannabinol) forms as THC ages and breaks down. It is only very mildly active, far milder than THC. More in what is CBN.

None of them produce a THC-style high

This is the main thing that sets the three apart from THC. CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating, and CBN is only very mildly active, so none of the three produce the strong high that THC does.

You will often see them combined with each other, and sometimes with a small amount of THC, in tinctures and other blends. Everyone responds differently, this is educational information and not medical advice, and rules vary and can change.

How to choose between them

Since none of the three produce a THC-style high, choosing is mostly about preference and what you want to try.

• On its own or in a blend: you can buy CBD, CBG, or CBN individually, or pick a product that blends two or three of them together.
• Format: they come as tinctures, gummies, capsules, and more, so choose the format you will actually reach for.
• Read the lab report: a COA lists exactly how much of each cannabinoid is in a product. Here is how to read a COA.

If you are not sure, ask a budtender. Every product we carry has a COA, so you can see what is inside before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CBD, CBG, and CBN?

CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating cannabinoids, and CBN is only very mildly active. CBD is the most common, CBG is the precursor the plant builds other cannabinoids from, and CBN forms as THC ages. None of the three produce the high that THC does.

Do CBD, CBG, or CBN get you high?

CBD and CBG do not get you high. CBN is only very mildly active, far milder than THC. None of the three produce an intoxicating THC-style high.

Can you take CBD, CBG, and CBN together?

Yes. They are often combined in a single product or blend, sometimes with a small amount of THC. Effects are individual and this is not medical advice.

Which should I choose, CBD, CBG, or CBN?

It mostly comes down to preference, since none are intoxicating. Decide whether you want a single cannabinoid or a blend, pick a format you will actually use, and check the COA to see exactly what is inside. A budtender can help you choose.