[5][6] The compound is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are biosynthesized.

[8] Some strains, however, produce larger amounts of CBG and CBGA, while having low quantities of other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD.

[2] Safety concerns have been raised due to the potent activation of α2-adrenergic receptors by CBG, which may produce sedation and potentially undesirable cardiovascular effects like decreased heart rate and blood pressure.

[2][1][13] Activation of the α2-adrenergic receptor by CBG might produce effects including sedation, dry mouth, and decreased heart rate and blood pressure.

[17][18] In Switzerland, it is legal to produce hemp rich in CBG as a tobacco substitute, as long as its THC content remains below 1.0%.

[19] As of 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration has issued numerous warning letters to American companies for illegally marketing cannabis supplement products,[17] including one selling CBG products with unproven illegal claims of efficacy against the COVID-19 virus and inflammation.

[20] The biosynthesis of CBG begins by loading hexanoyl-CoA onto a polyketide synthase assembly protein and subsequent condensation with three molecules of malonyl-CoA.

[2][12][22] A clinical trial published in July 2024 assessed the effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood.