CBG & Exercise: Can you Take CBG for Pre-Workout?

If you’ve been researching a new way to enhance your workout routine, you might have heard about CBG. Short for cannabigerol, CBG is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.

It might not be as well-known as CBD or THC, but more people are exploring it as part of their pre-workout and even recovery routines.

What Is CBG and Why Are People Using It as a Preworkout?

CBG is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because it’s the precursor to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD in the cannabis plant. CBG is most abundant in young, flowering plants, and as the plant matures, it transforms into THC and CBD, so by the time the plant matures, there's not much left, which is likely why it hasn't gained much attention until now.

People use CBG before workouts because it’s thought to support focus, energy, and mood. Unlike THC, CBG won't get you high, making it a more approachable option for those new to cannabinoids.

It won't act like a typical pre-workout that contains stimulants like caffeine, though, so adjust your expectations. Instead, CBG's effects are more subtle, focusing on mental clarity and a sense of calm that can help some people reduce tension and stress for a more centered feeling before exercise.

Potential Benefits of CBG for Athletes

While research on CBG is still limited, athletes often look for natural options to help them stay sharp and energized. As long as the CBG product is hemp-derived and doesn't contain THC, it can be used in professional sporting organizations as it's not currently listed as a banned substance under anti-doping regulations.

So, let's take a look at some of the potential benefits of using CBG.

CBG And Focus

CBG may help improve mental clarity, making staying focused and motivated during your workout easier. A clear mind can lead to better performance and more consistent results.

CBG and Relaxation

By promoting a sense of calm, CBG could ease pre-workout jitters and help you feel more in control before exercising. This relaxed state might also help you enjoy your workout more.

Some people find that taking CBG regularly helps to make them feel well-rested by supporting better sleep patterns, which is so important for muscle recovery and staying energized for the next workout.

CBG and Recovery

CBG is thought to have pain-relieving properties, which may help with pain and muscle soreness from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise. Some athletes use it to address discomfort that can follow intense workouts.

Even though more research is needed to fully understand CBG's potential, early studies suggest that CBG may help lower self-reported soreness and reduce inflammation [1]. Many people now include it in their post-workout routine to feel more comfortable and ready for their next session.

How to Optimize Your Preworkout Routine with CBG

Adding CBG (cannabigerol) to your pre-workout routine can help you feel more focused and balanced, supporting your body and mind during exercise.

1. Take CBG 30–60 Minutes Before Your Workout: CBG needs time to be absorbed and affected, so plan to take your CBG gummies or oil about 30–60 minutes before starting your workout.

2. Start with a Low Dose and Adjust: If you’re new to CBG, take 10–15 mg. Pay attention to how it makes you feel and adjust the dosage for your goals.

3. Combine CBG with Other Pre-Workout Elements: CBG pairs well with other pre-workout essentials like water or an electrolyte-rich beverage, a balanced snack with carbs and proteins, and a warm-up that includes stretching and dynamic movements to prep your muscles.

4. Adjust Your Expectations: CBG isn't a stimulant, so it won't give you a burst of energy or the jitters. Instead, it's reported to support mental clarity, calmness, and a sense of focus, which is helpful for high-intensity and endurance workouts.

5. Use Consistently for Long-Term Benefits: CBG and other cannabinoids may provide cumulative benefits when used consistently over time by supporting the endocannabinoid system. Making it part of your routine can help you better understand how it supports your performance and recovery.

Using CBG for Exercise Recovery

CBG might help your body recover after a workout. When you exercise hard, your muscles can feel sore, and your body might get inflamed as it repairs itself. CBG is being studied for its ability to support a healthy recovery process and help you feel better faster [2].

1. Soothing Sore Muscles: After a tough workout, your muscles might feel tight or achy. CBG may help ease that soreness by supporting your body’s natural healing process.

2. Supporting a Balanced Response to Swelling: Intense exercise can make your muscles or joints swell up a little as they repair. CBG might help keep this swelling in check, so you feel more comfortable.

3. Promoting Relaxation: Sometimes after a workout, your body feels tense, or your mind can stay on overdrive. CBG could help you relax, which is important for letting your muscles recover properly.

Choosing the Right CBG Products

Image of Flowstate gummy and highlight how it has:  natural ingredients, lab tested, made in USA, Vegan, non gmo. Feel free to use the icons on the influencer box.

When shopping for a CBG product or any product supporting your health, you want to ensure you’re getting something safe and effective. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one:

1. Buy From Trusted Stores: Always buy CBG from stores or brands with a good reputation. Look for companies known for making high-quality products and read reviews to get a better idea of how the product works and how the company treats its customers.

2. Check the Ingredients: Read the list of ingredients on the package. Avoid products with artificial additives or chemicals that might not be good for you. The simpler, the better!

3. Look for Lab Tests: Make sure the product has been tested by a third-party lab. You can usually find this information in a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which shows that the product is safe and contains what it says it does.

4. Think About Extra Ingredients: Some CBG products, The VIIA Flowstate Gummies, come with helpful extras like Alpha GPC and Vitamin B12, which may support your muscles and brain. These combos can give you more benefits in one product.

References

1. Kogan, N. M., Lavi, Y., Topping, L. M., Williams, R. O., McCann, F. E., Yekhtin, Z., ... & Mechoulam, R. (2021). Novel CBG derivatives can reduce inflammation, pain and obesity. Molecules, 26(18), 5601.

2. Peters, E. N., Yardley, H., Harrison, A., Eglit, G. M., Antonio, J., Turcotte, C., & Bonn-Miller, M. O. (2023). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-dose pilot study of the safety, tolerability, and preliminary effects of a cannabidiol (CBD)-and cannabigerol (CBG)-based beverage powder to support recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1), 2280113.