Will CBG Show Up On A Drug Test?

• CBG Won’t Get You High: CBG is non-intoxicating and doesn’t cause the “high” associated with THC, making it a great option for those seeking wellness benefits without psychoactive effects.
• Drug Tests Focus on THC, Not CBG: While CBG itself won’t show up on a drug test, using products with trace THC could lead to a positive result, so always check product labels and lab reports.
• Quality and Awareness Are Key: Choosing reputable, THC-free products and being mindful of your usage can help you enjoy CBG confidently and avoid unwanted surprises.

When it comes to hemp-derived compounds, there’s always a lot of curiosity—and a bit of confusion. CBG (cannabigerol) is one of those cannabinoids that’s been gaining attention lately for its potential benefits. But along with the interest comes the big question: will CBG show up on a drug test?

At BATCH, we take pride in being leaders in the wellness space, especially when it comes to high-quality CBG products. Our team of experts ensures that every product is crafted with precision, using only the finest ingredients and third-party testing for purity and potency. As pioneers in the hemp industry, we don’t just make products—we live and breathe this science every day.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about CBG and drug testing.

CBG, or cannabigerol, is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids." That’s because it’s a precursor to other well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC. As hemp plants grow, CBG transforms into these other compounds, which means the final product often contains only a small amount of CBG.

Now, how is CBG different from THC? The main difference lies in their effects. THC is famous for its psychoactive properties—it’s what gives you that “high.” CBG, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. It won’t make you feel high, but it may have other potential benefits, like helping with focus, relaxation, and inflammation. 

Yes, CBG is generally legal in most places—at least for now! The legality of CBG primarily depends on where it comes from. If it’s derived from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC, it’s typically considered legal under the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States.

However, CBG extracted from marijuana plants (which contain higher THC levels) might be illegal in states where marijuana isn’t allowed. So, always check the source of your CBG products and your local laws to be safe.

No, CBG doesn’t make you high. Unlike THC, CBG is non-intoxicating, which means it doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that can alter your mental state. Instead, CBG interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system in a more subtle way, potentially supporting balance and wellness.

Some people describe the effects of CBG as calming or focusing, but it’s more like a gentle nudge than a full-on experience. You might notice reduced stress or better focus, but you won’t feel impaired or “stoned.”

That said, if you’re taking a full-spectrum hemp product that includes CBG, it may also contain small amounts of THC. Even those trace levels probably won’t get you high, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re concerned about THC content.

CBG itself is unlikely to show up on a standard drug test, but there’s a catch. Most drug tests don’t screen for cannabinoids like CBG—they’re focused on detecting THC, specifically its metabolite called THC-COOH. However, the problem arises if the CBG product you’re using contains trace amounts of THC.

Many CBG products, especially full-spectrum hemp products, include a small amount of THC (usually less than 0.3%). While this amount is federally legal, it can still accumulate in your body if you use the product regularly. In that case, there’s a chance you could test positive for THC on a drug test.

If you want to avoid this risk entirely, you might want to stick to broad-spectrum or THC-free CBG products. Always check the lab reports for any product to ensure it matches what’s on the label.

How long CBG stays in your system can vary from person to person, but generally, it’s similar to other cannabinoids. On average, CBG can remain detectable in your body for a few days to a couple of weeks after use. Factors like your metabolism, how much you take, and how often you use it all play a role.

Here’s a rough idea of how long CBG might stay in your body based on different methods of consumption:

• Inhalation (smoking or vaping): Typically exits your system within a few days.
• Edibles or oils: May take longer, as they pass through your digestive system first.
• Topicals: Unlikely to stay in your system since they don’t enter the bloodstream.

Several factors influence how long CBG (and any trace THC in CBG products) remains in your body. Here’s a breakdown of the key ones:

Metabolism plays a huge role in how quickly your body processes and eliminates cannabinoids like CBG. People with faster metabolisms break down compounds more efficiently, so CBG is likely to leave their system sooner—possibly within a few days. If your metabolism is slower, CBG and any trace THC could linger in your system for a longer period, potentially up to two weeks or more.

The more often you use CBG, the more likely it is to accumulate in your body over time. With regular use, even small amounts of cannabinoids can stay in your fat cells, making them detectable for a longer period. Occasional or one-time users typically clear cannabinoids more quickly, so they’re less likely to test positive after a few days.

Larger doses of CBG take more time for your body to metabolize and eliminate. Even if CBG itself doesn’t show up on a test, higher doses increase the chances of trace THC being detectable. If you’re taking higher amounts consistently, your system may take longer to clear, increasing the risk of a positive drug test.

Cannabinoids like CBG and THC are stored in fat cells because they are fat-soluble. If you have a higher body fat percentage, your body may retain these compounds for longer periods. Conversely, people with lower body fat are more likely to process and eliminate cannabinoids more quickly.

Proper hydration helps your body flush out toxins, including cannabinoids, more effectively. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fiber can support your body’s natural detox processes. Conversely, poor hydration or an unhealthy diet might slow down the elimination of CBG and THC from your system, extending the time they remain detectable.

If you’re worried about a drug test after using CBG, here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:

The most foolproof way to avoid THC in your system is to stick to broad-spectrum or isolate CBG products. Broad-spectrum products include other cannabinoids and terpenes (but no THC), while isolates are pure CBG with nothing else added. Always review third-party lab reports, often called Certificates of Analysis (COAs), to confirm the absence of THC before making a purchase.

If you know a drug test is coming, stop using CBG products as far in advance as possible. Even trace amounts of THC from full-spectrum products can build up with regular use, so taking a break gives your body time to clear them out. The timeline varies, but most people are in the clear within two to three weeks depending on frequency and dosage.

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out your system, though it won’t completely eliminate THC overnight. Pairing hydration with regular exercise can be even more effective since THC and other cannabinoids are stored in fat cells. Cardio and strength training can help burn fat, but don’t overdo it too close to the test, as sudden fat-burning can temporarily increase THC levels in your bloodstream.

Detox drinks, pills, or kits are marketed to help eliminate toxins, including THC, from your system. While some people swear by them, their effectiveness can vary widely depending on the product and your body. If you choose this route, do your research and ensure the product is reputable—but don’t rely on it as a guarantee.

If your CBG use is entirely legal and from a reputable source, you may have the option to explain this to the test administrator. Some workplaces or organizations might consider documentation proving your product was hemp-derived and contained minimal THC. In rare cases, a more precise test, like a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test, can distinguish between THC use and hemp product consumption.

At-home drug test kits are a simple and affordable way to check for THC in your system before an official test. These kits are widely available and can give you peace of mind or alert you to the need for further preparation. Just make sure the kit is sensitive enough to detect THC at the same threshold as your official test (typically 50 ng/mL for urine tests).

CBG is a cannabinoid with plenty of potential benefits, but it’s important to use it wisely—especially if you’re concerned about drug tests or THC content. While CBG itself won’t make you high or show up on a drug test, trace amounts of THC in some products can cause complications.

The key is to choose high-quality, lab-tested products, be mindful of your usage, and understand how your body processes cannabinoids. Whether you’re exploring CBG for its calming effects or curious about its wellness potential, staying informed will help you make the best choices.

Read also:

• What Is CBG Good For? Exploring The Benefits Of The Mother Of All Cannabinoids
• How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System? Duration And Factors
• FULL-SPECTRUM, BROAD-SPECTRUM AND ISOLATE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

CBG can stay in your system for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on factors like metabolism, frequency of use, dosage, and method of consumption. Inhaled CBG typically clears faster than edibles or oils.

CBG itself does not get you high as it’s non-intoxicating. If you feel high after taking a CBG product, it might contain trace amounts of THC, which is responsible for psychoactive effects.

Pure CBD isolates or THC-free products won’t cause you to fail a drug test. However, full-spectrum CBD products can contain small amounts of THC, which could result in a positive test.

CBG is generally considered good for its wellness benefits and non-intoxicating nature. However, like any compound, its effects depend on the quality of the product and individual responses.

While there’s no universal dosage, starting with 5–10 mg per day and gradually increasing is considered safe for most people. Consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure or taking other medications.

No, CBG is not addictive. It doesn’t produce the dependency or cravings associated with certain substances, making it safe for regular use.

Currently, there aren’t drug tests that specifically detect CBG. Most standard drug tests screen for THC and its metabolites, not for CBG.

Sources:

1. Henley, D., Lightman, S., & Carrell, R. (2016). Cortisol and CBG—Getting cortisol to the right place at the right time. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 166, 128-135.
2. 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.
3. Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W. M., & Vrana, K. E. (2021). The pharmacological case for cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 376(2), 204-212.