Educational content only. Not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing your routine—especially if you take medications or are pregnant/nursing.
What this guide covers
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Plain‑English definitions of CBD, CBG, and CBN
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How they differ in common use‑cases, timing, and pairings
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Extract types: isolate, broad spectrum, full spectrum, and full spectrum+
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Label & COA checkpoints so you can compare products at a glance
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Practical starting points and a link to our CBD dosage calculator: mellowmoose.shop/dosage-calculator
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Clear guidance for people with drug test concerns
Quick definitions
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A major, non‑intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp. Frequently chosen for calming, relaxation, mood balance, and general “even‑keel” routines.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Called the “mother cannabinoid” because its precursor (CBGA) is upstream of several cannabinoids, including CBD. Often picked for daytime clarity and focus. CBG is also actively researched for its roles in inflammation pathways and neurogenesis (the brain’s ability to form new neurons). Research is ongoing; products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Found naturally as cannabinoids age and oxidize. Many people associate CBN with wind‑down and sleep support. Commercially, CBN is commonly made by converting CBD under controlled lab conditions (see below).
Flavor & cost (what to expect)
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Flavor: Across tinctures, CBD, CBG, and CBN are generally mild, earthy‑neutral (carrier oil can influence mouthfeel more than flavor).
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Cost & availability:
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CBD: Widely available; typically the most cost‑effective.
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CBG: Usually pricier due to genetics (seed cost) and lower plant yields.
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CBN: Often most expensive because it’s typically produced by converting CBD through controlled degradation—adjusting pH and applying heat/time/pressure to push CBD toward CBN. This mimics the natural aging cannabinoids undergo, but in a tightly controlled environment for consistency.
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Extract types (how each cannabinoid can be delivered)
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Isolate: single‑cannabinoid focus (e.g., pure CBD, CBG, or CBN). THC‑free.
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Broad spectrum: multi‑cannabinoid + terpenes; THC‑free.
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Full spectrum: multi‑cannabinoid with trace THC within legal hemp limits.
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Full spectrum+: our approach that starts with a full spectrum foundation (from both CBD‑dominant and CBDV‑dominant strains) and adds isolates to hit purposeful ratios.
Mellow Moose produces USDA Organic hemp and uses a water‑only process to make our isolates—no harsh solvents. We then build broad, full, and full spectrum+ profiles from that clean base.
CBD vs CBG vs CBN — quick comparison
| Category | CBD | CBG | CBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical timing | Afternoon or evening | Daytime | Evening / bedtime |
| Common reasons people choose it | Calming, relaxation, mood balance | Focus/clarity; interest in inflammation & brain health research | Wind‑down, sleep‑support routines |
| Pairs well with | CBN or low THC | CBD or low THC | CBD (for nightly routine) |
| Flavor profile | Mild, earthy‑neutral | Similar mild neutral | Similar mild neutral |
| Relative cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Practical scenarios (choose what fits your day)
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Looking to relax and take the edge off in the evening? Try CBD (Calm).
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Heading into a focused work session or outdoor project? Try CBG (Focus), or 90:10 CBD:CBG (Balance) for a centered feel.
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Having trouble staying asleep or winding down at night? Try CBN (Sleep), or pair CBD + CBN.
For a weight‑based starting range, use our CBD dosage calculator. Then match the mg to your bottle using your label’s mg/mL.
Pairing ideas (simple, measured)
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Evening wind‑down: 100 mg CBD + 25 mg CBN
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Daytime clarity: 50 mg CBG + 50 mg CBD
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Optional THC add‑on (Flow): 3–6 mg THC as tolerated; always local‑law aware and start low.
(Use your label’s mg/mL to measure. Our droppers have marks at 0.25 / 0.5 / 0.75 / 1.0 mL; ~40 drops ≈ 1 mL.)
Label & COA checkpoints (fast 5)
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Total mg in bottle and mg per mL
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Extract type (isolate / broad / full / full spectrum+)
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Batch # + QR to COA (open the COA and confirm cannabinoid profile and contaminant panels)
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USDA Organic statements (where they apply)
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Ingredients (carrier oil, flavor)
Drug testing guidance (read this closely)
If a drug test is a concern, choose our isolate‑based formulas: Calm (CBD), Focus (CBG), Sleep (CBN), Balance (CBD+CBG)—and avoid Synergy (full spectrum) and Recover (full spectrum+).
That said, no product can guarantee test outcomes. Some tests may inaccurately detect CBD products as THC. Be transparent: tell your tester you use federally legal, THC‑free CBD products and show the COAs for your exact batch. Honesty is the best approach.