You know CBD... but what about CBG? Meet the other phytocannabinoid that's about to steal the spotlight in the medicinal world.

By now everyone and their grandmother (especially their grandmother, TBH) is well aware of CBD and its purported-borderline miraculous-healing properties. And while the research is slowly validating these claims, anecdotes of CBD's power have been pouring out en masse. Your neighbor's dog no longer has arthritis and your best friend's insomnia and anxiety are suddenly quelled.

But in the corner comes a dark horse: CBG. That's right, there's another cannabis compound on the block, and it's high time you got to know it. We know, it's a lot to take in, so let's break it down.

Phytocannabinoids 101

The cannabis plant, like all plants, is made up of several chemical compounds. Within cannabis specifically, these compounds are called cannabinoids. (There are also terpenes, flavonoids, and more, but for the purpose of today's lesson, let's focus on cannabinoids). The human body actually has an endocannabinoid system designed to receive these compounds and use them to achieve a healthy equilibrium.

Historically, most people have been familiar with the cannabinoid THC: The compound notoriously known for creating a euphoric intoxication. (Read: It gets you high.) Despite the fact that THC has profound healing powers similar to CBD, it remains stigmatized as the "bad" part of cannabis. That said, of the 120+ cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, THC is the only compound with the ability to intoxicate. (Keep reading: The Difference Between CBD, THC, Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana)

So, What Is CBG?

CBG stands for cannabigerol and is currently being studied for its potential pharmacological properties but hasn't been in any clinical trials (yet!). The plant itself is thousands of years old, and one study dates back to the 60s-but common knowledge of it is still new.

So far, in-vitro and rat studies have shown some indications that CBG may help with colitis, neurodegeneration, and cancer.

"We don't know much about CBG," says Perry Solomon, M.D., a board-certified anesthesiologist and medical cannabis expert. "It's not a common cannabinoid," he explained, noting that it's not found in large quantities within the cannabis plant, "and you have to get enough to be able to test it and study it." Due to nearly a century of cannabis prohibition and scarcity of this novel phytocannabinoid, many of the claims about its efficacy are yet to be proven-but that doesn't mean it's not important.

"CBG is the precursor to CBD, CBC, and THC," says Dr. Solomon. It's sometimes referred to as the stem cell. What does this mean? "CBGA (the acidic, inactive form of CBG) changes, is broken down, and becomes the base molecule that other cannabinoids form from," including THC, CBD, and CBC.

What's the Difference Between CBD and CBG?

As mentioned, CBG helps make CBD, so while they're both cannabinoids, they're different compounds within the cannabis plant. Additionally, they serve different purposes and may help treat different ailments, despite some potential pharmacological overlap. (Related: How to Buy Safe and Effective CBD Products)

Both CBG and CBD are currently considered non-psychotropic, meaning they won't alter your state of mind in a way that would inhibit your day-to-day function and mental clarity. They can, however, alter your mind in a way that could potentially relieve anxiety and depression. So perhaps a better description of this would be "non-intoxicating"-it won't get you high in the way THC can.

Another important note: Like CBD, CBG may counteract the intoxicating effects of THC, says Dr. Solomon. "Studies of CBG seem to show that it activates the CB1 receptor just as CBD does, which essentially decreases psycho-activation," he says.

This means if you consume cannabis that has a high concentration of CBD and CBG, or consume an isolate of CBG in addition to consuming (read: smoking or eating) cannabis, you could potentially counterbalance the "high" or intoxication. There is CBG naturally found in the cannabis you're already consuming, but likely not in a large enough quantity to make any difference.

CBG may also increase your appetite. CBG made "lab animals like rats" hungrier, which is not the school of thought with CBD (as far as we know), according to Dr. Solomon. It's also different from another phytocannabinoid, THCV, which inhibits appetite and may lead to weight loss.

What Are the (Potential) Benefits of CBG?

All of this has yet to be proven in clinical trials, but there are some early studies showing that CBG may be a promising treatment for several conditions. Keep in mind, this isn't definitive proof, and while some studies show promise, the assertations are "unfounded as of now," says Dr. Solomon.