The world of CBD has a lot of terms that many people probably aren’t familiar with. Even experienced users of CBD are likely unaware of the definitions of words that crop up all over CBD websites. Naturally, this is all even more confusing for newcomers. We won’t cover absolutely every CBD term under the sun in this article, but this ‘CBD Glossary’ will give brief definitions of all the most important terms that everyone interested in CBD should know.
- Agricultural Hemp: Particular varieties of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, which are legally required to have less than 0.3% THC in them.
- Broad Spectrum: Refers to a product that contains many aspects of the source material. I.E., a CBD product that contains multiple chemicals from the base cannabis plant.
- Cannabidiol (CBD): One of the most beneficial phytocannabinoids naturally found in cannabis plants, and the main ingredient in nearly all CBD products.
- Cannabinoids: Molecules which exist naturally in plants of the Cannabaceae family.
- Cannabinoid Profile/Cannabinoid Spectrum: The range of cannabinoids, as well as how much of each, that is present in a product.
- Cannabinoid Receptors: The part of the human endocannabinoid system that determines how cannabinoids will interact your physical body.
- Cannabigerol (CBG): Similar but different to CBD, cannabigerol is another cannabinoid in cannabis plants with its own benefits.
- Cannabinol (CBN): Another cannabinoid in cannabis plants, cannabinol also has its own unique benefits.
- CBD Isolate: CBD Isolate means that a product is 99% CBD, with no other cannabinoids involved. The extraction process turns the CBD crystalline, which is then sold on its own or as an ingredient in a product.
- CBD Oil: A term that most often refers to oil-based tincture that contains high levels of cannabidiol.
- CBD Extract: The extraction from a hemp plant that contains cannabinoids, terpenoids, and fatty acids. A CBD extracts usually have high levels of cannabidiol, but little or no other cannabinoids. CBD Extracts may be sold on their own or be an ingredient in products.
- Cannabis: The genus of plants from which hemp and marijuana are derived.
- Cannabis Sativa L.: The specific species of cannabis plants that contains both hemp and marijuana.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): A report or certificate that is ascribed by a testing facility, ensuring that a product contains what it is supposed to and nothing else. This assurance of quality is often referred to as a Third-Party Lab Report.
- Edible: Products that are designed to be consumed orally, including CBD gummies, pills, and beverages.
- Endocannabinoids: Natural cannabinoids found in the human body. As lipid metabolites, they play a role in communication between cells.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS): The system in the human body that regulates naturally occurring cannabinoids, as well as the ones introduced into the body from external sources.
- Entourage Effect: The synergistic effect through which the many aspects in a cannabis plant or product work together to produce stronger effects on the user.
- e-Liquid / e-Juice / Vape Juice: A liquid designed for use with a vaporizer. It is heated until turned into vapor which the user can inhale and exhale. Can be infused with CBD.
- Full Spectrum: Refers to a CBD product that contains all of the aspects of the source cannabis plant, including all cannabinoids.
- Hemp: A classification of Cannabis Sativa that contains large amounts of CBD but relatively low amounts of THC.
- Hemp Oil: A broad term used to refer to any oil product derived from hemp.
- Hemp Seed Oil: An oil from the seeds of a hemp plant. There is no THC or CBD involved; it is mostly used for cooking or personal health.
- Hybrid: A combination of two different species.
- Industrial Hemp: A type of hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC. This is the hemp used for consumer products.
- Marijuana: A different breed of cannabis that has very high THC content and very low CBD content. Consuming it often results in psychoactive effects.
- Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil: An odorless and colorless oil that maintains its form at room temperature. It is often used to carry CBD for easy consumption.
- Microdosing: Taking extremely small doses of a substance in an attempt to initiate a cellular response but not cause a full body reaction.
- Psychoactive: Refers to a substance or the effects that alter the brain and cause alterations in perception, behavior, consciousness, etc.
- Phytocannabinoid: Molecules within the plants of the Cannabaceae family. There are 113 we know of at this time, a number which includes CBD and other cannabinoids.
- Sublingual: Describes the consumption of a product by placing it under one’s tongue.
- Spectrum: Refers to the range of chemicals, compounds, or molecules that exist within a product.
- Terpenes: Organic compounds that are produced by living organisms. Recognized by their potent scents or tastes, which includes things like berries and pines.
- Terpsolate: A cannabis product that has terpenes and CBD Isolate.
- Tincture: A liquid extract that dissolved in a solvent. CBD tinctures most often dissolve the flowers of the hemp plant in high-proof grain alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or vinegar. A carrier oil is usually added at the end for taste purposes.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Likely the most famous cannabinoid, THC is what produces the ‘high’ feeling of marijuana.
- Topical: A product that is intended to be applied to the skin.
- Vaping: The act of inhaling liquids, most often e-liquids,that have been turned to vapor through use of a vaporizer.