Glossary of CBD Related Terms

Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of hemp, or a cannabinoid aficionado, understanding the terminology is extremely helpful to navigate the ever-changing cannabis industry!

This glossary provides a list of the most commonly used terms to help guide you in your research of hemp and CBD products.

Please note that this is a living glossary, so be sure to bookmark this page and circle back often for further updates!

Bioavailability
The degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into a living system.

Broad Spectrum
Referring to a full spectrum cannabis extract without any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It contains the synergistic benefits of full spectrum extract with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids, without any traces of THC.

CB1 & CB2 Receptors
Receptors found in the human body that mediate the effects of cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol (CBD)
One of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis with enormous therapeutic potential. CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the “high” feeling associated with marijuana.

Cannabinoids
The most studied group of naturally occurring chemical compounds in cannabis, mainly due to their wide range of therapeutic effects in mammals. The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids with varying properties.

CBD Oil
An oil containing Cannabidiol (CBD), the nonintoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. Concentrated CBD oil is commonly used as the active ingredient in cannabis tinctures, vaporizers, topicals, capsules, edibles and other products.

Concentrate
Any type of cannabis product that is refined from flowers into a more purified and potent form. Concentrates are available in a wide array of forms such as oils, wax and tinctures.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) is an umbrella term for a group of illnesses, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Endocannabinoid System
The homeostatic regulatory system of the body. Found in all mammals, it affects every physiological process, including appetite, regulation of mood and perception of pain. It is considered one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health, playing a key role in regulating pain, mood, memory, appetite, immune function, inflammation, blood pressure, bone growth, the protection of neural tissues and dozens of other physiological processes.

Endocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells.

Entourage Effect
The natural synergy of the cannabis plant’s complementary compounds. While we don’t yet fully understand exactly how the entourage effect works, but we know that cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenols activate each other and work best together.

Full Spectrum
Referring to a cannabis extract that contains the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids found in the plant. Compared to other extracts, full spectrum incorporates everything the plant contains.

Isolate
The extraction of a compound such as CBD from the cannabis plant so the subsequent product is a concentrated amount of a single molecule.

Neurotransmitter
A messenger of neurologic formation from one cell to another.

Tincture
A common cannabis product consisting of a liquid extract that is taken sublingually – or under the tongue.

Terpenes
Compounds (hydrocarbon groups) in the cannabis plant that are instrumental to the physiological effects of the plant. Over 200 terpenes have been discovered in the cannabis plant.

Are there other terms you have questions about? Leave us a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right information.