There is a lot of jargon, acronyms, and ingredients that are associated with the hemp and cannabis industries alike. This article will highlight some of the most important things to know about CBD and its compounds.
Anandamide -
A major endocannabinoid naturally found in the body. Anandamide is part of the body’s endocannabinoid system and alters functions like mood, memory, learning, and other intellectual functions and certain motor functions.
Bioavailability -
This rate that a drug or substance is absorbed by the body. It’s an important measurement because it helps determine the correct dosages. For drugs, supplements, and herbs administered non-intravenously (such as through topical application, inhalation, or consumption). Bioavailability designates the amount of the ingested dose that eventually gets absorbed.
Broad Spectrum -
Broad-Spectrum CBD does not contain traceable THC. It does contain other components of the cannabis plant, though, so it won’t be 100-percent CBD alone. a very simplified manner, broad-spectrum CBD is like a mix between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. It contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids EXCEPT for the THC part.
Cannabidiol -
Also referred to as CBD, cannabidiol is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It’s the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), part of the nervous system that’s thought to have a regulatory role in many forms of bodily function, including appetite, mood, and sleep.
*Find out more by checking out our What is CBD? article!
Cannabinoid -
Not to be confused with cannabidiol (cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, but not all cannabinoids are cannabidiol). A cannabinoid is a diverse chemical compound that acts on the endocannabinoid system receptors found throughout the body. Some of the more notable cannabinoids are Delta 9 THC, CBD, and Delta 8 THC.
Capsule-
One of the easiest delivery methods for CBD oils and other extracts or supplements that are easy to ingest. Capsules resemble gel pills that you can find at your local pharmacy.
CBD-
The popular nickname for cannabidiol. *Keep in mind that not all CBD branded products are the same*
*Find out more by checking out our What is CBD? article!
Certificate of Analysis -
Commonly referred to as a COA, a certificate of analysis is a document from a laboratory certifying the amount of cannabinoids in a product. The COA is beneficial for customers as well as the manufacturers and producers: it guarantees quality assurance for all. Taking a look at a company's COA is a smart move for any consumer that helps you find the best products, no low-quality, mislabeled, or fake products. Companies that are considered reputable will provide a COA.
CO2 Extraction-
CO2 is the chemical formula of carbon dioxide, a colorless gas. CO2 extraction is an extraction process that uses changes in pressure and temperature to make carbon dioxide phase change, which gently draws out the beneficial ingredients from cannabis plants, resulting in a safe, clean oil with a lengthy shelf life.
Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction -
Also called Cryo Ethanol Extraction, this is a type of extraction process that uses ethanol cooled to subzero temperatures (minimum of -20 degrees Celsius to be classified as cryogenic) with liquid nitrogen. Biomass that has been milled to the right particle size is combined with the cooled ethanol and placed in the extractor. The extractor then separates the cannabinoids from the cellular structure of the biomass. Centrifugal force is utilized to separate the now cannabinoid rich ethanol in a separate container. The extraction process is complete.
Delivery Method -
How a substance or drug must be introduced to the body. This is called a delivery method. The most common forms of delivery method are:
- Sublingual - situated or applied under the tongue
- Oils
- Sprays
- Oral - involves swallowing the substance, generally in liquid or pill form
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Oils
- Sprays
- Inhalation - is the process or act of breathing in, taking air and sometimes other substances into your lungs typically through vaporizing, combusting, or smoking
- Disposable Vape Pens
- Cartridges
- Pre-Rolls
- Crumble
- E-Liquid
- Topically - where the substance is administered onto the skin but is absorbed into the body
- Lotions
- Creams
- Body Scrub
Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol -
According to the National Cancer Institute, delta-8-THC can be defined as:
“An analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with antiemetic, anxiolytic, appetite-stimulating, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. [Delta-8-THC] binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system…This agent exhibits a lower psychotropic potency than [delta-9-THC], the primary form of THC found in cannabis.”
Find out more by checking out our What Is Delta-8? article!
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol -
THC, or Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body. Unlike CBD, THC is known to possess psychotropic effects.
Dietary Supplement -
Also known as nutraceuticals, food-derived products that offer extra health benefits in addition to their existing nutritional value. These products that contains nutrients derived from food products and are often concentrated in liquid, capsule, powder, or pill form. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA.
Edible -
Edible is defined as fit or suitable to be eaten. When referred to in this industry, an edible is typically thought of as any food containing some form of cannabis.
Endocannabinoid System-
The ECS or endocannabinoid system is a naturally occurring, complex cell-signaling system discovered in the early 1990's by scientists and researching exploring Delta-9 THC. Health professionals are still trying to understand the ECS. At this time, we do know the ECS plays a role in regulating bodily functions and processes, such as:
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Memory
- Reproduction and Fertility
- Pain
- Immune Function
The ECS exsits and is active in your body, even if you do not consume cannabis.
Entourage Effect -
This is the theory that all the compounds in cannabis work together, and when taken together, they produce a better effect than when taken alone. Every cannabinoid and terpene present in full-spectrum cbd works synergistically to enhance all other components so users can experience optimal health benefits.
Ethanol Extraction-
It is the process of extracting essential oils and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant by using ethyl or isopropyl as the solvent. Once the plant material is removed, the alcohol is evaporated leaving behind a sticky and highly potent substance.
Extraction
the action of taking out something, especially using effort or force.
Farm Bill
he Hemp Farming Act of 2018 was a law proposed to remove hemp from Schedule I controlled substances and making it an ordinary agricultural commodity. Its provisions were incorporated into the 2018 United States farm bill that was signed into law on December 20, 2018.
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation
Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of all components of the cannabis plant. That means it can have trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly knows as THC. Federally legal full-spectrum products will always have less than 0.3 percent THC.
Hemp-
Hemp is defined under the 2018 Farm Bill to include any cannabis plant, or derivative thereof, that contains not more than 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC”) on a dry-weight basis
Hemp Seed Oil-
Hemp seed oil derives from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid, and other nutritional antioxidants. It is also high in B vitamins and vitamin D. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are very different products. CBD oil uses the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant in its production. These contain a higher concentration of CBD, which is a compound with numerous potential health benefits.
Industrial Hemp-
Industrial hemp is the term given to the stalk, seeds, oil, and leaves of the cannabis sativa plant. These materials are used to create industrial products like building materials, textiles, paper products, personal care items, health supplements, and much more.
The terms industrial hemp and simply 'hemp' are used interchangeably. Industrial hemp is a more specific term that refers to the plants that are grown specifically for industrial use, rather than for making CBD extracts.
Isolate (CBD Isolate)-
CBD Isolate is the purest form of theis compoud, made by pulling it from its natural environment and removing all other ingredients. A pure CBD isolate, contains no other compounds found in cannabis, except for the CBD itself.
Marijuana-
Defined as cannabis, especially as smoked or consumed as a psychoactive (mind-altering) drug.
MCT-
Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are partially man-made fats. The name refers to the way the carbon atoms are arranged in their chemical structure. MCTs are generally made by processing coconut and palm kernel oils in the laboratory
Nutraceutical-
Also known as dietary supplements, food-derived products that offer extra health benefits in addition to their existing nutritional value. These products that contains nutrients derived from food products and are often concentrated in liquid, capsule, powder, or pill form. Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA.
Organic-
Organic is defined as relating to or derived from living matter. When referencing food or farming, organic is defined as being produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents.
Phytocannabinoid-
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. The classical cannabinoids are formed through decarboxylation of their respective 2-carboxylic acids (2-COOH), a process which is catalyzed by heat, light or alkaline conditions.
Potency-
In cannabis culture, the term potent is used frequently to refer to how strong of an effect a certain marijuana strain will have on the user, whether that be positive or negative, and recreational or medicinal.
Psychoactive-
A drug or other substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Examples of these substances include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, marijuana, and certain pain medicines
Psychotropic-
relating to or denoting drugs that affect a person's mental state.
Salve-
an ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection
Strain-
The term used interchangeably with “cultivar,” “variety,” and “selection” within the cannabis industry. It has no official botanical meaning and has fallen out of favor in horticultural circles. In the world of cannabis, the term “strain” refers to the flower’s particular variety such as Granddaddy Purple, Blue Dream, Blue Zkittles, Headband etc
Sublingual-
situated or applied under the tongue.
Terpene-
Organic compounds that provide aroma and flavor in cannabis and a variety of other organisms, including plants. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavors of cannabis, and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids.
Scientifically speaking, terpenes are defined as “a large class of hydrocarbon compounds constructed from five-carbon isoprene units that are combined to produce a great variety of skeletons.” These basic molecular “skeletons” are “then acted upon by various enzymes to add functionality and altered oxidation,” processes that ultimately lead to the wide variety of effects produced by terpenes.
THC-
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Tincture-
Thought of typically as an extract of plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol (ethyl alcohol). In chemistry, a tincture is a solution that has ethanol as its solvent. In herbal medicine, alcoholic tinctures are made with various ethanol concentrations, 20% being the most common
Topical-
relating or applied directly to a part of the body.
VG-
Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut or palm oils. It is odorless and has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup-like consistency.