CBD Glossary

Glossary of CBD Terms:

Balm – CBD Balms represent varieties of topical CBD products that are generally available in the form of an ointment. CBD balms are applied directly to the surface of the skin and used for soothing, healing, and restoration purposes.

Bath Bombs – Bath bombs are compacted powdered tablets that rapidly fizz and dissolve when brought in contact with water. Users generally drop bath bombs into a bathtub filled with water and allow it to dissolve, thereby releasing the therapeutic properties of the bath bomb. They are thought to absorb rapidly into the pores of the skin, thereby increasing the potential benefits of the included ingredients.

Broad-Spectrum – Broad-Spectrum CBD refers to products that involve the numerous cannabinoids that exist within the cannabis plant. These include Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabivarin, and Cannabigerol (CBG), among countless others. Additionally, Broad-Spectrum CBD is also loaded with other matter that is present within the plant, such as flavonoids, fatty acids, terpenes, and essential oils. The primary difference between Broad-Spectrum CBD and Full-Spectrum CBD is that Broad-Spectrum CBD does not contain any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) whatsoever.

Cannabaceae – Cannabaceae is a family of flowering plants involving 170 various species, including Cannabis. Cannabaceae is of the rose order (Rosales).

Cannabichromene – Cannabichromene (CBC) is among the 120 cannabinoids that exist within the cannabis plant. Some studies suggest that CBC may have cancer-fighting potential, as well as the possibility of assisting in increased brain function.

Cannabichromenic Acid – Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA) is the precursor of Cannabichromene (CBC). Some research has indicated that CBCA may help lower inflammation and has also demonstrated strong antibacterial properties.

Cannabichromevarin – Cannabichromevarin (CBCV) is a propyl cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. Some research suggests that it may be useful in lessening the severity of convulsions, while also displaying some anti-inflammatory properties.

Cannabichromevarinic Acid – Cannabichromevarinic Acid is the precursor of Cannabichromevarin (CBCV).

Cannabidiol – Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the 120 cannabinoids that have been identified within the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the most popular and beneficial cannabinoids, and accounts for a whopping 40% of the plant’s extract.

Cannabidiolic Acid – Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) is the precursor of the cannabidiol (CBD) cannabinoid. It is found in the trichomes of raw, uncured cannabis. As the plant dries and decarboxylates, CBDA will progressively turn into CBD.

Cannabidivarin – Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a homolog of cannabidiol (CBD). It is one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. Some studies suggest that it may assist in reducing convulsions, making it a potentially useful tool for those who suffer from ailments, such as epilepsy.

Cannabidivarinic Acid – Cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA) is the precursor of Cannabidivarin (CBDV).

Cannabigerol – Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the 120 cannabinoid compounds that are present within the cannabis plant. CBG has an important role as a chemical precursor to other cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC.

Cannabigerolic Acid – Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) is the precursor to various cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including THCA, SBDA, and CBCA.

Cannabigerivarin – Cannabigerivarin (CBGV) is the precursor of Cannabigerol (CBG). It is thought to play a central role in enabling CBD to attach itself to the body’s receptors, making it an essential phytocannabinoid.

Cannabigerovarinic Acid – Cannabigerovarinic Acid (CBGVA) is the precursor of three central cannabinoids, including Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), and Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA).

Cannabinoid – Cannabinoids represent a class of chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant, which act on cannabinoid receptors within the brain.

Cannabinoid Receptors – Cannabinoid receptors are a class of cell membrane receptors. A member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, cannabinoid receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is associated with various physiological processes, such as memory, mood, appetite, and pain sensation. Cannabinoid receptors are triggered by cannabinoids that are present within the cannabis plant. The two primary cannabinoid receptors we currently know of are CB1 and CB2.

Cannabinoid Spectrum – The cannabinoid Spectrum refers to the amounts and types of cannabinoids present within a cannabis extract. The three primary subtypes found within the spectrum include full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

Cannabinol – Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the 120 cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is predominantly present within aged cannabis, and acts as agonist to the CB1 receptors, while still maintaining a strong attraction to the CB2 receptors.

Cannabis – Cannabis is another name used for the marijuana plant. It is defined as a tall Asian herb, that is one of the species of the hemp family, specifically the Cannabis Sativa (C. sativa) member of the Cannabaceae plant family.

Cannaflavins – Cannaflavins are the flavonoids specific to the cannabis plant.

Capsules – Capsules refer to ingestible products similar to pills or tablets. Whereas a tablet is generally flat, capsules are typically cylindrical. Capsules usually consist of a dissolvable gelatin container that houses some sort of compound, typically a powder or a jelly.

CB1 – CB1 is one of the cannabinoid receptors that are a part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are primarily located within the central nervous system and are chiefly associated with emotion, sensory-motor control, appetite, brain reception, memory, cognition, and pain perception.

CB2 – CB2 is one of the cannabinoid receptors that are a part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptors are mostly found within the peripheral nervous system and are particularly associated with inflammation response and the immune system in large. Some research suggests that activating the CB2 receptors may assist in reducing the sensation of pain and relaxing the body.

CBC – The acronym for Cannabichromene.

CBCA – The Acronym for Cannabichromenenic Acid.

CBCV – The acronym for Cannabichromevarin.

CBCVA – The acronym for Cannabichromevarinic Acid.

CBD – The acronym for Cannabidiol.

CBD Concentrate –CBD concentrate refers to a concentrated form of cannabidiol, which is one of the cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. CBD concentrates are dramatically more potent that the plant itself, as it is obtained by extracting the essential oils of the cannabis plant, which possesses the highest concentration of cannabinoids. CBD concentrates can be found in many forms, including CBD Wax, CBD Shatter, CBD Butter, CBD Crumble, CBD Resin, and CBD Rosin.

CBD Dab – A CBD dab refers to a small amount of SBD concentrate, usually a wax, oil, or resin. The dab can then be applied to a heated plate or vaporizer in order to be evaporated and inhaled.

CBD Wax – CBD wax is a concentrated form of cannabidiol (CBD), which is a cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. The process includes extracting the essential oils of the plant, which can be done through various methods, such as Butane Hash Oil Extraction (BHO) and CO2 Extraction, among others.

CBD Oil – CBD oil is the concentrated form of the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) found within the cannabis plant.

CBDA – The acronym for Cannabidiolic Acid.

CBDV – The acronym for Cannabidivarin.

CBDVA – The acronym for Cannabidivarinic Acid.

CBG – The acronym for Cannabigerol.

CBGA – The acronym for Cannabigerolic Acid.

CBGV – The acronym for Cannabigerivarin

CBGVA – The acronym for Cannabigerovarinic Acid.

CBN – The acronym for Cannabinol.

Concentrate – See CBD Concentrate.

Dab – See CBD Dab.

Dabbing – Dabbing refers to the act of inhaling the vapor released when a dab of concentrated CBD is heated and vaporized.

Decarboxylation – Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction which eliminates a carboxyl group while concurrently releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). Typically, the process of decarboxylation involves the removal of a carbon atom from a carbon chain. With respect to CBD or cannabis, decarboxylation essentially transforms inactive compounds into active compounds, thereby disengaging its therapeutic effects. For example, in order for Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) to be converted to CBD, the process of decarboxylation must take place.

Entourage Effect – The Entourage Effect refers to the various cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant as well as other plant matter working together simultaneously to increase the benefits of CBD. By harnessing the advantages of various cannabinoids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and other plant matter, the Entourage Effect boosts the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.

ECS – The acronym for the Endocannabinoid System.

Edible CBD – Edible CBD products refer to consumable items, such as pastries, chocolates, candies, and gummies, which are infused with CBD.

Endocannabinoid System – The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex biological system that is comprised of endocannabinoids, which are lipid-based neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors. The ECS is thought to be involved in a myriad of cognitive processes, including appetite, postnatal development, pregnancy, fertility, memory, mood, and pain. The Endocannabinoid System is integral to the body’s capacity to harness the pharmacological effects of the cannabis plant.

Essential Oils – Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquids that are found in plants. They are volatile chemical compounds and are commonly extracted to harness the concentrated aromas and flavors contained within the plant. Commonly utilized for aromatherapy and alternative medicine, essential oils are extracted through a distillation process that involves the use of steam. Other, less popular methods of extraction include cold-pressing, resin tapping, and solvent extraction.

Farm Bill – The United States Farm Bill is the federal government’s principal agricultural and food policy tool. The Farm Bill is omnibus and is renewed every five years, whereby amendments, modified provisions, and suspensions may take place. On December 11, 2018, the 2018 United States Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) was passed. Among other items, this new Farm Bill descheduled certain cannabis products from the Controlled Substances Acts, including cannabidiol (CBD) that contains less than .3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as industrial hemp.

Flavonoids – Flavonoids refer to biologically active, water-soluble compounds found within plants. Among other things, flavonoids within the cannabis plant are the polyphenolic compounds that give it its color and aroma.

Full-Spectrum – Full Spectrum CBD refers to products that encompass all the various cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. This includes Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin, among others. Full-Spectrum CBD also contains other matter found within the plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and essential oils. For a full-spectrum CBD product to be considered federally legal within the United States, it must not contain more than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Gummies – CBD Gummies represent a form of edible CBD, which are commonly made with ingredients, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, corn syrup, sugar, water, gelatin, citric acid, and flavoring. Similar to the popular candies, CBD gummies come in a wide array of styles and flavors.

Hemp – Hemp is one of the stains of the Cannabis plant species. Hemp (industrial hemp) is non-psychoactive and is primarily grown to be used in industrial or commercial applications, such as fibers, paper, textiles, biofuels, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, and animal feed. The oil derived from the hemp plant (hemp oil) is also harnessed and converted into other products, but is not to be mistaken for cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Hemp Oil – A synonym of hempseed (hemp seed) oil.

Hempseed – The seed of the hemp plant.

Hempseed Oil – Hempseed oil (hemp seed oil), often referred to as hemp oil, is the oil that is present within the seeds of the hemp plant. The oil is extracted by exposing the seeds to high pressure. When in its raw, unrefined state, hemp seed oil is light green in color and has a slightly nutty flavor to it. Hemp seed oil is used for various industrial and commercial applications, such as lubricants, fuels, biodegradable plastics, inks, paints, soaps, detergents, and shampoos. Although many available hemp oil products claim to deliver various therapeutic or medicinal benefits, it is a very different compound than cannabidiol (CBD) and has very little research confirming its health benefits.

High – The term “high” refers to the intoxicated or psychoactive feeling that comes from the ingestion of cannabis that includes the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabinoid.

Indica – Indica is a subspecies of the cannabis plant, known as Cannabis sativa indica. Indica is thought to induce a more mellowing and relaxing sensation than its Sativa counterpart.

Isolate – CBD Isolate is one of the chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. Unlike other forms of CBD, such as full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, CBD Isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol and contains no other compounds, such as terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, or fatty acids.

Lotion – CBD Lotions are forms of topical CBD products that are generally thick liquids meant to be applied to the surface of the skin. CBD lotions can be used for various conditions, such as dry skin, acne, and inflammation.

Marijuana – Marijuana is another name used to describe the cannabis plant (C. sativa).

Oil – See CBD Oil.

Pet CBD – Pet CBD refers to cannabidiol products specifically designed for pets. CBD for pets can be used for various ailments, including anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, seizures, separation fear, muscle and joint pain, and nausea.

Phytocannabinoids – Phytocannabinoids are nothing more than the naturally occurring cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant. Most commonly referred to as cannabinoids, the prefix “phyto” simply means “pertaining to or derived from plants.”

Propylene Glycol – An ingredient that is commonly contained within CBD vape juices and used for its fluidity and ability to be vaporized. Propylene glycol (PG) is typically combined with vegetable glycerin (VG).

Psychoactive Effect – Refers to the intoxicating feeling that affects the mind. Within the context of cannabis or marijuana, it relates to the “high” feeling associated with the recreational use of the plant.

Rosin – Rosin, which is also referred to as colophony, refers to the solid form of plant resin. To extract rosin from the cannabis plant, the raw plant material is placed between two heated plates that administer high pressure. The dense, thick, and sappy-type substance that extrudes from the plant is called rosin.

Rub – A CBD Rub refers to a form of topical CBD that is applied directly to the skin. Rubs can be thick liquids, such as lotions, or more solid sticks that can be applied to specific areas of the skin.

Salve – CBD Salves refer to a type of topical CBD product, which is most commonly an ointment used to soothe the skin.

Sativa – Sativa is a subspecies of the cannabis plant, known as Cannabis sativa sativa (C. sativa). As opposed to Indica, the Sativa strain is thought to induce a more energetic, uplifting, and euphoric sensation.

Serum – CBD Serums are types of topical CBD products that are usually available in the form of light gels, oils, or lotions. Serums are applied directly to the surface of the skin.

Soft Gels – Soft gels are essentially pills or capsules that are soft to the touch rather than hard, as most solid pills are. Soft gels typically consist of dissolvable gelatin containers that house the substance to be consumed within it.

Terpenes – Terpenes refer to the unsaturated hydrocarbons that exists within the essential oils of plants. Terpenes are responsible for the natural taste of the CBD plant, and are suggested to deliver certain benefits when used in conjunction with various cannabinoids.

Terpsolate – Terpsolate refers to types of CBD products that are fashioned by joining terpenes and CBD Isolate.

Tetrahydrocannabinol – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the 120 cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. It is the primary cannabinoid that produces the psychoactive (intoxicating) feeling associated with the cannabis plant. THC attaches to the receptors of the brain responsible for memory, thinking, pleasure, coordination, and time perception, and activates them. The THC compound is primarily found within the resin of the secreted glands of the marijuana plant.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid – Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) is the precursor of the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound found within the cannabis plant. It is primarily found in fresh cannabis that has not been dried, as the drying progressively decarboxylates the compound to THC, which is the psychoactive (intoxicating) element within the cannabis plant.

Tetrahydrocanabivarinic Acid – Tetrahydrocanabivarinic Acid is the precursor of Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Thought to hold anti-inflammatory and immune system regulatory properties, THCVA will convert to THCV through the process of decarboxylation.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin – Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a propyl analogue of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is one of the psychoactive cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. Some research suggests that THCV can assist with anxiety and appetite suppression.

Tincture – CBD Tinctures are liquids that are to be taken orally. CBD tinctures are available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate variations, and can contain other substances such as alcohol, mct oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and flavoring. CBD tinctures are often taken under the tongue for maximum effect or can be mixed with beverages as well.

Topical – Topical CBD products are those that are applied directly to the skin. These include balms, lotions, salves, masks, rubs, serums, and bath bombs. Topical CBD is most commonly used for joint or muscle pain, acne, dry skin, and various other skin ailments. Other topical CBD products, such as bath bombs, can be utilized for soothing and relaxing effects.

THC – The acronym for Tetrahydrocannabinol.

THCA – The acronym for Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid.

THCV – The acronym for Tetrahydrocannabivarin.

THCVA – The acronym for Tetrahydrocanabivarinic Acid.

Vape – The act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor that is produced from the evaporation of fluids within a vaporizer device.

Vape Juice – CBD Vape Juice is a liquid that generally contains a mixture of vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavoring, and cannabidiol (CBD) extract. CBD vape juice, which is commonly called CBD vape oil, is then heated within a tank to be vaporized before being inhaled into the lungs by the user.

Vape Oil – CBD Vape Oil is a liquid that primarily consists of a combination of propylene glycol (PG),), flavoring, and cannabidiol (CBD) extract. CBD vape oil, which is also often referred to as CBD vape juice, is then heated, vaporized, and inhaled by the user into the lungs.

Vape Pen – A CBD Vape Pen is a device that contains a battery, a tank, and an atomizer. Available in both disposable and reusable variations, CBD vape pens are filled with CBD vape juice. The vape juice is then heated, vaporized, and inhaled into the lungs.

Vaporize – The process of a liquid or oil being heated and converted into a gas that can be inhaled.

Vegetable Glycerin – One of the common ingredients found in many CBD vape juices. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is often used in conjunction with propylene glycol (PG) and vaporized in electronic devices.

Wax – See CBD Wax.