Explore our CBD glossary to understand key terms.
We put together a CBD glossary to help you understand the important terms in the ever-changing hemp industry! This glossary contains the most commonly used terms in the industry, and will be helpful if you’re a newcomer, or a hemp enthusiast.
Periodically, we will make additions to this list, so be sure to bookmark this page and circle back for updates.
A
A cultivation technique in which plants are grown in an environment-dependent on air rather than soil. In this system, seeds are embedded in foam stuffed into tiny pots that hold the stem and root mass in place. Plants are nurtured with light and a fine mist enriched with nutrients
A method commonly used to extract cannabinoids from cannabis plants. In this process, cannabis is first soaked in an alcohol, such as ethanol, to remove the plant material. The alcohol is removed through evaporation.
An endocannabinoid that binds to cannabinoid receptors and mimics the activity of plant-derived cannabinoid drugs.
An endocannabinoid that’s present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system.
B
Refers to the degree and rate at which a compound is absorbed by the body’s circulatory system. It’s an important measurement tool because it determines the correct dosage for non-intravenously administered drugs and supplements. For drugs, supplements, and herbs administered non-intravenously, (such as through consumption, inhalation, or topical application) bioavailability designates the fraction of the ingested dose that eventually gets absorbed. This is typically expressed as a percentage, such as “95% bioavailable,” though it’s worth noting that many claims about bioavailability are unsubstantiated in the dietary supplement space.
A CBD product that contains CBD, and at least one other cannabinoid. Broad-spectrum products are produced in order to help users benefit from the entourage effect, while excluding THC completely. View our Broad-Spectrum CBD products here.
C
Indigenous to central Asia, this flowering, herbaceous plant has been farmed throughout recorded human history. Cannabis refers to a group of three varieties of marijuana plants with psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis contains more than 120 chemical and biologically active components, known as cannabinoids. Cannabis is cultivated as both marijuana and industrial hemp; the latter is harvested for CBD supplements. Additionally, hemp fiber, hemp seed oil, and other supplements are also derived by processing different parts of the hemp plant.
A strain of cannabis known for higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also
called indica, it is known for its sedative effects. Because indica contains higher concentrations of THC, it is popular as a recreational and medicinal drug.
A strain of cannabis known for promoting a cerebral high. Also known as sativa, it has hallucinogenic, hypnotic, sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
A cannabinoid is one of the diverse chemical compounds that acts on the endocannabinoid system receptors found throughout the body. Any of the various naturally occurring, biologically active chemical constituents of hemp or cannabis, including some that possess psychoactive properties, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These molecules include the endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body and phytocannabinoids from cannabis. The two most notable cannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD, though recent research has made us aware of over 100 types of cannabinoids found in cannabis. Cannabinoids are also naturally present in many plants other than cannabis.
CB1 receptors are found on the surface of certain cells, tissues, and organs, and help regulate biological function. CB1 receptors are present in several regions of the brain and spinal cord and, in lesser quantities, in other parts of the body, such as the endocrine glands and the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. CB1 receptors mediate the effects of cannabinoids on these organs.
CB2 receptors regulate the biological function of certain cells, tissues, and organs. CB2 receptors are present on white blood cells and in the tonsils, the spleen, immune cells, and neurons. CB2 receptors help mediate the effect of cannabinoids on these organs and cells.
The concentration of active cannabinoids in a product or medication
A crystalline, mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found in small quantities in cannabis. Cannabinol is a breakdown product of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that may have a sedating effect.
One of 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBC is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause feelings of being high. CBC is most frequently found in tropical cannabis varieties. The effects of CBC appear to be mediated through non-cannabinoid receptor interactions. View our products with CBC here.
Also known as CBD, cannabidiol is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD does not produce psychoactive effects on its own. The second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis, after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol has been shown to calm the movements in people suffering from dystonia, a condition characterized by muscle spasms. Research also suggests that it may be helpful for the treatment of anxiety, movement disorders, and pain.
Cannabidiolic acid, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is most abundant in the glandular trichomes on the female seedless flowers or more accurately infructescence often colloquially referred to as buds. CBDA is the chemical precursor to cannabidiol. View our product with CBDA here.
A document from an accredited laboratory certifying testing of a product’s characteristics. This proof of analysis exists to benefit the consumer or retailer as much as the producer; it guarantees quality assurance for all parties. Comprehensive CoA’s should also test beyond cannabinoid potency, and highlight other safety tests. Beyond cannabinoids and potency, we test for microbes, mycotoxins, solvents, terpenes, heavy metals, and pesticide presence. You can view our 3rd-party lab results here.
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBG’s antibacterial effects can alter the overall effects of cannabis. It acts as a low-affinity antagonist at the CB1 receptor. CBG pharmacological activity at the CB2 receptor is currently unknown. View our products that include CBG here.
Cannabicyclol is created through the degradation of another cannabis compound — CBC. When the cannabinoid cannabichromene (CBC) decays from light exposure, it turns into CBL. The insignificant amounts of CBL that appear in cannabis have severely limited researchers’ ability to study it, so we don’t know too much about its medical benefits.
CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the degradation of THC. There is usually very little to no CBN in a fresh plant. CBN weakly binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, with greater affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1. The effect of CBN is often described as a sedative effect.* View our CBD products here.
A synthetic cannabinoid prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
The theory that insufficient levels of endocannabinoids can lead to ailments, such as migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS).
An extraction method in which solvents aren’t exposed to the open air. Used in the past to produce perfume and beauty products, the process has been used more recently to create cannabis concentrates.
The carbon-dioxide extraction process uses changes in temperature and pressure to create phase changes in carbon dioxide (supercritical and subcritical), gently drawing out the plant’s beneficial components. The result is clean, safe oil with a long shelf life. “Supercritical” refers to CO2 in both a liquid and gaseous state simultaneously, to ensure a high yield during extraction.
Cannabis concentrates, or extracts, are significantly more potent than a standard cannabis bud or flower. They are processed to keep only the most desirable medicinal compounds while removing excess plant material. Concentrates are often developed for medical applications.
An individual who grows marijuana plants, usually with a focus on soil quality and plant health.
A process used to preserve the cannabis plant and retain its flavors and therapeutic properties. Curing involves removing moisture from the flowers under controlled environmental conditions.
D
Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis that are made by extracting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD using a solvent like butane; the resulting sticky oils are sometimes referred to as wax. Dabbing is the flash vaporization and inhalation of these concentrates. CBD dabbing is noted for its quick therapeutic effects.
The process of applying heat to activate and release the CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis.
Medical cannabis dispensaries are designed to give people a secure location to gather information and purchase cannabis grown to treat ailments. Laws regarding access vary by state.
E
Food or candy products infused with marijuana. Edibles must be digested in order to take effect, and as a result, it may take more time to feel their effects.
Signaling molecules made from arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids that are similar to arachidonic acid. Endocannabinoids are all eicosanoids.
An electronic smoking device generally consists of a mouthpiece, a battery, a cartridge containing an e-liquid (a mixture of water, flavoring, and an active chemical component), and a heating component powered by a battery. These devices are often referred to as vaporizers, vapes, or e-cigarettes.
Natural chemicals produced by your body that interact with your endocannabinoid system and regulate important body functions. Their purpose is to maintain homeostasis. So far, two have been identified: anandamide
(AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
A drug that enhances the activity of the endocannabinoid system.
Proteins that your body makes to break down endocannabinoids that have fulfilled their purpose. The two main endocannabinoid enzymes are: fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).
Special receptors that endocannabinoids bind to as a way of signaling that the endocannabinoid system needs to act. They’re found throughout your body and can interact with the chemical compounds in cannabis. There are two types of receptors: B1 receptors and CB2 receptors.
drug that limits the reabsorption of endocannabinoid neurotransmitters by the releasing neuron.
Also known as the ECS, the main function of this mammalian system is to maintain bodily homeostasis, or to keep the body balanced even as the environment changes. Scientists believe that cannabis is effective, in part, because the phytocannabinoids it contains mimic our naturally occurring endocannabinoids present in the body. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the entire body, and this system plays a part in many of the body’s psychological and physiological processes, including appetite, stress, sleep, pain, memory, and immune function. To learn more about the Endocannabinoid System, click here.
This industry term is used in conjunction with “Full Spectrum”, and it refers to all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids and phytonutrients working in harmony to produce the greatest impact possible to a user. It’s generally accepted that the more cannabinoids that are prevalent in a CBD products “profile,” the more effective that CBD product will be.
Extraction techniques are used to separate the chemical components of cannabis from the plant matrix.
Introducing the solvent ethanol to the hemp plant in order to extract the cannabinoids and produce a more concentrated, cannabinoid rich extract.
F
The United States Congress voted at the end of December 2018 to pass the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. This legislation made CBD products legal to purchase in all 50 states. Under the Farm Bill, industrial hemp (of which CBD products are derived from) must contain less than 0.3% THC by concentration. Industrial hemp regulation is shared by state and federal governments. The Farm Bill also gave the FDA the authority to regulate cannabis products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory government agency with the power to regulate cannabis and cannabis-derived products since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. These are power antioxidants associated with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.
The smokable portion of the female cannabis plant.
This industry term refers to a hemp extract that has all of the naturally occurring terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids found in hemp. Full-Spectrum products contain THC, as well, and contain THC up to a limit of 0.3% by concentration. This term is generally used to designate that a product does contain trace amounts of THC, and that a product is not an isolate. Basically, Full-Spectrum products ensure that a user is getting every potential benefit the plant has to offer. View our Full-Spectrum products here.
H
Products are often tested for heavy metal presence. Plants absorb minerals and metals from the soil, which can end up in final products. We test to ensure our products are free of lead and other heavy metals, like lead, arsenic, or cadmium.
Hemp is an industrial cannabis plant cultivated for its fiber, edible seeds, and CBD. While hemp is in the same family as psychoactive cannabis (marijuana), it does not induce psychoactive effects. Commercial items made from hemp fiber include medicine (CBD), paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastic alternatives, and food. Cannabis is determined to be either marijuana or hemp based on its THC content. Currently, regulations state that CBD can only be derived from hemp, and it must have a THC content of 0.3% or less by concentration. If a hemp plant or product is tested to exceed this value, it will be treated as marijuana.
CBD buds are the flowers of female hemp plants which have been specially bred to contain very high levels of CBD and low levels of THC.
Derived from industrial hemp seeds, hemp seed oil is created by pressing the plant’s seeds. It has no therapeutic benefits, but is often used as a dietary supplement and a low-saturated-fat cooking oil.
A term that describes the dynamic stability of your internal environment.
This refers to testing to ensure the genetic consistency across strains of cannabis, or to the even distribution of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or CBD in a product, such as an edible.
A strain that mixes two varieties of cannabis, indica and sativa.
The method of growing a plant without soil. Sand, gravel, water, and other materials may take the place of dirt.
I
These products are 99% CBD. To manufacture an isolate, everything contained in the plant matter (other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients) is removed — including any traces of THC and other beneficial cannabinoids — until only a powder or crystalline form of CBD is left. This means that isolate users will not benefit from the Entourage Effect.
L
Limit of detection. These are tolerance values that indicate the lowest detectable amount of any compound being tested for. Used interchangeably with “LOQ”.
Limit of quantification. These are tolerance values that indicate the lowest detectable amount of any compound being tested for. Used interchangeably with “LOD”.
M
Marijuana is a cannabis plant that is harvested for its euphoric, relaxing, and psychoactive properties. As opposed to hemp, the seeds and stalks of marijuana aren’t used commercially as a food source, or in the textiles industry. Instead, the plant is cultivated for its highly resinous flowers containing an abundance of THC. The THC content of marijuana is much higher than it is in hemp. Marijuana can have up to 30% THC per dry weight, compared to industrial hemp, which must have less than 0.3% THC dry weight content.
These are bacterial contaminants that should be tested for in any food product or supplement. We test for microbes like salmonella, E. coli, streptococcus, and more.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of moulds and fungi. Mycotoxins can appear in food as a result of mould infection of crops before or after harvest.
P
Many plants are treated with harmful pesticides. We test for any presence of these to demonstrate the purity and safety of our products. In compliance with our certified organic grow process, we proudly do not find pesticide presence in our products.
The way drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in and from the body.
A chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.
Cannabinoids that occur naturally in a cannabis plant.
R
The path by which a drug or substance is taken into the body. An example might be a medication that is taken in pill form (oral administration) or applied to the skin
(topical application).
S
Schedule 1 drugs are those that have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
Solvents can be used to extract fats, lipids, and other compounds from hemp extract during the extraction process. We test for solvent presence in our products to ensure no values are present for solvents like acetone, kerosene, etc. Our extraction process uses an organic, food grade ethanol, which is an approved solvent as part of our certified organic extraction process.
A strain refers to the different varieties of cannabis. Some examples include indica, sativa, and hybrid.
This term refers to application under the tongue and absorption by the small salivary glands beneath the tongue.
Synthetic cannabis, such as Spice and K2, refers to products using man-made chemicals. Some people may use synthetic cannabis as an alternative to marijuana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the effects of synthetic cannabis on the body can be unpredictable, harmful, and very different from those of marijuana.
T
Terpenes are aromatic oils that lend flavors such as berry, mint, and pine to different cannabis strains. More than 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis, and every cannabis strain has its own terpene profile. The effects of any given terpene may be amplified in the presence of other compounds. Terpenes are present in all plants!
This is the most notable cannabinoid found in marijuana and is responsible for psychoactive effects.
A cannabinoid that does not have psychoactive effects. It is the precursor to THC. As the plant dries, THCA slowly converts to THC. The potential medicinal properties of THCA are still under study.
A liquid that contains a concentrated herbal extract, like our Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Drops.
An oil, salve, lotion, or ointment infused with CBD that can be applied directly to the skin, like our skincare products.
U
USDA certified organic foods and ingredients are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. We use USDA Certified Organic hemp in all of our products!
V
Inhaling a vaporized substance generated by an electronic vaporizer.
W
Water-soluble CBD is made using nanoemulsion to create CBD formulas that are more easily and effectively absorbed by the body. As a result, water-soluble CBD is dramatically more bioavailable, potent, and fast acting than CBD oil.
Nanoemulsion involves the use of ultrasonic waves to shrink CBD molecules down to “nanoparticles” that are a fraction of their original size. Due to their small size, these nanoparticles take different pathways or “shortcuts” into the body that regular CBD molecules are too large to pass through. This allows more CBD to reach the bloodstream at a much faster rate, resulting in effects that kick in within minutes, and far higher potency—even in small doses.
After shrinking our CBD nanoparticles, we use an emulsifier to create water-soluble CBD—which, as its name suggests, dissolves in water. CBD typically takes the form of an oil, yet CBD must dissolve into the bloodstream to produce effects, and our bloodstream comprises 60% water. This is why CBD oil is so often ineffective—as we all know, water and oil don’t mix.
Our Temple water-soluble CBD products, on the other hand, are designed to absorb rapidly and with ease into the water-based bloodstream.
Before our CO2 extraction process, organic, food-grade ethanol (190-proof), which is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, is used as a solvent to remove lipids from the crude extract of hemp. The removal of these lipids allows for a higher purity of oil, as fats/lipids can dilute the cannabinoid concentration, which lowers purity. In short, this is an added step to increase the purity and density of cannabinoids in the oil as part of the CO2 extraction process, which leads to a more potent and pure end-product.