CBD Glossary
Bioavailability:
Bioavailability is the fraction of an administered substance that’s allowed to enter the body’s circulation while remaining active.
Cannabis:
The plant family cannabaceae includes what are commonly known as cannabis (or marijuana) and hemp. Hemp is typically grown for textiles, construction materials and CBD-rich oil with low traces of THC. Cannabis is the term generally used to describe the flowers that contain higher amounts of THC.
Cannabinoids:
Chemical compounds that interact with the ECS as ligands, cannabinoids bind directly or indirectly to ECS receptors, acting like chemical messengers to turn on or turn off physiologic signaling in the body. Cannabinoids can be made in the body (“endocannabinoids”), in plants (“phytocannabinoids”) or synthetically in the laboratory (“synthetic cannabinoids”). CBD is an example of a phytocannabinoid.
CBD (Cannabidiol):
One of over 100 identified cannabinoids, CBD is renowned for its analgesic properties and ability to counteract the intoxicating, euphorigenic effects of THC.
CBD Isolate:
Science can “isolate” CBD from the rest of the compounds found in cannabis. Research is scant but suggests that a more complete “full-spectrum” cannabis—which includes all of its cannabinoids and full terpene profile—is more beneficial.
CBG (Cannabigerol):
Also known as the “mother” of all cannabinoids, CBG is renowned for supporting gut health.
CBN (Cannabinol):
This cannabinoid has recently become more recognized for its relaxation and sedative properties.
COA (Certificate of Analysis):
Lab test results are summarized on a COA. Learn more at How to Read a COA.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS):
A complex system in the human body discovered in the 1990s, the ECS is understood to modulate all physiological processes throughout the brain and body, including the management of appetite, pain, sleep and mood. The purpose of this system is whole-body homeostasis (or balance), the optimal state for maintaining health and natural healing.
Entourage Effect:
This concept suggests that CBD’s effectiveness is enhanced by the delivery of key components (such as CBD or THC) alongside other components (like terpenes and other compounds that are not yet fully understood). In a nutshell, a plant’s “magic” is somewhat lost the further you get from the full plant.
Extraction Process:
CBD can be extracted from its source plants through different methods. Some extraction processes require solvents or additives, while others do not.
Flash Activation:
A proprietary method of thermal extraction without solvents, flash extraction quickly exposes cannabis to gentle heat to preserve the source plant’s natural terpene profile.
Full-Spectrum:
This industry term implies that an extract contains all cannabinoids and beneficial terpenes from its source plant.
Homeostasis:
This is a state of relative stability and optimal balance between interdependent elements, such as coordinated physiological processes—the ideal state for natural healing and wellness.
“Micro-dosing”:
The widely used term “micro-dosing” refers to the practice of consuming small amounts of a substance at a time, often at increased frequency throughout the day. Taking smaller amounts more often, as opposed to a large amount all at once, means a constant amount of an active ingredient remains in the body throughout the day instead of being metabolized and eliminated just a few hours after use. A “micro” amount of CBD typically refers to a serving size ranging from a fraction to 2.5 mg.
Non-Psychoactive:
This term technically applies to anything that doesn’t affect the mind. In industry jargon, the widely used description “non-psychoactive” implies that it should not induce the altered-state effects generally associated with THC. While CBD is technically psychoactive, CBD is non-intoxicating and non-euphorigenic—and often referred to “non-psychoactive.”
Psychoactive:
While it technically means “affecting the mind” and applies to any substance with mind-altering effects, this word is most often used to describe the intoxicating, euphorigenic properties associated with THC.
Sublingual:
Literally meaning “under tongue,” this method of ingestion delivers CBD to the bloodstream via capillaries under the tongue. Sublingual delivery allows greater bioavailability of active substances by bypassing absorption barriers, such as the intestines and liver.
Terpenes:
A class of organic compounds found throughout nature, terpenes serve a variety of roles, including shaping a plant’s smell and flavor. While the terms “terpene” and “terpenoid” are often used interchangeably, terpenoids differ by being oxygenated or “rearranged.”
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol):
The most well-known of over 100 identified cannabinoids, THC has both analgesic and mind-altering qualities, most notably affecting focus, pleasure and perception of time.