CBD Glossary
Aeroponics
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.
Alcohol extraction
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.
Anandamide (AEA)
An endocannabinoid that binds to cannabinoid receptors and mimics the activity of plant-derived cannabinoid drugs.
2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
An endocannabinoid that’s present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system.
Broad Spectrum
Is the same as full-spectrum, except that the THC has been completely removed. It still contains terpenes, essential oils, and all other cannabinoids from the plant.
CBD
Short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabis sativa plant, which is also known as marijuana or hemp. It has major anti-inflammation effects and is used in products including oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm. Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the major active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD will NOT get you high.
CBG
This mother of all cannabinoids has many potential medical benefits. CBG has been found to act on very specific physiological systems and problems. CBG is thought to be particularly effective in treating glaucoma, IBS, and Huntington’s Disease. It also shows great promise as a cancer fighter in that it was shown to block receptors that lead to cancer cell growth. CBG also shows promise in promoting GI tract and bladder health.
CBN
A non-intoxicating compound that is best known as the cannabinoid created when THC degrades. Research shows that it will reduce inflammation, is a neuroprotectant, and an appetite stimulant.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
One of 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBC is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not cause feelings of being high.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
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.
Cannabinoid
Any of the various naturally occurring, biologically active chemical constituents of hemp or cannabis, including some that possess psychoactive properties, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The marijuana plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids.
Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) Receptor
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.
Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) Receptor
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.
Cannabinoid profile
The concentration of active cannabinoids in a product or medication.
Cannabinol
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.
Cannabis
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 indica
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.
Cannabis sativa
A strain of cannabis known for promoting a cerebral high. Also known as sativa, it has hallucinogenic, hypnotic, sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD)
The theory that insufficient levels of endocannabinoids can lead to ailments, such as migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Closed-loop extraction
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.
Concentrates (or extracts)
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.
Cultivator
An individual who grows marijuana plants, usually with a focus on soil quality and plant health.
Cure
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.
Dabs and dabbing
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.
Decarboxylation
The process of applying heat to activate and release the CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis. A cannabinoid is decarboxylated when it’s heated to the point of eliminating the carboxylic acid. This process converts Cannabinoids from inactive acid form to active neutral form. Ex: CBDA – CBD, THCA -9THC.
Dispensary/Provisionary Center
Medical cannabis locations that are licensed by the state are designed to give people a secure location to gather information and purchase cannabis grown to treat ailments. Each State can differ based on legislation and regulation.
Decarboxylation
The process of applying heat to activate and release the CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis. A cannabinoid is decarboxylated when it’s heated to the point of eliminating the carboxylic acid. This process converts Cannabinoids from inactive acid form to active neutral form. Ex: CBDA – CBD, THCA -9THC.
Dispensary/Provisionary Center
Medical cannabis locations that are licensed by the state are designed to give people a secure location to gather information and purchase cannabis grown to treat ailments. Each State can differ based on legislation and regulation.
Distillate
A concentrated cannabis extract in which the final product has been systematically stripped through the distillation process of all materials and compounds except for cannabinoids.
Dosing
The quantity of medicine prescribed at one time. Dosing CBD depends on therapeutic goals, as well as how it is ingested or applied.
Edible
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.
Eicosanoids
Signaling molecules made from arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids that are similar to arachidonic acid. Endocannabinoids are all eicosanoids.
Electronic smoking device
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.
Endocannabinoids (endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters)
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).
Endocannabinoid enhancer
A drug that enhances the activity of the endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoid enzymes
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).
Endocannabinoid receptors
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.
Endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor
A drug that limits the reabsorption of endocannabinoid neurotransmitters by the releasing neuron.
Flower
The smokable portion of the female cannabis plant.
Full Spectrum
A produced cannabis concentrate that preserves the cannabinoid and terpene contents of the raw cannabis plant. Full spectrum products have THC levels below 0.3% by weight to keep them legally compliant.
Hemp
An industrial plant cultivated for its fiber and edible seeds. While hemp is in the same family as the cannabis plant, it does not have psychoactive effects. Commercial items made from hemp fiber include paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastic, and food.
Homeostasis
A term that describes the dynamic stability of your internal environment.
Homogeneity
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.
Hybrid
A strain that mixes two varieties of cannabis, indica and sativa.
Hydroponics
The method of growing a plant without soil. Sand, gravel, water, and other materials may take the place of dirt.
Isolate
Is CBD in its purest form. During the process of extracting the cannabidiols, everything is filtered out of the hemp plant except for the cannabidiol, creating pure CBD. Isolates are devoid of terpenes, and non-CBD cannabinoids like THC, chlorophyll, and organic matter. Isolates are especially good for products that should be free of CBD related aromas, like gummies. CBD isolates are >99% pure.
Marijuana
The dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Slang names for marijuana include weed, herb, and pot.
Cesamet (nabilone)
A synthetic cannabinoid prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics
The way drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in and from the body.
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that occur naturally in a cannabis plant.
Strain
A strain refers to the different varieties of cannabis. Some examples include indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Terpene
Aromatic molecules responsible for the unique aroma of each cannabis strain. The appealing aromas and flavors related to cannabis are all thanks to terpenes. Terpenes are the primary components of essential (CBD) oils — aromatics responsible for a plant’s regeneration, oxygenation, and immunity defense. Essential oils have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The main active psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It is responsible for the high sensation.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
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.
Tincture
A liquid that contains a concentrated herbal extract.
Topical
An oil, salve, lotion, or ointment infused with CBD that can be applied directly to the skin.
Vaporizer
A device intended to vaporize substances for inhalation. Vaporizers can be used to heat dried cannabis, cannabis oil, or cannabis wax; they convert the active ingredients into a cannabis-infused aerosol that can be inhaled.
Vaping
Inhaling a vaporized substance generated by an electronic vaporizer.
