CBD Terminology

What Does That Mean? 

Do you know the lingo?  We’ve gotcha covered!  It can be overwhelming, so we will break down the most important terms to get you up to speed.

• Cannabidiol (CBD) – The dominant form of cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. Because it does not produce psychoactive or intoxicating effects, it cannot produce a high.  Instead, CBD is known for harnessing the healing and restorative properties of the cannabis plant family.
• Endocannabinoid System (ECS) – Our bodies not only produce cannabinoids naturally, but also hold receptors which cannabis bind to, sending signals to the nervous system that can shape physical and mental responses.
• Cannabis Sativa – This plant species is the given name for hemp. It possesses a low concentration of THC; depending on how the plant is handled and what part of it is used cannabis stavia can contain as little as .3 percent or no THC at all.  Hemp, from which CBD is produced, is grown in a variety of climates.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – Of the hundreds of cannabinoids produced by cannabis, THC is one of the two dominant forms. It possesses psychoactive and intoxicating properties and is the element of marijuana that produces a high.
• Marijuana – scientific name: Cannabis Indica, usually smoked or baked into foods and used for medicinal or recreational purposes, is psychoactive/mind-altering and illegal in most states. It has many nicknames including weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja and Mary Jane.
• Bioavailability – the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into a living system or is made available at the site of physiological activity. Said another way: it’s the amount of the substance that will be or is available for absorption as intended.
• Liposomes – protective membrane created of tiny microscopic fat bubbles that protect nutrients during the digestive process and improve bioavailability. Liposomes fuse with cells and the nutrients are released directly into our bodies at the cellular level.
• Full Spectrum – means numerous compounds from the hemp plant are included, believed to bring about the “entourage effect” as the various compounds work synergistically to create a more powerful punch than they might individually.
• Broad Spectrum – It begins as a full spectrum oil, but then goes through an additional refinement process to remove all THC compounds.
• Isolate – contains CBD alone, without any other cannabinoids, terpenes or active ingredients. If concerned about passing a drug screen, a CBD isolate is your safest bet.
• Terpenes – naturally occurring plant secretions that evolved to deter predators and attract pollinators (there are more than 100 in the cannabis plant); they are believed to interact synergistically with the plant’s compounds to boost wellness benefits. An example: the terpene Linalool, from a lavender plan, is often used as a stress-reliever and sleep aid.
• Hemp Seed Oil – oil extracted from hemp seeds and is most often used for cooking, has hydrating properties for skin, but not known anecdotally to have pain relieving or other wellness benefits.
• Homeostasis – a general balance between body systems.
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) – a lab report on the chemical make up (contents) of a product. In the context of hemp derived products, the COA shows the contents of the cannabinoids and other tested compounds such as heavy metals.
• Sublingual – under the tongue, one of the most common delivery methods of CBD.
• Water Soluble – the theory is that because our bodies are at least 60% water, the most efficacious products should be easily absorbed in water. Sadly, CBD as a compound doesn’t break down in water, so nano emulsion technology or liposomal technology is what increases bioavailability.

Are there other words or phrases you want us to define here?  If so, share them with us at [email protected] or on Facebook.