Whether you’re a first-time CBD user, or a seasoned pro needing a little brain refresh, our CBD glossary is here for your endless reference. So, read on and let us give you a little background terminology that will help you know what it is you’re reading about.
CBD Terminology
Alright, so you’re a little CBD-curious, but you don’t know where to start.
The jargon is a little overwhelming; you keep reading about these crazy terms like “terpenes” and “endocannabinoid” and (rightfully) feel a bit dizzy.
Don’t worry. It’s completely normal. You aren’t alone, and SMPLSTC is here to assist in your exploration!
We’ve prepared for you a glossary to help you get started in your private research on CBD oil. Before you check out some of our other informational pages, and especially before you purchase a CBD oil product, you might want to start here.
Glossary of CBD Terms (A-C)
Bioavailability: This term refers to the net absorption of a certain chemical by the body when someone consumes a form of CBD. In other words, how much of the targeted chemical in a product is your body taking in?
Cannabinoid: The Cannabis plant secretes chemicals known as Cannabinoids from its glands- specifically the glands surrounding its reproductive organs. Some Cannabinoids include CBD, CBN, and THC. Some of these are psychoactive, others aren’t, yet most are beneficial in ways scientists are still continually discovering.
Cannabinoid Receptors: Here, we’re referring to the parts of the brain and body that “receive” the psychological and physical messages that the chemicals in CBD deliver.
CBD: CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is something known as a phytocannabinoid. Phytocannabinoids are found in the plant known as Cannabis. CBD is not psychoactive, nor will it produce the feelings of Euphoria that are traditionally associated with marijuana.
CBD Extract: CBD Extract is a substance that is extracted from Hemp or Cannabis that can be made into CBD oil.
CBD Isolate: CBD Isolate is CBD Oil – minus all the “extras”. CBD manufacturers extract Terpenes (mentioned below) and other molecules from CBD Isolate during a safe and extremely effective extraction process. However, most people feel that Full-Spectrum CBD is more natural and more beneficial due to its wide range of naturally-occurring substances that tend to accentuate each other.
Certificate of Analysis: A certificate of analysis sheds light on the quality of a CBD product’s ingredients. It’s pretty much a document of testing results that reveals whether a CBD product is high or low-quality.
Glossary of CBD Terms (D-L)
Endocannabinoid System: In the body, the ECS, or Endocannabinoid System, is responsible for maintaining a state of homeostasis in our bodies. Our bodies have endocannabinoid receptors which certain chemicals activate, and they mainly consist of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Endocannabinoid receptors exist not just in our brain and nerves, but also in our skin cells, immune system, fat tissue, GI system, and more. These receptors are known to affect sleep, mood, appetite, and even fertility! The CBD molecule is thought to mimic the CB1 and CB2 receptors, increasing their ability to treat conditions such as inflammation and pain, or bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, helping accentuate their effects.
Entourage Effect: In terms of CBD oil, the Entourage Effect is a label coined about the added therapeutic results produced by Full-Spectrum CBD, versus CBD Isolate. The people that use this term are referring to the additional benefits of Terpenes and other naturally-occurring molecules in CBD oil, stemming from the Cannabis plant itself (no pun intended!). By combining all of these Terpenes and Phenolics, people see more drastic changes in their CBD health outcomes.
Full-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD Oil, in short, is CBD oil that has not been through a filtering process to remove any extra terpenes or chemicals. People often prefer Full-Spectrum CBD because of something coined the “entourage” effect (mentioned above), which means that the extra (safe) substances in Full-spectrum CBD are of holistic benefit to the person who ingests it. Research suggests Full-spectrum CBD is indeed better and more useful for people than CBD isolate.
Hemp: Hemp is a part of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Specifically, hemp is the fiber of the cannabis plant and has been used by people for thousands of years to make rope and other durable fabrics.
Glossary of CBD Terms (m-z)
Microdosing: Basically, people sometimes choose to take small doses of certain substances every day. The reason for doing this is that some people speculate that small, routine doses of certain chemicals may aid the brain and body in subtle, but eventually dramatic ways.
Terpenes: Terpenes are a large group of phytochemicals that organically occur in Cannabis, and also remain in Full-Spectrum CBD products. Terpenes are proven to help inflammation, amongst a myriad of other health concerns.
Tincture: A CBD Tincture is essentially a “dropper” of liquified CBD oil. Many people prefer this form of CBD, considering it can be used in several different recipes, and integrated into other fun CBD creations.
THC: THC is also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, and it’s also a chemical found in the marijuana plant. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects that marijuana traditionally produces. It is known for its healing properties, including antioxidant functions, anti-inflammatory effects, and even pain relief.
Phytocannabinoid: Phytocannabinoids are molecules that exist naturally in the Cannabinoid plant. People use them to treat many human ailments and health concerns.
