CBD (Cannabidiol)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and is known for its potential therapeutic benefits without causing a 'high.'

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that produces the 'high' sensation. Hemp-derived products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be federally legal.

HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)

A semi-synthetic cannabinoid created by adding hydrogen molecules to THC through a process called hydrogenation. HHC is chemically similar to THC but may have different effects and legal status.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Often called the 'mother cannabinoid,' CBG is the precursor to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC. It's non-psychoactive and being studied for various potential benefits.

CBN (Cannabinol)

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms when THC ages and oxidizes. CBN is often associated with sedating effects and is popular in sleep-focused products.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may work synergistically with other cannabinoids. Research suggests CBC may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

A cannabinoid similar to THC but with different effects. THCV may act as an appetite suppressant and is being studied for potential metabolic benefits.

Delta-8 THC

A minor cannabinoid that's chemically similar to Delta-9 THC but with milder psychoactive effects. It occurs naturally in small amounts in hemp and cannabis.

Delta-9 THC

The most well-known form of THC and the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. This is what people typically refer to when they say 'THC.'

THCp

While trace amounts of THCp is found naturally in hemp plants, all THCp available commercially today is created through fully-synthetic chemical processes (not derived from any types of hemp material).

Hemp

A variety of Cannabis sativa that contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. Hemp is federally legal and used to produce CBD products, textiles, food, and industrial materials.

Cannabis

The plant genus that includes both hemp and marijuana. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the two main species, though classification is debated among botanists.

Marijuana

Cannabis plants that contain more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana remains federally illegal but is legal for medical and/or recreational use in many states.

Sativa

A subspecies of cannabis typically associated with energizing effects. Sativa plants are usually taller with narrow leaves and longer flowering cycles.

Indica

A subspecies of cannabis typically associated with relaxing, sedating effects. Indica plants are usually shorter and bushier with broader leaves.

Hybrid

Cannabis strains that are crossbred from sativa and indica varieties, combining characteristics from both subspecies.

Cultivar/Strain

Specific varieties of cannabis plants bred for particular characteristics like cannabinoid content, terpene profile, or growth traits.

Terpenes

Aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes contribute to the smell and flavor of cannabis and may influence its effects through the entourage effect.

Botanical Terpenes

Terpenes derived from non-cannabis plants such as citrus fruits, pine trees, or lavender. These are often used to recreate cannabis strain profiles or add specific aromas and flavors to products.

Hemp-Derived Terpenes

Terpenes extracted directly from hemp plants, preserving the natural terpene profile of specific hemp strains. These are considered more authentic to the original plant's characteristics.

Flavonoids

Plant compounds that contribute to color, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects. Cannabis contains unique flavonoids called cannaflavins.

CO2 Extraction

A method using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp. This method is considered clean and efficient, producing high-quality extracts.

Ethanol Extraction

A solvent-based extraction method using ethyl alcohol to pull cannabinoids from plant material. The ethanol is then removed, leaving behind the concentrated extract.

Hydrocarbon Extraction

Extraction using solvents like butane or propane. While effective, this method requires careful purging to remove all solvent residues.

Distillation

A purification process that uses heat and pressure to separate and concentrate specific cannabinoids, often resulting in a clear, viscous oil.

Winterization

A process that removes fats, waxes, and lipids from cannabis extracts by mixing with ethanol and freezing, then filtering out unwanted compounds.

Decarboxylation

The process of heating cannabis to convert inactive cannabinoid acids (like CBDA) into their active forms (like CBD). This process activates the therapeutic properties.

Semi-Synthetic

Compounds that are partially created through chemical processes, starting with naturally-derived hemp cannabinoids as a base. Examples include HHC, which is made by hydrogenating hemp-derived THC, and some forms of Delta-8 THC.

Crude Oil

The initial extract from hemp that contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds before further refinement or processing.

Full-Spectrum

Hemp extracts containing all naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, including trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).

Broad-Spectrum

Hemp extracts containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC completely removed. Offers potential entourage effects without any THC.

Isolate

Pure cannabinoid extract with all other compounds removed. CBD isolate, for example, is 99%+ pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.

Tincture

A liquid extract typically taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures often use alcohol or oil as a carrier and allow for precise dosing.

Sublingual

Administration method where products are placed under the tongue for absorption through mucous membranes, allowing for faster onset than oral consumption.

Topical

Products applied directly to the skin, such as creams, balms, or lotions. Topicals typically provide localized effects without entering the bloodstream.

Edibles

Cannabis or hemp products that are consumed orally, such as gummies, chocolates, or beverages. Effects typically take 30-90 minutes to onset.

Capsules

Encapsulated hemp or cannabis extracts taken orally like traditional supplements. They provide consistent dosing and are easy to incorporate into daily routines.

Vape/Vaporizer

Devices that heat cannabis or hemp extracts to create vapor for inhalation. Vaping typically provides faster onset than oral consumption.

Entourage Effect

The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds work together synergistically to enhance therapeutic effects more than individual compounds alone.

Psychoactive

Substances that affect the mind, mood, or consciousness. THC is psychoactive (causes a 'high'), while CBD is non-psychoactive but may still affect mood and perception.

Biphasic Effect

When a substance produces different effects at different doses. For example, low doses of THC might be energizing while high doses are sedating.

Tolerance

When the body becomes accustomed to a substance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This is more common with THC than CBD.

Microdosing

Taking very small amounts of cannabinoids to achieve subtle therapeutic effects without significant psychoactive effects or side effects.

Onset Time

How long it takes to feel the effects of a cannabis or hemp product. This varies by consumption method, from minutes (vaping) to hours (edibles).

Duration

How long the effects of a cannabis or hemp product last. This also varies by consumption method and individual factors.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A document from a third-party laboratory showing the cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and contaminant testing results for a specific product batch.

Third-Party Testing

Independent laboratory analysis of cannabis or hemp products to verify potency, purity, and safety. This provides unbiased quality assurance.

Potency Testing

Laboratory analysis to determine the exact concentration of cannabinoids in a product, ensuring accurate labeling and consistent dosing.

Pesticide Testing

Analysis to detect harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides that may have been used during cultivation or processing.

Heavy Metals Testing

Testing for toxic metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic that can accumulate in cannabis plants from soil or water contamination.

Microbial Testing

Analysis for harmful bacteria, yeast, mold, and other microorganisms that could pose health risks if present in cannabis products.

Residual Solvents

Leftover chemicals from extraction processes that must be removed or reduced to safe levels. Testing ensures products meet safety standards.

Batch Number

A unique identifier for a specific production run of a product, allowing for traceability and quality control throughout the supply chain.

2018 Farm Bill

Federal legislation that legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC, removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.

Controlled Substances Act

Federal law that regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances, including cannabis with more than 0.3% THC.

Schedule I

The most restrictive category of controlled substances, where marijuana (cannabis with >0.3% THC) is currently classified at the federal level.

Schedule II

A category of controlled substances with high potential for abuse but accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Some pharmaceutical cannabinoids like Marinol (synthetic THC) are classified as Schedule II.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing controlled substance laws and regulations in the United States.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

The federal agency that regulates food, drugs, and dietary supplements. The FDA oversees CBD product safety and marketing claims.

USDA Organic

Certification indicating that hemp was grown and processed according to strict organic standards without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

State Compliance

Adherence to individual state laws and regulations regarding hemp and cannabis, which can vary significantly from federal laws.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

A complex biological system in the human body that includes cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. The ECS helps regulate various physiological processes.

CB1 Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, while CBD has indirect effects.

CB2 Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors primarily found in immune cells and peripheral tissues. They play a role in immune function and inflammation.

Endocannabinoids

Naturally occurring cannabinoids produced by the human body, such as anandamide and 2-AG, that interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Anandamide

An endocannabinoid naturally produced by the body, often called the 'bliss molecule.' It binds to CB1 receptors and is associated with mood regulation.

Bioavailability

The percentage of a substance that enters circulation and can have an active effect. Different consumption methods have varying bioavailability rates.

First-Pass Metabolism

The process where orally consumed substances are metabolized by the liver before entering systemic circulation, reducing bioavailability.

Homeostasis

The body's natural state of balance and stability. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Protein molecules that bind with cannabinoids to produce various physiological effects. The main types are CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Phytocannabinoids

Cannabinoids that occur naturally in plants, particularly cannabis and hemp. Examples include CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN.