Glossary of CBD & Hemp-Related Terms
The terms of hemp and CBD products and the internal systems they benefit can be confusing, especially to new users! We’ve compiled this list of the most common terms used in our industry. Familiarize yourself with these terms to start your journey to mind and body wellness!
A
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is an endocannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptor. This endocannabinoid is involved in the physiological processes that regulate emotion, cognition, pain, and neuroinflammation.
All-Natural – Being or composed of ingredients that are from nature and not artificial.
Additive – A substance added to food in small quantities to improve the taste and appearance or preserve it.
Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (AKA 2018 Farm Bill) – Signed into law on December 20, 2018, and contained provisions federally legalizing hemp by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act. The USDA is responsible for implementing its own hemp program that states may participate in or for approving state-developed hemp programs submitted to it.
Amino Acids – Building blocks for all proteins. Your body produces 11 of the 20 necessary amino acids, meaning you must consume the remaining 9 in your diet. (See also: Essential Amino Acids)
Anandamide – A cannabinoid produced by the body that interacts with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. These receptors are responsible for mental and physiological processes. (See also: CB1 cannabinoid receptor.)
Arginine or L-arginine – An amino acid that helps the body build protein. Arginine is present in hemp seed oil.
B
Broad-spectrum – A CBD product with more than one cannabinoid but does not contain the entirety of what occurs naturally within the hemp plant. For example, a product with THC removed is considered broad-spectrum. (See also: CBD and THC)
C
Cannabidiol or CBD – Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the Cannabis plant.
CBD Cannabidiol’s popular nickname.
CBD Oil – Oil made from the leaves, stalks, buds, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa (Hemp) plant and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Cannabinoid – Any chemical, natural or synthetic, that interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoid 1 or CB1 receptor – CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, central nervous system, lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin. CB1 receptors help regulate metabolism and appetite. In addition, they are the main targets of THC and play a role in producing the euphoric effects of Cannabis.
Cannabinoid 2 or CB2 receptor – CB2 receptors are mainly found on immune cells or in the central nervous system. They play an essential role in regulating immune response, inflammation, and pain.
Cannabichromene (CBC) CBC is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa plants. CBC is one of the major cannabinoids, and there is currently a large quantity of research being carried out to ascertain whether it has any wellness benefits. (See also: Cannabinoid)
Cannabinoid Profile – The concentration of active cannabinoids in a product or medication.
Cannabis – Usually used to refer to the plant Cannabis sativa L., grown for use as marijuana or hemp, depending on the concentration of THC. Cannabis contains more than 400 distinct compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and lipids that, together and separately, produce its effects in the body.
Slang terms for Cannabis include marijuana, weed, pot, dope, and grass. In general, these terms refer to the high-THC varieties used for recreational consumption. (See also: THC.)
CO2 Supercritical Extraction – This is a method used to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant. It is used due to the high level of control it has over temperature and pressure. This method ensures that the oil produced is both pure and clean while protecting the active cannabinoids and terpenes found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Another advantage of this method is that you can separate the constituent oils and remove anything that is not wanted in the final product.
D
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – a primary cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa and the one responsible for its psychoactive effects or the so-called “high” of marijuana. It works on endocannabinoid receptors in the brain to release dopamine. (See also: THC)
E
Endocannabinoids – Natural chemicals our bodies produce to stimulate the ECS, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the Cannabis sativa plant. Their primary purpose is to regulate essential body functions and maintain balance or homeostasis (See also: Endocannabinoid System; Phytocannabinoids.)
Endocannabinoid Enzymes – Proteins that your body makes to break down endocannabinoids when they are no longer needed.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) – ECS comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors in our bodies that help to regulate the processes that keep internal functions running smoothly.
Endocannabinoid Receptors – These receptors reside on the surface of a variety of types of cells throughout the body to trigger a physiological response. Researchers have focused on two endocannabinoid receptors: cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2).
Essential Amino Acids – The nine amino acids necessary for health but that the body cannot make on its own and must be absorbed through diet. They include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. According to the National Library of Medicine, Hemp provides all nine essential amino acids.
Essential Fats or Essential Fatty Acids – Polyunsaturated fatty acids that are necessary for health but that the body cannot make on its own, including Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Extract – An extract is a substance obtained by pressing, distilling, or dissolving in alcohol. For example, hemp is pressed to obtain cannabinoids, flavonoids, and plant nutrients for use in our products.
F
FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory government agency with the power to regulate Cannabis sativa and Cannabis-derived products since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. So far, the FDA has officially approved the CBD product Epidiolex as a treatment for epilepsy. The government’s relationship with the Cannabis industry is constantly evolving; learn more about how the FDA is handling Cannabis and CBD products on the FDA’s website. (See also: Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018)
Farm Bill (AKA 2018 Farm Bill) – See: Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.
Fiber – A type of carbohydrate that helps regulate the body's use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. Fiber comes in two varieties, soluble and insoluble.
Full Spectrum – CBD complete with terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids found in hemp, all of which have therapeutic value of their own and help create what’s known as the entourage effect. Basically, full-spectrum CBD can give you every potential benefit the plant has to offer.
G
Gluten – A protein mixture that occurs naturally in wheat, rye, barley, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale.
Gluten-Free – For a food to be labeled as gluten-free, the FDA states that it must contain no more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Manufacturers may label a food “gluten-free” if it does not have any of the following:
An ingredient that is any type of wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains.
An ingredient derived from these grains that have not been processed to remove gluten.
An ingredient derived from these grains that have been processed to remove gluten if it results in the food containing 20 or more parts per million (ppm) gluten.
H
Hemp – Hemp refers to the Cannabis sativa plant, “and any part of such plant,” that contains less than 0.3% THC under the Farm Bill.
Hemp Hearts – The soft inner part of hemp seeds after the outer shell has been removed. Essentially the de-shelled or “hulled” version of the seeds.
Hemp Milk – Hemp milk, or hemp seed milk, is a plant milk made from hemp seeds that are soaked and ground in water. Check out our recipe for hemp milk here: https://kannabu.com/recipes-1/recipe-hemp-milk/.)
Hemp Oil – Cold-pressed oil made from the tiny seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant and contains no THC. It is produced by cold-pressing the hemp seeds into an omega-rich culinary oil. Hemp seed oil contains no CBD content.
Hemp Seed – The seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Whole hemp seeds (with the shell on) contain no CBD content and, according to PubMed, are a good source of fiber.
Hemp Protein – A plant-based protein powder derived from the hemp plant.
Histidine – One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
I
Isoleucine – One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
Industrial Hemp – Hemp that is grown specifically for industrial uses, such as textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastic, food, biofuel, and medicine (including CBD). Hemp and its products are legal in the U.S. under the Farm Bill as long as they contain less than .3% THC.
L
Leucine – One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Histidine Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
Lysine– One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
M
Marijuana – Under state and federal law, marijuana is any Cannabis sativa L. plant with more than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis. Marijuana is strictly regulated in states where it is illegal and remains a Schedule I controlled substance in the eyes of the federal government. Botanically, marijuana is the same plant as hemp. (See: Hemp)
Methionine– One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
N
Neurotransmitter – A messenger of neurologic formation from one cell to another.
Nutrition – The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.
Nutrient – A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.
P
Phenylalanine– One of the nine essential amino acids (See also: Amino Acids, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.)
Phytocannabinoid – Plant-based cannabinoids that can interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). (See also: Endocannabinoids; Phytocannabinoids.)
Protein – Protein that provides all nine essential amino acids. Hemp is a complete source of protein, as stated by the National Library of Medicine.
Psychoactive – A property that changes brain function by interacting with the central nervous system, resulting in altered perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. THC is the primary psychoactive component in Cannabis plants. When a CBD product contains more than .3 percent of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), it is considered mind-altering.
S
Saturated fats – Fats that stay solid and can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels. This includes trans fat. (See also: Unsaturated Fats)
Sublingual - A consumption method that entails applying the product under the tongue.
T
THC (Delta-9 THC, ∆9-THC)– Stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound that causes the so-called “high” of marijuana. Hemp has 0.3% or less THC, meaning hemp-derived products don't contain enough THC to create the “high” traditionally associated with marijuana. (See also: Hemp.)
Terpenes – The oils in the trichomes of the Cannabis sativa plant that give each strain a distinct flavor and scent.
Tincture – An extract of plant or animal material dissolved in a substrate. Tinctures containing CBD or hemp oil are usually taken sublingually.
Topical – A product infused with CBD that can be applied to the skin in order to produce its effects. Topicals include balms, salves, lotions, oils, and serums.
U
Unsaturated Fats – Considered “good fat.” On a molecular level, unsaturated fats stay liquid at room temperature, making them less likely to clog your arteries. There are two kinds: Polyunsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) and Monounsaturated fats, typically found in fish and plant-based food like vegetables, nuts, and seeds. (See also: Saturated Fats)
V
Vegan – Contains no food or other products derived from animals.
Now that you know the most important terms, you can start incorporating hemp and CBD into your wellness routine. Curious to learn more about cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis, and cannabinoids? Here's a blog we wrote to help address frequently asked questions, myths, and benefits: https://kannabu.com/recipes-1/benefits-of-cbd-and-hemp/.
About the author - Tessa Dines is an award-winning, NYC-based copywriter with BKN Creative. She transforms difficult-to-understand scientific, legal, and industry-specific information into digestible content for curious audiences of any age. Tessa has a green thumb, three cats, and nearly a decade of writing under her belt.
Disclaimer: Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend consulting with a medical professional. As with any addition to your health routine, speak with your healthcare provider before combining CBD products with your current medications to see if this treatment is proper for you.
