Whether you’re new to CBD or you’ve been around a while, the terminology takes some getting used to.
Here’s a few terms you’ll see when you enter the CBD world (and what they mean):
CBD
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s a loving nickname, and easier to pronounce, too!
Cannabidiol
A naturally occuring cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It’s the second most common cannabinoid in cannabis.
Cannabinoid
A cannabinoid is a naturally occuring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids include cannabigerols (CBG), cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) among others. Cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system at varying levels of psychoactivity. CBD and CBG aren’t psychoactive, whereas THC and other cannabinoids are.
Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant. The term cannabis often refers to two different types of plants: marijuana and hemp.
Cannabis can be used in many different ways, including recreational and medicinal purposes.
Hemp
Hemp is one variety of the cannabis plant. Scientifically hemp isn’t that much different than marijuana, but legally it matters. Hemp refers to cannabis that contains less than .3% THC.
Psychoactive
A substance that affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior. (Source)
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give a plant it’s signature scent.
THC
THC is the most common cannabinoid found in cannabis. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that gives you the “high” sensation.
Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system functions within your body to maintain. asense of homeostasis. (Read more about it here.)
“The endocannabinoid system are largely involved in various aspects of central neural activities and disorders, including appetite, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and addiction. [It’s] also involved in physiological and pathological conditions in the [Peripheral Nervous System] and peripheral tissues, including pain, energy metabolism, cardiovascular and reproductive functions, inflammation, glaucoma, cancer, and liver and musculoskeletal disorders.”
Source
Full Spectrum
Full Spectrum CBD contains all elements of the cannabis plant, including up to .3 percent THC.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD contains every element of the cannabis plant (all terpenes and all cannabinoids) except THC.
Isolate
Isolate is the purest form of CBD, isolated (hence the term isolate) from other compounds of the plant. CBD isolate has no THC, no terpenes, and no other cannabinoids.
Tincture
Tinctures are essentially a carrier like alcohol or vinegar infused with cannabis. Tinctures are a stable and effective way to use CBD or CBG.
Salve
Salves are creams or ointments infused with plants with medicinal properties. In our case, salves are infused with CBD making it easy to get the benefits of CBD with a simple application.