CBD/THC Glossary

A new CBD or THC user can easily become overwhelmed by all the terminology. The below glossary provides a list of the most commonly used terms and abbreviations within the cannabis industry.

If you still have questions, check out our What is CBD? information page or please feel free to call or stop into one of Sutherland CBD locations to talk with one of our knowledgeable staff.

Referring to a product that has undergone decarboxylation or the heating of cannabinoids to transform them from their naturally occurring acid form to an ‘activated’ non-acid form.

The effectiveness of a specific ingestion method. Specifically, this is measured as how quickly and what percentage of a product which is absorbed into the bloodstream for use by the body.

The cannabinoid profile of a CBD product containing both raw, non-activated cannabinoids as well as activated cannabinoids.

The cannabinoid profile of a CBD product, including a full-spectrum range of cannabinoids with a single exception: THC.

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. This phytocannabinoid is one of the most abundant in the plant and is generally most abundant in hemp. The wide range of potential therapeutic uses has created a high demand for products containing CBD-rich hemp oil.

A class of diverse chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body and brain in a system called the endocannabinoid system. They alter neurotransmitter release.

The types and amounts of various cannabinoids found in a cannabis extract.

A genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family. The plant is commonly classified by species (sativa or indica) or by classification (marijuana or hemp). 

Part of the endocannabinoid system are found in two types (CB1 & CB2) throughout the brain and body.

CB1 is a g protein coupled receptor found throughout the body primarily concentrated in the spine and brain.

CB1 is a g protein coupled receptor found throughout the body primarily found in the peripheral nervous system.

A thick, oily substance extracted from hemp containing cannabinoids, terpenoids, and other plant materials. A CBD extract will be high in CBD and low in other cannabinoids like THC. The levels of each of these components are influenced by the hemp source, extraction method, and further processing methods. These extracts may be sold alone or used as an active ingredient in CBD products.

Generally describes CBD products, often tinctures, or to describe a standalone extract or extract contained within a wide range of product types.

A concentrated form of cannabis extract often known by another name like wax, shatter, or extract; often used for dabbing.

Vaporizing a concentrated form of a cannabis extract by placing it against an extremely hot surface and inhaling the vapors produced.

The process where naturally occurring acid-form cannabinoids are heated to remove a carboxyl group. This process is as simple as smoking marijuana or heating cannabis in the oven. Temperatures of 200+ degrees Fahrenheit must be used. This form of ‘decarbing’ or ‘activating’ is used in marijuana and hemp in order to activate the cannabinoids so they may freely bind to the cannabinoid receptors in your body and brain.

Commonly shortened to THC, this cannabinoid is the famous high-producing substance in marijuana. In addition to producing a euphoric high, this compound also has been shown via research to carry numerous potential health benefits.

These liquids are used in vaporizers via heating to 200+ degrees Fahrenheit and then inhaled.

Endo stands for endogenous or originating within the body. ECS is a biological system which serves a variety of physiological functions including emotions, pain, memory, and appetite. 

This effect is the added, synergistic effects and benefits provided by ingesting a whole-plant spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenoids.

Most often from hemp, an extract is an oily substance derived from cannabis which includes plant materials, waxes, fatty acids, cannabinoids, and terpenoids. This extract can be consumed directly or used as a base ingredient to create other types of products.

The process by which one of several available extraction methods are used to create a phytocannabinoid-rich oil extract from the cannabis plant.

Referring to a cannabinoid spectrum containing a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds in relation to what is commonly found in hemp. 

A crystalline powder form of the single CBD molecule created by further processing an extract to remove other cannabinoids, terpenoids, and plant materials. These isolates may be sold alone or used as an active ingredient in CBD products.

A type of cannabis bred as a fibrous material for use in a wide variety of applications. Hemp contains a low THC content. Hemp is often grown outdoors and is able to be grown in most climates.

A broad term used to describe an oil created from hemp. This could mean hemp seed oil or a cannabinoid-rich extract. As a consumer, you should ensure you understand the difference to understand what is in the product you are purchasing.

An oil extracted from the seeds of a hemp plant using a cold expeller-pressed method. This oil does not contain cannabinoids and instead is a highly nutritious food source packed with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber and more.

A classification of hemp defined by the federal government. By legal definition, a cannabis plant must contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight to qualify as industrial hemp.

Small spherical sacs containing hemp oil extract used to increase the bioavailability and effectiveness of a product.

A type of cannabis bred for high-THC content for recreational or medical use. Marijuana is grown under precise environmental conditions, often indoors. Federally, marijuana is seen as any cannabis plant containing 0.3% THC or greater by dry weight.

The act of dosing small, frequent doses over a long period of time as opposed to one, large dose.

A water-soluble emulsion of hemp extract oil droplets broken into particles averaging 25 nanometers in diameter. This process increases surface area and thus is up to 5x as bioavailable as traditional oil-based products.

Referring to a product that contains the raw acid-form cannabinoids. This is because the product has not undergone decarboxylation or the heating of cannabinoids to ‘activate’ them.

The formal name of naturally occurring cannabinoids. ‘Phyto’ as a prefix simply means ‘derived from plants’.

The classification of a product determined by the levels of various cannabinoids and terpenoids found in an extract or product.

A large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by plants. These compounds are often associated with a specific odor and are known to produce a wide variety of potential benefits alongside cannabinoids via the entourage effect.

A type of product created by combining a CBD isolate and terpene extract.

Commonly shortened to THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol is a high-producing cannabinoid substance in marijuana.

Made by using nanoemulsions or liposomes. water soluble CBD is more bioavailable than oil-based products.

A form of CBD extract concentrate consumed via dabbing.