CBD Glossary of Terms

Agonist

An agonist is a chemical, molecule or substance that triggers a physiological response when it binds with a receptor.

Alcohol Extraction

This extraction method requires the immersion of plant material in high-grade ethanol or an equivalent alcohol solvent for approximately 5 minutes. Once the dark resin has been expelled, the alcohol is then boiled off for around 20 to 30 minutes in order to leave behind a viscous substance as it cools.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins and play critical roles in the human body.

Anandamide

Anandamide is a cannabinoid that is produced by the human body. It is partially responsible for making people feel good. When CBD is introduced to anandamide it elevates the feeling of positivity. The name comes from the Sanskrit term for "Bliss".

Antagonist

Any chemical or substance that blocks or inhibits the action of an agonist when it interacts with a receptor.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants counteract the deterioration of many things. Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds found in foods and they are able to remove toxins from the body.

BHO Extraction

This is a very effective method for extracting resin from plant matter. It involves utilizing solvents like butane which remain in liquid form under pressure and evaporate immediately on release. Butane leaves much of the plant waxes in tact while only stripping the cannabinoids from the plant material.

Bioavailability

This is a pharmacological term that refers to the proportion of a drug or other substance to effectively enter the bloodstream and then be used by the body. For example, vaporizing CBD oil may have higher bioavailability than consuming orally.

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum CBD oil contains a "broad" range of cannabinoids with trace amounts of terpenes. It does not contain as many cannabinoids as full spectrum oil, but it does have a wide array of cannabinoids. Broad spectrum has few terpenes or flavonoids. Customers that want very low THC levels in their products may lean towards a broad spectrum product. Broad spectrum can still trigger the entourage effect in some cases. Broad spectrum requires the distillate to be processed through a chromatography machine to separate the cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol

Also known as CBD, cannabidiol is one of the 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. Hemp plants are very high in cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is not intoxicating like its sister THC.

Cannabinoid

A class of naturally occurring molecules primarily found in the cannabis plant. This large group molecules are are classified together for their ability to join the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain. These cannabinoid molecules can be produced by humans, animals and certain kinds of plants.

Cannabis

The most wonderful plant found on planet earth with over 400 unique chemical compounds that work to provide health and well-being to all who use her.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is a general term, but is usually reserved for oil derived from high THC cannabis material. That material is contains resins, terpenes and other medicinal compounds like CBD.

Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis sativa is a species of the cannabis plant that’s tall, light in color, and slow in production. Originally indigenous to Asia, it has been bred to be cultivated all parts of the world. Cannabis sativa can be used for rope, textiles, energy, medicines and more.

Carboxyl Group

An organic functional group that consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to a hydroxyl group.

CBD

CBD, known as Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis used to treat a multitude of conditions such as epilepsy, nausea, pain, anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, opioid withdrawal and PTSD.

CBD Capsules

These usually come in a soft gel form and are considered one of the most convenient ways to supplement with CBD. CBD capsules are easy to dose and convenient to travel with. Most CBD capsule bottles come in 30 or 60 count bottles.

CBD Oil

A generic term for any carrier oil mixed with either full spectrum hemp extract, broad spectrum oil or CBD isolate.

CBD Sprays

CBD sprays are a convenient way to intake small doses of CBD. The doses tend to be 2-5mg of CBD per spray in comparison to tinctures and capsules which are typically more concentrated.

CBD Tincture

A tincture is a blend of CBD extract and a carrier oil like MTC. CBD tinctures are available for purchase in a wide range of cannabinoid concentrations. Tinctures can be made with full-spectrum hemp extract, broad spectrum distillate or CBD isolates. While tinctures can be added to foods and beverages, they are typically held under the tongue (sublingually) for a short time before swallowing to allow absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream before the tincture reaches the digestive tract. Historically, tinctures were made with alcohol but todays products use a carrier oil like MCT oil or olive oil.

CBD Vape Oil

CBD vape oil should not contain any adulterants like PG/VG/PEG/MCT. Real CBD vape oil should not require any cutting agents. The oil starts as full spectrum distillate which is then refined further to remove the THC molecule. After remediation, the oil is ready to use. Natural terpenes are added to the oil for taste and effect and the oil is ready to be vaped. Vaping CBD and other cannabinoids is a preferred method of consumption due to its quick onset and high bio-availability.

CBD Wax

CBD wax is a considered a "concentrate" is typically dabbed using a heated device called a dab rig. CBD wax is created with full spectrum terpenes and either CBD isolate or full spectrum distillate. CBD wax can also be used to make custom formulations including tinctures and topicals. Wax is sometimes referred to as crumble or shatter.

CBDA

CBDA, Cannabidiolic Acid, is the acidic precursor to CBD. It is converted to CBD through the decarboxylation process. CBDA is found in raw cannabis and has known anti-bacterial, anti-fugal, and cancer preventing properties.

CBDV

Similar to CBD, CBDV, known as Cannabidivarin, reduces the frequency and severity of seizures in human subjects. It has studied to help with mood disorders. CBDV also works to eliminate nausea associated with several conditions and helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

CBG

Stands for Cannabigerol and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is considered a precursor to all other cannabinoids. Experts are working with CBG as a treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. CBG is known to reduce inflammation and act as a neuroprotectant. It is antibacterial and an anti-fungal agent. It may have promise in lowering ocular pressure for glaucoma patients.

CBGA

This cannabinoid is the founding cannabinoid in the biosynthesis of cannabinoids and their development in the plant. All other cannabinoids stemmed from CBGA.

CBN

This cannabinoid is known for its powerful sedative properties. CBN is mildly psychoactive and is the result of the degradation of THC.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

This is a lab report issued by a third-party testing facility as verification that a product contains certain compounds including CBD and THC. COA's are used as part of quality control measures for manufacturers of all products. COA's are commonly issued for potency, residual solvents, microbials, pesticides, heavy metals and terpenes.

Certified Organic

Means that the hemp cultivated was not only grown organically but also certified by a licensed agency like the USDA. Best Life Hemp™ full spectrum hemp extract is Certified Organic.

cGMP

Current Good Manufacturing Practices. These are regulations enforced by the FDA for food and supplement manufacturers to verify manufacturing best practices. Best Life Hemp™ products are manufactured in a facility that incorporates these best practices.

Citronellal

Citronellal has been used for 1000's of years as a bug repellent, specifically mosquitos. It is also used to preserve fabric from moths. Mainly found in flowers like geraniums and roses, some citrus fruit rind display Citronellal. Researchers are investigating its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immune-regulating properties.

CO2 extraction

This extraction method is generally considered safe because it uses carbon dioxide as a solvent. The CO2 is compressed so that if forms into a polar liquid which separates the plants oil from the rest of the plant material. CO2 extraction is also known as "solvent" or "chemical" free even though itself acts as a solvent.

Concentration

CBD products contain many different concentrations of cannabinoids. We recommend trying different concentrations to see which one is right for you.

Cultivars

This is the botanically correct term for what is usually known as “strain” in the cannabis world. Cultivars are varieties of plants from within one species. Cultivars go through selective breeding to enhance certain genes or traits of the plant.

Dab Rig

A glass device that is heated to extremely high temperatures and used to inhale cannabis concentrates. Dab Rigs are essential for proper vaporization of CBD shatter and wax.

Dabbing

The act of using a dab rig to inhale vaporized cannabis extract. Dabbing is fast acting and allows for maximum absorption of cannabinoids. Use caution when dabbing as it requires an extremely hot device called a dab rig.

DEA

Drug Enforcement Agency

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is the process of transforming inactive acid cannabinoids into active cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Decarb'ing is typically done by heating the biomass or flower, CBD or THC.

For those who understand chemistry, the chemical process in decarboxylation removes a carboxyl group from a molecule and then releases carbon dioxide (CO2). This typically refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids that results in the removal of a carbon atom from a carbon chain.

ECS

The abbreviation for the Endocannabinoid System. The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters in the human body. The ECS is believed to regulate several parts of the human body including human development in the womb. It helps regulate mood, sleep, pleasure, pain, motor control, appetite, immune function, memory and temperature regulation, also known as homeostasis.

Edibles

Edibles are baked goods or drinks that are infused with cannabis and hemp extracts. Edibles are eaten which means the cannabinoids have to get processed and absorbed through the digestive tract. Some cannabinoids, like THC, convert to other cannabinoids in the digestive tract which may induce increased psycho-activity in the user. CBD edibles do not typically induce any sort of high in users.

Emulsion

An emulsion is a mixture of two liquids. Typically a full spectrum hemp oil and a carrier oil are blended together with a high-speed emulsifier to create the emulsion.

Endocannabinoid System

The ECS is a biological system found in all mammals that involves lipid neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors found in the brain and body. The ECS is believed to regulate several parts of the human body including human development in the womb. It helps regulate mood, sleep, pleasure, pain, motor control, appetite, immune function, memory and temperature regulation, also known as homeostasis.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are found throughout the entire human body - in the brain, tissues, organs, glands and immune cells. Endo refers to the cannabinoids inside the human body, versus phyto-cannabinoids which refer to cannabinoids in plants. Israeli Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was the first to identify and discover the ECS.

Entourage Effect

The entourage effect describes the synergy of all 300+ molecules inside of the cannabis plant. The cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, proteins, and other compounds of the hemp plant work synergistically for maximum benefit. Essentially, the whole cannabis plant works better than any one or two of its individual parts. Full spectrum oil delivers the most consistent entourage effect.

Ethanol Extraction

An extraction method that utilizes ethanol as a solvent to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The ethanol solution is then heated under vacuum to evaporate and separate the ethanol from the cannabinoids. Ethanol extraction is fast, inexpensive and efficient for extracting cannabinoids from hemp.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids like Omega 3's are necessary for proper cell processing. Our cells use fatty acids to regulate oxygen use, transport electrons and regulate energy. Fatty acids are not naturally produced by the human body and therefore we must supplement or eat foods rich in fatty acids.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, teas, and wine. They play a variety of biological roles in plants, including providing flavor and aroma as well as attracting pollinators like bees.

Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT)

Fractionated coconut oil is an oil produced from regular coconut oil. It is a great source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fats that are easy for the human body to process.

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract

A full-spectrum hemp extract describes a product with the entire array of 100+ cannabinoids, plus terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and other beneficial compounds of the hemp plant. Full spectrum hemp extract provides for the entourage effect.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a chemical found in Roundup and traces of this pesticide have been found in hemp products. Make sure your product passed a pesticide test. Ask for COA's on all your products.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals can cause health problems in humans. Hemp, like many crops, can pull heavy metals from the earths soil during the growing cycle. Heavy metals include iron, lead, cadmium, and graphite. When hemp is processed into an extract, these heavy metals can be concentrated and end up in consumer products. Third-party lab testing will ensure that your product does not contain any heavy metals.

Hemp

A cannabis plant that is one of the oldest domesticated crops in the world. Hemp as been cultivated for medicine, clothing, food and much more since the dawn of recorded history. Selective breeding has allowed farmers to cultivate hemp for specific uses. Whether it be for textiles or for cannabinoid production, hemp is being grown throughout the world and making an impact on almost every industry it touches. To be considered hemp, the plant must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol by weight. If it contains over 0.3% THC, the plant is considered a "marijuana" plant and becomes unlawful to cultivate without proper State licenses.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is used when referring to hemp extract. Versus hemp seed oil when referring to an oil with zero CBD. When talking about hemp oil, it is important to talk about how many cannabinoids are present in the hemp oil.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil contains no CBD. This oil is extracted from hemp seeds and is rich with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. It has incredible properties but no CBD. Hemp seed oil is often seen on Amazon being falsely advertised as CBD oil.

High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

A technique in analytical chemistry used to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture. It relies on pumps to pass a pressurized liquid solvent containing the sample mixture through a column filled with a solid adsorbent material. Each component in the sample interacts slightly differently with the adsorbent material, causing different flow rates for the different components and leading to the separation of the components as they flow out of the column.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is stability and balance within the human body. Think of it as dynamic equilibrium instead of a constant state. All living things can experience their own version of homeostasis. Full spectrum hemp extract is known to assist in homeostasis in humans.

Humulene

Humulene is found in hops and throughout many cannabis varieties. It is also found in spices like coriander. Humulene gives beer its "hoppy" taste and smell. Medicinally, humulene is anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and also is used to suppress appetite. Humulene has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.

Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp is what is legally allowed to be cultivated under the Farm Bill. Industrial hemp is being bred to reduce THC percentages in the plant and increase CBD and other cannabinoids like CBG and CBL. This is they type of hemp that is used for extracting cannabinoids and creating products. Industrial hemp cannot have anymore than 0.3% THC molecule by weight.

Isolate

Isolate is what you get when purify full spectrum hemp extract into a single cannabinoid in its purest form. The purity is so great that the molecule crystalizes. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and is always 99% CBD with 0% THC. CBD isolate is a favorite for those who want to introduce CBD oil into their diet without any THC or other cannabinoids.

Isolate+

Isolate+ is made up of 99% pure cbd isolate infused with full spectrum terpenes which gives users a pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable cerebral effect.

Limonene

One of the most recognizable terpenes in nature, found in citrus fruits like grapefruit, tangerine and lemon. Limonene is used in household cleaners, cosmetics, and food products. Used as an aid in depression and anxiety. Promotes a calm but uplifting an energetic mindset.

Linalool

This soothing terpene is found in lavender and many other flowers throughout nature. Relaxation and stress relief are two key descriptors of linalool. It has a calming effect on the body and can act as a potent muscle relaxer. Experts are working with linalool to combat seizure disorders.

Liposomal CBD

Is a process where CBD is nano-emulsified and encapsulated using a phospholipid. This provides for an extremely small sized particle that is said to be 3x more bioavailable then a regular sized CBD particle.

Made from Organic

Made from organically grown hemp means that the product was made from hemp that may not be certified organic but was grown organically.

Marijuana

The term marijuana was created during the refer madness movement of the 40's, 50's and 60's. Marijuana is often seen as a derogatory term that was used by officials during prohibition and the war on drugs. The proper term is cannabis.

MCT Oil

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oils are popular for their ability to be easily metabolized by the body instead of being stored as fat or cholesterol. The most common type is a combination of palm and coconut oil. These are often used to reduce cholesterol levels and to increase the muscle mass and strength of older people. MCT Oil is mixes very well with cannabis oil making it the preferred carrier oil for CBD oil manufacturers.

Menthol

Menthol is a wonderful additive to CBD topical lotions due to its pain relieving properties. Menthol is derived from peppermint oil and gives a cooling sensation.

Microbials

A generic term for all microscopic, including bacteria, yeast, mold, E. coli and aerobic bacteria.

Microdosing

The practice of ingesting very small amounts of a chemical substance over a set schedule during a period of several days, instead of larger amounts once or twice a day. Microdosing has been practiced widely to help people dial in their dose.

Muscle Gel

Muscle gel is a topical that is popular because of its healing icy-hot properties. Best Life Hemp™ Muscle Gel is made from organic ingredients and contains several pain fighting ingredients.

Mycotoxins

Are toxins caused by organisms that are part of the fungus kingdom. Mycotoxins can cause serious illness and death in humans and animals. Your CBD products should always pass a microbial test to ensure they are free from Mycotoxins.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

NMR is a machine used in analytical chemistry when testing cannabinoids for potency and other metrics.

Omega Fatty Acids

These fatty acids are found in hemp extract and play an important role in the health of the human body. Fatty acids are primarily responsible for controlling and producing energy in the body. It is important to maintain the correct balance of omega fatty acids as these acids are not produced naturally in the body, but can be supplemented by taking a full spectrum hemp oil on a daily basis.

Opioid

These are a class of medications that are commonly used for pain relief. Opioids need to be prescribed by doctors and are highly addictive. Opiates are largely responsible for the addiction crisis in the United States.

Oral

This is usually referring to a consumption method that entails a person actually swallowing a substance by way of the mouth. Products that are consumed orally include soft gels, tinctures, gummies, capsules and other edible products.

Organic

Products produced without the use of pesticides, synthetics or genetically modified organisms.

Phytocannabinoids

Refers to cannabinoids that are produced inside of a plant. These cannabinoids are formed inside the glandular trichomes of the plant.

Psychoactive

Technically, if a molecule can penetrate the blood brain barrier it could be considered psychoactive. Psychoactive means that the molecule can alter a persons perception or mindset.

Pure CBD Oil

Pure CBD oil is essentially the opposite of a full spectrum product. Pure CBD oil is created using CBD isolate which has nothing but cannabidiol and is free from terpenes and other molecules found in hemp extract.

Residual Solvents

Residual solvents are solvents that have been left inside of CBD products after the product has been finished being made. Residual solvents are the remnants of solvents that were used in the extraction process. Your CBD products should be free from most residual solvents. Trace amounts of solvents are acceptable if the solvent used is food grade and below toxic levels.

Rick Simpson Hemp Oil

RSHO is a concentrated full spectrum cannabis extract that was made famous by Rick Simpson, a Cancer survivor and self proclaimed cannabis healer. RSHO is very high in THC which makes it difficult for most people to use. However, RSHO has been known to offer enormous benefits for those that use it.

Shatter

This has become a popular product because it is a concentrated cannabinoid product that gives a large dose of cannabinoids per serving. Shatter largely considered incredibly pure and clean. Shatter is essentially a concentrated form of any cannabinoid, it could be CBD or THC. Shatter is made from the resin of the cannabis plant. It can also be associated with “wax,” and is usually consumed via inhalation at high temperatures called "dabbing".

Solvent Free

Term used to describe an oil or product that is free from any solvents that were used in the production of the oil or product. Best Life Hemp™ oil never goes through winterization and therefore never requires the use of solvents (like most companies).

Steam Distillation

An extraction method that uses high-pressure steam to separate molecules from other molecules. In regards to hemp extractions, these compounds include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, although the high temperatures often damage the cannabinoids, making steam distillation preferable extraction method for terpenes and flavonoids.

Strain

A strain is synonymous with the word cultivar. Strain is used to describe the kind or type plant being propagated.

Sublingual

This is a medical term that details a consumption method where a person applies a substance directly to the tissues located under the tongue. The tissues under the tongue allow certain sized molecules to penetrate the bloodstream much more efficiently than other means of consumption. Sublingual usually refers to tablets or other dissolvable substances that can be placed under the tongue. A tincture could be absorbed sublingually.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

This is an extraction method that utilizes a special machine called a closed-loop extractor. Using liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure and ultra-low temperatures, it’s able to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter. When the pressure is relieved, the CO2 evaporates immediately and goes back to its gaseous state.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids produced in laboratories based on the molecular structure of cannabinoids found in the plant and animal species. They are used to probe and study the endocannabinoid system to better understand how it works but we do not recommend for human or animal consumption.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the fragrance molecules that are found in the essential oils of plants - including cannabis and hemp - which offers a unique scent from one strain to the next. The fragrant imprint of each plant is a result of different combinations of terpenes. Cannabis is unique in that each strain has a unique profile of terpenes. Terpenes are believed to exhibit medicinal properties independent from the cannabinoids.

There is also thought that terpenes may interact with cannabinoids to alter or magnify the effect of such cannabinoids - a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Terpinolene

This terpene is known for its woody, musky, piney scent with subtle floral and citrus tones. Terpinolene is used in cosmetics, soaps, creams and lotions due to its sedative effects. In nature, Terpinolene is found in sage, rosemary, apples, tea trees, cumin and nutmeg.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC stands for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and is one of the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis and is associated with the psychoactive effects of using cannabis. THC is the molecule that produces the “high” when using cannabis or smoking pot. High doses of THC can induce uncomfortable hallucinations. Use with caution.

Tincture

In the early 1900's tinctures were primarily made by dissolving something believed to have healing powers in to alcohol. Today, tinctures are usually made with a mild carrier like oil, vegetable glycerine or water. CBD tinctures are made by dissolving hemp extract containing CBD into a carrier oil like MCT oil.

Topical

This term refers to applying cannabinoids to your skin using a cream, lotion, gel, or patch. Topicals are great ways to to get CBD into the skin bypassing the digestive system. People looking for targeted relief usually prefer a topical product which can be applied to a specific part of the body. CBD has shown to nourish and repair damaged skin and protect from aging signs.

Transdermal

This relates to a specific product or method that will require a person to apply the product directly to the skin. This does still get into the bloodstream and usually will also contain special permeability enhancers. It will be absorbed slowly into the body and is usually administered by an adhesive patch.

Trichomes

Are the magical mushroom looking resin glands found on plants throughout nature. These resin factories are responsible for producing cannabinoids, we love trichomes!

Vaping

Vaping is a delivery method that has gained popularity over the past decade. Vaping cannabinoids provides fast onset and is thought to be "healthier" because there is no combustion, as with other herbs. Vaping devices are required for a successful vape experience.

Water Soluble

This term refers to a substances ability to completely dissolve in water. Water soluble CBD requires the CBD to be micronized and then combined into an emulsion that will ultimately be able to dissolve in water. Water soluble CBD allows for an entire new array of products to be developed with CBD including edibles and drinks.

Wax (CBD)

CBD wax is a considered a "concentrate" is typically dabbed using a heated device called a dab rig. CBD wax is created with full spectrum terpenes and either CBD isolate or full spectrum distillate. Wax is sometimes referred to as crumble or shatter.

Winterization

This is a technique to remove fats, waxes, lipids and other plant matter from crude/raw hemp extract. The process uses -60°C temperatures and solvents to force the fats together so that they can be filtered out. The end result is a much more pure and concentrated crude oil.

α-Pinene

Pinene is the most prevalent terpene found in nature among all plant species. This aromatic terpene is found in pine trees, basil, rosemary and parsley to name a few. There are two kinds of pinene - alpha-pinene & beta-pinene. α-pinene is more prevalent in cannabis. Pinene has been used as a bronchodilator to treat adults with asthma. Pinene promotes creativity, focus and clarity.

β-Myrcene

Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene found in cannabis. It has a strong musky scent with fruity undertones. Mangos have heavy myrcene profiles. Myrcene is used for stress, anxiety and pain management. Some studies have shown that myrcene increases cannabinoid bioavailability in people.

β–Caryophyllene

This terpene is responsible for the spice or pepper aroma found in nature. Many cannabis strains are heavy in beta-caryophyllene. Beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to aid in depression and anxiety treatment. It also aids in digestion and gut health, and is widely used for pain relief.