CBD Cheat Sheet: An Updated Guide to CBD Terminology

Cuh-nab-a-what? When first entering the world of CBD, most of us aren’t even sure how to pronounce Cannabidiol. When I first discovered CBD I didn’t know that it was an abbreviation for another word!

With dozens of terms being used to describe different products and numerous ways to take them, it’s easy to get lost and even confuse one term for another. To help you understand all the verbiage, we came up with a comprehensive list of terms that are often used in the industry.

This is a living glossary and we will update it with more terms if needed, so be sure to bookmark this page and reference it anytime you need a little clarity!

GLOSSARY OF COMMON CBD TERMS

(In alphabetical order)

Action Level (on a COA) - The threshold value at which point a sample passes or fails.

Analyte (on a COA) - A chemical, compound, element, bacteria, yeast, fungus, or toxin to be tested or measured.

Bioavailability -Bioavailability is a measurement of the rate and extent to which a molecule reaches the site of action. In the case of CBD, it is the extent of cannabidiol molecules reaching the endocannabinoid receptors.

Blood Brain Barrier -A barrier between the brain’s blood vessels (capillaries) and the cells and other components that make up brain tissue. The purpose of the blood–brain barrier is to protect against circulating toxins or pathogens that could cause brain infections, while at the same time allowing vital nutrients to reach the brain. It also helps maintain relatively constant levels of hormones, nutrients and water in the brain.

Cannabidiol (CBD) -Pronounced “ka-nə-bə-ˈdī-ˌȯl” - The primary cannabinoid found in hemp and the 2nd most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is non-psychoactive, meaning no “high” is felt.

Cannabinoids - Pronounced“kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid” - Active chemical compounds found naturally in the seeds, stalk and flowers of cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are sort of like chemical messengers. Their job in the body is to help regulate the endocannabinoid system (defined below) to maintain homeostasis (balance). Currently there are over 110 known cannabinoids with more likely to be discovered as studies continue to reveal the complex molecular structures of the cannabis plant. Some of the cannabinoids that you may be familiar with are THC, CBD, CBN, CBG and CBC.

Cannabinoid Receptors -Pronounced “kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid” -A class of cell membrane receptors found throughout the body. Cannabinoid receptors are a crucial component of the body’s endocannabinoid system (defined below) and work closely with cannabinoids. When they come together, they trigger a series of reactions designed to bring functions back into balance. There are two primary cannabinoid receptors - Type 1 (CB1) and Type 2 (CB2).

Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1) -Pronounced“kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid” -Mainly located in the brain and nervous system, as well as in the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2) - Pronounced“kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid” -Mainly located in the immune system, with a heavy concentration in the spleen and in the gastrointestinal system.

Cannabinol (CBN) -pronounced“kuh-nab-uh-nawl-Sometimes referred to as “aged cannabis”. CBN is one of the lesser known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is sometimes known for its powerful sedative properties. CBN shares a very similar chemical composition to THC and thought to primarily bind with the CB2 receptor but may also interact with the CB1 receptor.

CBD Tinctures (Drops) -Put simply, CBD Tinctures are potent liquid extracts of hemp combined with alcohol and/or other carrier oils like MCT and tend to have a long shelf life.

CBD Isolate Powder -This form of CBD is the most purified. After a distillation extraction, the product oil will go through a subsequent purification step to produce a crystalline powder of over 99% CBD molecules. All other plant matter contained in the hemp plant including: oils, waxes, terpenes, vitamins, minerals, THC, chlorophyll, and more are removed offering a finished product that's CBD and nothing more.

CBD Vape Pods -Pod systems provide CBD users a convenient and effective way to enjoy CBD oil in vape form. They are pre-filled, disposable once empty, are interchangable and designed to be put inside a specific type of vaporizer. Our CBD pods are to be used with our Ignite ONE Rechargeable Vape Device.

Certificate of Analysis -A document issued by an analytical testing lab that reports back data on a cannabis sample. A common list of tests in the cannabis industry are: cannabinoid %, terpene %, water %, water activity, residual solvents, pesticides, microbials, mycotoxins, and heavy metals.

CO2 Extraction - A solvent based extraction process that uses carbon dioxide in its supercritical state (above its critical point) for an efficient method for creating potent concentrates. Supercritical CO2 looks like a dense fog and has no surface tension, so it moves through vegitative material like a gas in a gaseous state yet it dissolves trichomes. A CO2 oil comprises of cannabinoids, terpenes, and waxes. CO2 is a tunable solvent, so different cannabinoids and terpenes can be targeted by changing the pressure and temperature of the extraction. For a highly purified oil, scientists will put the CO2 oil through a distillation process to bring the cannabinoid content up to 85%+. This is the most expensive extraction method, and is widely considered the most effective and safest plant extraction method in the world.

CO2 Oil -A potent concentrate made from supercritical CO2 extraction. CO2 oil is typically 50-80% cannabinoids with a potent terpene profile.

Crude Hemp -Biomass extract that is used as the input for a distillation process

Delivery Method -The way CBD is delivered it into your body. Oral ingestion, topicals and vaporizing are all viable methods for delivering CBD into the body. There are pros and cons to each method, check out our blog on the difference in the delivery method of our CBD Drops vs CBD Vape.

Disposable Vape Pen - A handheld vaping device. The oil, atomizer, battery and other components are all contained within the pen. The pens come pre-charged and do not require charging. To trigger the heating element, simply inhale. Once the CBD is gone you can throw away the pen and purchase a new one. The Ignite Spearmint Disposable Vape Pen was winner of “Best CBD Vape Pen” at High Times Cannabis Cup!

Distillate Oil -Distillate is a potent oil generated from a distillation process. This process uses heat to evaporate the volatile molecules in the biomass such as terepens, THC, and CBD. After the molecules evaporate, they are cooled back down into a liquid oil while leaving behind all of the other plant matter. Distillate oil has the highest cannabinoid contents, with most oils containing above 85%. Since heat is used during distillation, the final oil has already been decarboxylated, so it can be infused into other products such as gummies. The most common forms of distillate on the market are THC oil and CBD oil.

Endocannabinoids -pronounced“en·do·can·na·bi·noid”-The cannabinoids naturally produced in the human body. Their purpose is to work with the endocannabinoid system (defined below) to help maintain homeostasis (balance) in the body.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) -pronounced“en·do·can·na·bi·noid”-Present in all mammals, this system plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience. It works with the central and peripheral nervous systems to help maintain proper function and signaling procedures. Cannabinoid receptors throughout the body are associated with aiding the ECS with maintaining balance. Some of the major systems of the body that work with the endocannabinoid system include the digestive system, memory, immune system, inflammatory response system and mood.

Flavonoids -Flavonoids are compounds in plants which give plants their pigmentation (color), filter out UV rays, attract pollinators, and prevent plant diseases. There are about 20 flavonoids in cannabis.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil - Full spectrum means that all of a plant’s natural contents are present in the extracted oil. Full spectrum hemp extraction leaves any present cannabinoids, lipids, waxes, vitamins, and terpenes intact. Full Spectrum CBD Oil must contain less than 0.3% THC. If Ignite uses Full Spectrum CBD oil, we ensure it has 0.0% THC.

Heat Based Extraction -An example of heat based extraction is rosin extracts. Instead of chemical solvent extraction such as butane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide, rosin relies on heat and pressure to squeeze out cannabinoids and terpenes. A rosin machine looks like a large hair straightener!

Hemp Oil -Hemp oil is the essential oil extracted from the hemp plant. While this type of oil can be extracted from all plants in the cannabis genus, industrial hemp is the only plant used for hemp oil.

Hemp Seed Oil -Hemp seed oil is oil pressed from hemp seed and contains no CBD. This can often be found in the aisles of the grocery stores and is an ingredient in many nutritional and cosmetic products. Again, if you are looking for CBD, you should be aware that hemp seed oil does not contain the CBD compound.

Homogeneity -A measure of or the degree to which multiple units from a batch are similar. Oil and water don’t mix! Here’s an example. When oil separates out in salad dressing that has been sitting in the refrigerator, the dressing is not homogenized or has a low degree of homogeneity.

Industrial Hemp - Comes from the Cannabaceae family and has been used worldwide to produce a variety of industrial and consumer products. In the United States, production is controlled under drug enforcement laws. To produce industrial hemp in the United States, the grower must obtain a permit from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). There are about 50,000 products that can be made from industrial hemp.

ISO 17025 Accreditation -In most countries, ISO/IEC 17025 is the standard for which analytical laboratories must hold accreditation in order to be deemed technically competent.

Kilos -Short for the unit of measurement, kilogram(s).

Limit of Detection (on a COA) -The lowest quantity of a substance or analyte that can be positively identified as present in an analytical sample.

Limit of Quantitation (on a COA) -The lowest quantity of a substance or analyte that can be accurately measure to a given confidence level.

MicroDosing - A dosing technique involving taking smaller, more consistent doses of cannabis or CBD. Rather than consuming a full day’s worth of CBD at one time, the serving is broken into smaller sizes and taken several times. By taking a CBD supplement several times throughout the day, you may be better able to maintain stable CBD levels. Discovering an individual’s ideal CBD microdose requires self-experimentation.

Phytocannabinoids -The naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. There are 113 known phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including CBD, CBN, THC, etc. CBD is a phytocannabinoid with the ability to mirror cannabinoids that the body produces itself (endocannabinoids). 'Phyto' is simply a prefix meaning "pertaining to derived from plants." Most people refer to phytocannabinoids simply as cannabinoids.

Psychoactive -Affecting the mind or behavior. Ignite CBD products contain 0.0% THC and are non-psychoactive.

Rechargeable Vape Pen -A handheld vaping device that uses a rechargeable battery. Unlike disposable vape pens, these pens use interchangeable/disposable vape pods filled with CBD and the pen itself can be used over and over again until the battery needs to be re-charged. Ignite uses a next-generation rechargeable vape design called Ignite ONE. If you plan to frequently vape throughout the day, then you may want to consider a reusable vape pen over a disposable vape pen.

Crystallization/Recrystallization -A technique used to purify chemicals. This is the final step in purifying chemicals such as CBD isolate. For example, after cannabis distillation, CBD may be present in the oil. If there is a lot of CBD present, the oil may be supersaturated with CBD molecules. In this case, the CBD molecules will begin to bind with each other and form crystals. These crystals constitute CBD isolate.

Solvent Based Extraction -Solvent based extractions use organic solvents such as butane, ethanol, and carbon dioxide to pull out the valuable content in cannabis. Heat based extractions, such as rosin presses, don’t use any solvents.

Terpenoids/Terpenes -Terpenoids are metabolites of terpenes. Terpenoids represent the largest and most diverse class of beneficial naturally occurring plant chemicals; more than 40,000 individual terpenoids exist, and new ones are discovered every year. Terpenes are what gives cannabis and hemp its flavor and aroma. Terpenes may be listed as ingredients on some CBD products. Common terpenes are beta-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, terpineol and myrcene. Learn more about Terpenes.

Topical/Topically -A delivery method that means that it is applied to a particular place on the body. Most often topical administration means application to body surfaces such as the skin.

Vaping -Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by products such as the CBD in our Ignite ONE Rechargeable Vape Device.

Water Soluble CBD -Made using a process known as nano-emulsification, which breaks down CBD clusters into micro-sized particles that can be homogenized with water-based solutions. This is necessary for CBD products such as CBD beverages because CBD is what is known as a hydrophobic compound, meaning it does not mix well with water.

Winterization - An extraction process that further purifies a hemp extract. During this process, hemp oil is soaked in alcohol and then frozen to separate out the waxes. It also removes additional phytonutrients such as terpenes.

Whether you are ready to purchase CBD or simply doing a little research, it’s important to understand some of this terminology. If you are confused about any other cbd/cannabis words floating around, or have questions about any of our Ignite products, our team is always ready to answer any questions you may have! Drop us a line at support@ignitecbd.co.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.