The complete guide to CBD oil drops

Cuh-nab-a-what? When first entering the world of CBD, most of us aren’t sure how to pronounce Cannabidiol. When I first discovered CBD, I didn’t know it was an abbreviation for another word! If you didn't know... Don't worry. You learn something new every day.

There are dozens of CBD-related terms for different products, and it can all get somewhat confusing to keep track of. To help you understand all the CBD definitions, we created a comprehensive list of CBD-related terms often used in the industry.

This is a living glossary filled with CBD definitions, CBD slang, and everything else you may need to know if you plan to make CBD part of your lifestyle. We are constantly updating this page, so be sure to bookmark this page and reference it anytime you need a little clarity!

Let's take a look at the different CBD definitions you need to know:

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 also allowing vital nutrients to reach the brain. It also helps maintain relatively constant levels of hormones, nutrients, and water in the brain.

Bud - A slang term for the flower of a cannabis plant.

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, and more are 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 is thought to primarily bind with the CB2 receptor but may also interact with the CB1 receptor.

Cannabigerol (CBG) - CBG is a type of cannabinoid found in hemp plants. This cannabinoid has similar effects as CBD. However, it is known to have a more uplifting effect on the body. This cannabinoid is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also commonly used to treat anxiety, stress, and other mental health disorders. CBG can be taken orally or applied topically as an oil.

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—such as 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 with a convenient and effective way to enjoy CBD oil in vape form. They are pre-filled, disposable once empty, interchangeable, and designed to be put inside a specific type of vaporizer. 

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 includes the following: 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 CBD concentrates. Supercritical CO2 looks like a dense fog and has no surface tension, so it moves through vegetative material like a gas in a gaseous state, yet it dissolves trichomes. A CO2 oil is comprised 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 it’s 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.

Concentrate - This term describes the purest form of cannabis, CBD, or another cannabinoid. These are not diluted with any other substances, which means CBD concentrates have a purity of around 80-90%. Most CBD oil is diluted with another oil or substance. For example, CBD Broad Spectrum Drops are diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT). 

Cold-pressed CBD - This is a type of CBD made by cold-pressing cannabis. During the process, the hemp plant is mixed with carrier oil. This helps minimize the heat and preserve the terpenes and other cannabinoids found in the plant.

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

Decarboxylation - This is the process of removing carboxyl from a molecule. This process helps convert CBDa to CBD, THCa to THC, and CBGa to CBG.

Delivery Method -The way CBD is delivered 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 the 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 terepenes, 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 like 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 in 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.

The Entourage Effect -This is the term used to describe the sensation individuals feel when using products that combine CBD with other cannabinoids. When THC, Terpenes, and CBD are present - it helps magnify the feeling of CBD. This can help maximize your benefits and improve your overall experience. However, products like CBD isolate don't provide the entourage effect.

Edibles -This term refers to anything edible with CBD, THC, or another cannabinoid. This includes cookies, brownies, gummies, cakes, or candy.

Flavonoids -Flavonoids are compounds in plants that 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 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.

Hemp Extract - While they sound the same, hemp extract and hemp seed oil vary slightly. Hemp extract is oil directly extracted from the flowers, stalks, and leaves of the cannabis plant.

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 - This 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 measured to a given confidence level.

MCT Oil - MCT oil stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride. This oil is made of 50% medium-chain fats and is commonly derived from coconuts. MCT oil is well known and used carrier oil for CBD. This is why you'll notice many CBD oils and products also contain MCT oil. 

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.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - This is a common cannabinoid that is known for its psychoactive effects. THC is the part of cannabis and marijuana that creates the "high" feeling many people tend to associate with cannabis. THC is a controlled substance that is regulated by federal law. This means CBD oil and other products cannot contain more than 0.3% of THC. 

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 give cannabis and hemp their 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 and terpenes CBD.

Tincture - This is a liquid cannabis extract that individuals place on their tongues using a dropper. Tinctures have relatively low potency and are often used medically for health and wellness benefits.

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. The most common types of topicals include lip balms, essential oil rollers, body creams, and drops. All of our IGNITE CBD drops can be applied topically or taken orally. 

Vaping -Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor-produced byproducts.

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.

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Whether you are ready to purchase CBD, are simply researching the definition of cannabinoids, or want to add some CBD slang to your vocabulary, having the terminology fresh in your mind is a must. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the industry and understand all of the different CBD definitions that are thrown around when you're shopping for CBD or learning more about the effects. The best part of using our guide is that you no longer need to keep running to Google every time you have another question! (You're welcome!)

Ready to add CBD oil to your lifestyle? Start exploring our collection of CBD drops, topicals, and more. 

If you are confused about any other CBD/cannabis words floating around or have questions about any of our Ignite products, we're here to help. Drop us a line at support@ignitecbd.co.

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