CBD Glossary
The CBD shopper's glossary
Every term you'll see on a label, a COA, or in a product description — explained in plain English.
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B
- Broad Spectrum CBDBroad spectrum CBD contains the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of the hemp plant with the THC removed.
- BioavailabilityBioavailability is the percentage of a dose that actually reaches your bloodstream. CBD's bioavailability varies dramatically by delivery method.
- Batch NumberA batch number identifies a specific production run of a CBD product. Batch numbers let you match a bottle to its specific COA.
C
- CBD (Cannabidiol)CBD is one of more than 100 naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a 'high.'
- CBD IsolateCBD isolate is pure cannabidiol with all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed — typically 99%+ pure CBD.
- CannabinoidCannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 100 of them.
- COA (Certificate of Analysis)A COA is a document from an accredited third-party lab certifying what is — and isn't — in a CBD product.
- cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)cGMP is an FDA-enforced manufacturing standard that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled to quality standards.
- CBG (Cannabigerol)CBG is a minor cannabinoid often called the 'mother cannabinoid' because other cannabinoids are synthesized from its acidic form (CBGa) in the plant.
- CBN (Cannabinol)CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms when THC ages and oxidizes.
- CBC (Cannabichromene)CBC is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in most hemp varieties.
D
- DecarboxylationDecarboxylation is the process of converting raw cannabinoid acids (like CBDa) into their active forms (like CBD) by applying heat.
- Drug TestWorkplace drug tests typically screen for THC metabolites. Pure CBD is not on standard drug-test panels — but full-spectrum CBD with trace THC can produce positive results.
E
- Entourage EffectThe entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically — that whole-plant extracts produce different effects than isolated compounds.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS)The endocannabinoid system is a body-wide signaling network involved in pain, mood, sleep, immune function, and many other processes.
F
H
- HempHemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight — the legal definition under the 2018 Farm Bill.
- Hemp Seed OilHemp seed oil is pressed from hemp seeds and contains essentially no CBD or THC. It is NOT the same as CBD oil.
- Hemp FlowerHemp flower is the smokable bud of hemp varieties bred for high CBD and low THC content.
I
M
- MCT OilMCT oil — medium-chain triglycerides, derived from coconut or palm — is the most common carrier oil for CBD tinctures because it improves absorption.
- MicroemulsionA microemulsion is a stable mixture of CBD oil and water created by reducing CBD particle size to under 100 nanometers, dramatically improving absorption.
P
S
- SublingualSublingual means 'under the tongue.' CBD oil held under the tongue absorbs through the rich blood vessels there, reaching the bloodstream in 15-45 minutes.
- Salve / Topical CBDA CBD salve is a topical product where CBD is suspended in a fat-based balm and applied to the skin for localized effect.
T
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive 'high' associated with marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD products may contain up to 0.3% THC under federal law.
- TerpeneTerpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor — and may contribute to its effects.
- TinctureA tincture is a liquid herbal extract, traditionally made by soaking plant material in alcohol. Modern CBD 'tinctures' usually use a fat-based carrier (MCT oil) instead.
- Third-Party TestingThird-party testing means a CBD product was analyzed by an independent, accredited lab — not by the manufacturer themselves.

