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Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms

Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms

14th Jun 2021

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain various compounds and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, including cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol, and terpenes, such as myrcene, limonene, or pinene. Broad-spectrum CBD typically contains no THC. However, some products will contain trace quantities.

Cannabinoid

Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that provide relief to an array of symptoms including pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. These work their medicinal magic by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, which activate to maintain internal stability and health. To put a complex system simply, they mediate communication between cells, and when there is a deficiency or problem with our endocannabinoid system, unpleasant symptoms and physical complications occur.

CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a "high" by itself. According to a report from the World Health Organization, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."

CBG

Cannabigerol, abbreviated as CBG, is a cannabis/hemp-derived cannabinoid that is fast rising in popularity due to its immense therapeutic potential. Researchers are interested in the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, appetite-stimulating, antibacterial, and muscle-relaxing effects of CBG.

Many refer to the acidic form of this cannabinoid (CBGA) as the mother of all the cannabinoids that occur naturally in cannabis and hemp plants (phytocannabinoids). This is because cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is the precursor molecule from which all the other phytocannabinoids originate.

Delta 8

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound that’s pretty similar to delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is a compound in the cannabis plant that produces a high. It’s what people are usually referring to when they talk about THC. Though delta-8 is similar to delta-9 THC, it has a slightly different chemical structure that makes it a lot less potent. Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and potential pain relief, but they’re a lot milder. Delta 8 is legal to purchase and use in Kansas and Missouri.

Delta 9

Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is a scientific name of the major Cannabinoid found in cannabis. This compound is generally found in both male and female cannabis plants, but female plants hold higher concentrations.

As cannabis progressively gains acceptance in today’s world, more and more studies are being carried out to bring the medical value of THC to light. For example, Complutense University of Madrid Researchers have discovered that THC causes tumor cells in animal models to auto-digest themselves. This means that THC can play a crucial role in drastically reducing the size of tumor and its prevalence.

Delta 10

Delta-10 is a cannabinoid found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. Like regular THC—delta-9—it can get you high, but it is less potent than delta-9. This makes it similar to delta 8, another cannabinoid that is less potent than regular THC.

Delta-10 can get you high, although it is much less potent than regular delta-9 THC. Anecdotally, delta-10 is commonly reported to provide energizing effects, whereas delta-8 is reported to be more sedating.

“To put it in perspective,” said Brown, “delta-8 is more like an indica and delta-10 is more like a sativa. They have two very different vibes to them. People who want to use a sleep aid, as an example, have used delta-8, [whereas] delta-10 gives you more creativity or perspective.”

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system first discovered in the late ’80s and early ’90s, although much remains unknown about the system today.

The ECS is largely comprised of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that are believed to help regulate a variety of functions in human including sleep, mood, memory, appetite, reproduction, and pain sensation. Scientists still have plenty of questions about the human endocannabinoid system and how it functions.

Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most desired form of CBD among consumers. It reflects the original profile of the hemp plant, evoking a phenomenon known as “the entourage effect.” While it is 99.7% THC free, studies have found full-spectrum CBD to be more effective than its processed counterparts, such as broad-spectrum CBD and isolates.

People use full-spectrum CBD oil to alleviate a wide range of ailments as well as for symptom control. Many users decide to incorporate full-spectrum CBD into their routine to support the proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Hemp vs Marijuana

Both are part of the Cannabis plant family and are indistinguishable in appearance, in 2014 the Federal Farm Bill separated them by redefining hemp as cannabis that contains no more than .3% THC. That means that hemp plants must be at least 99.7% THC free!

Isolate

Isolate is a powered form of cannabis oil that is used to manufacture certain CBD or THC products. To obtain isolate, a chemical process is applied to cannabis oil which strips out many of the cannabinoids, isolating the desired cannabinoids in a highly concentrated, powered form.

Terpenes

Terpenes are a class of organic compounds produced by many plants, including conifers, herbs, and citrus trees which create the pleasant fragrances and aromas given off by many beneficial plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Cannabis plants produce at least 200 terpenes, many of which have been found to provide therapeutic health benefits, especially when combined with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD in full-spectrum cannabis products.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC. There are a few different scientific names for it, but most people simply know it as THC. The main active ingredient in marijuana, THC is most famous for getting people high.

Tincture

An herbal tincture is made by using a mixture of alcohol and water to extract compounds from a plant—in this case, the cannabis plant.