Hemp & Cannabis Glossary
Your A-Z guide to hemp and cannabis terminology. No jargon, just clear definitions.
32 terms to help you navigate the world of hemp wellness with confidence.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream and produces an active effect. Different consumption methods (sublingual, topical, inhalation) have different bioavailability rates. Sublingual (under-the-tongue) tinctures typically have higher bioavailability than edibles.
Broad Spectrum
A hemp extract that contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds, but with THC completely removed. Broad spectrum offers some entourage effect benefits without any THC exposure.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The most well-known non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp. CBD is widely used for daily wellness, calm, sleep support, and relief. It does not produce a "high" and is federally legal when derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC.
Learn more in our CBD Guide →Cannabigerol (CBG)
Often called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form (CBGa). CBG is non-intoxicating and is being researched for potential focus, gut health, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabinoid
A class of chemical compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. There are over 100 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and THCa. The body also produces its own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids).
Read our Cannabinoid Guide →Cannabinol (CBN)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms when THC ages and oxidizes. CBN is commonly associated with sleep support and relaxation. It is often combined with CBD in sleep-focused products.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A document from an independent third-party laboratory that verifies the cannabinoid content, potency, and purity of a hemp product. COAs test for cannabinoids, terpenes, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbials. Always look for current COAs when choosing hemp products.
CO2 Extraction
A clean extraction method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp plant material. Considered one of the safest and most effective extraction methods because it leaves no solvent residue.
Concentrate
A highly potent cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Concentrates include hash rosin, wax, shatter, and live resin. They typically have much higher cannabinoid percentages than flower.
Dabbing
A method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface (called a "nail" or "banger") and inhaling the vapor through a water pipe (dab rig). Provides rapid onset of effects.
Decarboxylation
The process of applying heat to convert acidic cannabinoids into their active forms. For example, heating THCa converts it to THC, and heating CBDa converts it to CBD. This is why raw cannabis doesn't produce intoxicating effects until it's heated.
Learn about THCa →Delta-9-THC
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the "high" sensation. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products must contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight to be federally legal.
Dose / Dosing
The measured amount of a cannabinoid product consumed at one time. Proper dosing varies by individual, product type, cannabinoid concentration, and desired effects. The general recommendation is to "start low and go slow."
See our Dosing Guide →Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A complex biological system in the human body that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain, immune function, and more. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (produced by the body), receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes. Plant cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with this system.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work better together than in isolation. Full spectrum products are designed to leverage the entourage effect for enhanced benefits.
Farm Bill (2018)
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by dry weight. This legislation is the legal foundation for the hemp CBD and THCa industry.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and supplements. The FDA has not approved CBD or other cannabinoids as dietary supplements or food additives, which is why hemp products must carry the disclaimer that they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Full Spectrum
A hemp extract that contains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds naturally found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%). Full spectrum products are designed to maximize the entourage effect.
Hash Rosin
A premium solventless cannabis concentrate made by pressing ice water hash (bubble hash) under heat and pressure. Because no chemical solvents are used, hash rosin is considered one of the cleanest and most flavorful concentrates available.
Hemp
A variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains 0.3% or less Delta-9-THC by dry weight. Hemp is the legal source of CBD, THCa, and other cannabinoid products under the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years for fiber, food, and wellness uses.
Indica
One of the traditional classifications of cannabis varieties, typically associated with relaxing, sedating effects. However, modern research suggests that effects depend more on cannabinoid and terpene profiles than indica/sativa classification.
Isolate
A pure, single cannabinoid extract (usually CBD) with all other compounds removed. CBD isolate is 99%+ pure CBD with no THC, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. Good for those who want to avoid THC entirely but does not offer the entourage effect.
MCT Oil
Medium-Chain Triglyceride oil, commonly derived from coconut oil. MCT oil is a popular carrier oil for CBD tinctures because it is easily absorbed by the body and helps improve cannabinoid bioavailability.
Microdosing
The practice of consuming very small amounts of a cannabinoid product to achieve subtle therapeutic effects without overwhelming psychoactivity. Common microdoses range from 1-5mg of THC or 5-10mg of CBD.
Sativa
One of the traditional classifications of cannabis varieties, typically associated with uplifting, energizing effects. As with indica, modern science suggests terpene and cannabinoid profiles are better predictors of effects than sativa/indica labels.
Solventless
An extraction method that uses only mechanical processes (ice water, heat, pressure) without chemical solvents like butane or ethanol. Hash rosin is a solventless product. Solventless extracts are prized for purity and clean flavor profiles.
Sublingual
A method of consumption where a product (typically a tincture or melt) is placed under the tongue and absorbed through the mucous membranes. Sublingual absorption bypasses the digestive system, leading to faster onset (15-30 minutes) and higher bioavailability.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes give each strain its unique smell and flavor, and may also contribute to the effects of the product. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene (earthy, relaxing), limonene (citrus, uplifting), and linalool (floral, calming).
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The raw, non-intoxicating acidic precursor to THC found in living and freshly harvested cannabis. THCa converts to THC through decarboxylation (heating). When smoked, vaped, or dabbed, THCa becomes active THC and produces psychoactive effects.
Learn about THCa →Third-Party Testing
Laboratory testing performed by an independent facility (not the product manufacturer) to verify product quality, potency, and safety. Third-party testing is the gold standard for transparency in the hemp industry and results are provided as Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
Tincture
A liquid hemp extract, typically in a carrier oil (like MCT coconut oil), designed for sublingual use or to be added to food and beverages. Tinctures come with a measured dropper for precise dosing and are one of the most popular CBD product formats.
Topical
A product applied directly to the skin, such as a balm, lotion, oil, or serum. CBD topicals are designed for localized relief and do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts, so they do not produce systemic effects.
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Now that you know the lingo, dive into our guides or shop our lab-tested products.