With so many terms about CBD in product labels, articles and social media, getting started on a CBD regimen can be daunting. If you’ve found yourself wondering what it all means, you’re not alone. You just can’t speak CBD yet! We’re here to give you the most common (and important) CBD terms to know before you purchase any products. This way you know exactly what you’re getting.
1. Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is the full term for CBD. Cannabidiol makes up about 40% of cannabis sativa, making it the most abundant cannabinoid in the plant.
2. Cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are the active compounds found in cannabis and hemp. There are approximately 113 different cannabinoids that are naturally occurring in both of these plants. The percentages of different types of cannabinoids vary between cannabis and hemp. Examples of cannabinoids are THC, CBD, CBN (cannabinol) and much more.
3. Full-spectrum
CBD products labeled “full-spectrum” means it includes a range of different cannabinoids, like THC. In full-spectrum CBD products, the percentage of THC must be lower than 0.3% to be legally distributed.
4. Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD products do contain other cannabinoids like terpenes and flavonoids, but no THC content.
5. Isolate
Isolate refers to a CBD product that is solely CBD and does not contain any other active cannabinoids.
6. Entourage effect
The “entourage effect” happens when consuming a variety of cannabinoids at once, like with a full-spectrum CBD. It’s thought to be more effective this way than just a singular molecule, like CBD isolate.
7. Hemp
Hemp is a lower-THC version of cannabis sativa. In order to be legal in the United States and considered “industrial hemp,” THC content must be below 0.3%.
8. Sublingual
“Sublingual” is a common delivery method of CBD. Taking CBD sublingually entails dropping CBD oil or tincture under the tongue to absorb it faster than if it was swallowed immediately.
9. Terpenes
Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in cannabis sativa and hemp. Some are psychoactive and some are not. Besides having a number of benefits for humans, terpenes also act as defense mechanisms for the plant itself by deterring hungry herbivores and more.
10. Flavonoids
Flavonoids are nutrient-rich compounds found naturally in most plants, including hemp and cannabis. They contribute to a plant’s flavor, color and aroma, and even have health benefits of their own like reducing inflammation and free radical damage