The world of cannabinoids is complex and scientific, so we wanted to take the guesswork out of it for you. Our easy to navigate glossary is here to help you better understand the plant magic we call cannabis.
Cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are compounds derived from the cannabis plant that interact with the endocannabinoid system. There are three types of cannabinoids: phytocannabinoids which are produced by the plant, endocannabinoids, which are created by the body, and synthetic cannabinoids which are produced in a lab.
Strain
Strains are a genetic variation and name of a cannabis plant. Strains generally are classified as indica, sativa, and hybrid.
CBD
CBD or Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp or cannabis plant. CBD is non psychoactive and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
CBN
Cannabinol is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that binds to the cannabinoid receptors with more selectivity for CB2 over CB1 found in trace amounts from Cannabis.
CBG
Cannabigerol or CBG is known as the bliss molecule. It is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid - the precursor for CBD.
Δ9THCv
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin is a molecule predominantly found in sativa dominant strains. But most importantly at lower doses, THCV provides a variety of pronounced and altogether different effects. Learn more on Δ9THCv here.
Delta 8 THC
A psychoactive molecule derived naturally or created synthetically from the cannabis plant. Molecularly it is very similar to delta 9 thc, but it doesn't bind to the receptor as strong as delta 9 THC. Learn more about Delta 8 THC here
CBGA
Cannabigerolic acid or just CBGa for short is the acidic precursor to Cannabigerol, CBG. CBGa can be viewed as the cornerstone cannabinoid because it is the building block that all other cannabinoids like CBDa, CBD, THCa and THC come from. CBGa is found in both cannabis and hemp, but tends to show up in higher amounts in hemp, especially raw (unheated) hemp. The plant produces CBGa by combining two organic compounds olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate.
CBDA - Acidic Cannabinoids
Acidic cannabinoids like cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) and cannabigerolic acid (CBGa) are naturally occurring phytocannabinoids found in the living cannabis sativa plant. Contrary to popular belief, the cannabis and hemp plant does not actually produce THC or CBD, but instead create their acidic precursors THCAa and CBDa. Cannabinoids are first formed as acids and decarboxylate upon drying or heating to form their neutral derivatives.In their raw, acidic form cannabinoids are non psychoactive, meaning they will not get you high, however they have demonstrated numerous therapeutic benefits that may be of particular interest to the health & wellness minded among us.
Delta 9 THC - ∆9 tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta 9 THC is known as Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol and is the plants component for psychoactive effects. Of all the cannabinoids, Delta 9 THC is the most commonly known. By default, Delta 9's euphoric effects are what most people think of when they think of the plant.
THCa - Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is the acidic precursor to THC found in unheated, raw cannabis or hemp. THCa is the most prevalent non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and has demonstrated numerous therapeutic benefits, including: (i) immunomodulatory, (ii) anti-inflammatory, (iii) neuroprotective, and (iv) anti-neoplastic effects. THCa converts to THC when heated via a process called decarboxylation.
Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors found throughout our bodies and brains. To stimulate these receptors the body produces cannabinoids and endocannabinoids that have a similar structure to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid to be discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss.The ECS is composed of two primary receptors:
- CB1 receptors
- CB2 receptor
CB1 receptors CB1 are located primarily in the central nervous system of the brain and spine and act like traffic cops to control the level of activity of other neurotransmitters.
CB2 Receptors CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system and are believed to play a vital role in autoimmune responses and homeostasis.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is a proposed theory that all cannabinoids work better together and act synergistically with each other to modulate the overall psychoactive effects.
Cannabis Concentrate
A cannabis concentrate is an extract containing cannabinoids derived from cannabis or hemp flower/biomass. Often highly potent or increased in potency. Concentrates can come in many forms such as kief, live resin, hash, live rosin, distillate and shatter.
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate. Its name comes from the time it is extracted. The cannabis plant is frozen when it is fresh and then the concentrate is extracted from the plant.
Delivery Method
The delivery method is the way cannabinoids are used or consumed which dictate how the product interacts with our endocannabinoid system. Delivery methods include oral, transdermal, inhalable, sublingual, and topical (full body or localized).
Full-body Topical
A full body topical is where you submerge the entire body in the medicine vs. a localized topical where medicine is only applied to a specific area.
Strain
Strains are a genetic variation and name of a cannabis plant. Strains generally are classified as indica, sativa, and hybrid.
Transdermal
Transdermal means the application of a medicine or drug through the skin.
2018 Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm bill was signed into office December 20, 2018. It made CBD and hemp products with less than 0.3% THC more broadly available in the United states.