Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 60 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa (marijuana) plant. These compounds are responsible for the medicinal effects of cannabis, with CBD being the second-most abundant cannabinoid after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not make you high, making it ideal for reaping marijuana’s benefits without the mind-altering effects.
Because of this, CBD has rapidly grown in popularity as a natural remedy for a wide range of issues including anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, migraines, drug addiction, and much more. On this glossary page, we are going to cover the key terms relevant to cannabidiol supplementation.
Anandamide
The main cannabinoid produced by the human body. Anandamide is also known as the “bliss molecule” because it is involved in regulating mood, appetite, pleasure, and other systems. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis has a similar structure to anadamide and activates the same CB1 receptor, which is why its effects are similar.
Bioavailability
How much of a substance you took (e.g. an oral supplement) actually gets absorbed (reaches the bloodstream) where it can exert its effects. Bioavailability is an important consideration with CBD because some methods (e.g. capsules) have low bioavailability, putting their efficacy in question.
Cannabinoid
Compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the human nervous system and have a wide range of beneficial effects. Cannabinoids can come from plants (phytocannabinoids, e.g. cannabidiol & THC), be produced naturally inside the body (endocannabinoids, e.g. anandamide), or made synthetically. Cannabinoids (including CBD) are currently at the forefront of medical research because they hold the potential to help with many different conditions.
Cannabis sativa
The scientific name for the marijuana plant. Cannabis sativa contains phytocannabinoids (including CBD), and has been used for its psychoactive and medicinal properties for thousands of years.
CBD Isolate
A CBD product that contains only pure CBD and nothing else.
CBD Oil
An oil product rich in CBD which represents the most popular form of CBD sold worldwide. CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp.
Endocannabinoid system
A recently discovered brain system which responds to cannabinoid compounds and regulates a wide range of processes, including pain, appetite, metabolism, mood, emotions, immunity, inflammation, memory, and learning. This system consists of cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids that activate these receptors (anandamide and 2-AG), and the enzymes that promote the production and break down of endocannabinoids. The ECS can also be activated by cannabinoids from outside the human body (THC, CBD, and others).
Endocannabinoid
A cannabinoid compound produced inside the human body. The two most prominent endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG.
Entourage Effect
A term for the phenomenon where cannabinoids appears to have greater effects and synergy when they are combined with other cannabinoids and natural cannabis compounds (e.g. terpenes) compared to being administered alone.
Full/Broad Spectrum
Also known as “whole plant”, this is a term for CBD products that contain not just CBD, but also other natural compounds present in the whole cannabis plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids such as cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG). Full spectrum products are believed to be more potent that pure CBD (CBD isolate) because the interaction of these compounds enhances CBD’s effects.
Hemp
A term for a strain of Cannabis sativa plants that contain 0.3% or less of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Most CBD products are made from hemp because it is legal to grow and consume in many places around the world. In addition to CBD production, hemp is also a valuable crop used to produce paper, textiles, food, and other products. Hemp is also sometimes called agricultural or industrial hemp to further distinguish it from psychoactive cannabis plants.
Phytocannabinoid
A term for cannabinoids that are found in plants (“phyto”=plant). THC and CBD are the two most abundant and best-understood phytocannabinoids, but there are a total of over 100.
Receptor
Protein molecules on the surface of a cell that respond to specific chemicals outside of the cell. CBD produces its many medicinal effects by binding to and interacting with a wide range of receptors in the brain and the rest of the body.
Synthetic cannabinoid
Cannabinoid made by scientists in a laboratory to mimic the effects of endo or phyto cannabinoids.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The most abundant cannabinoid compound present in Cannabis sativa plants, THC is largely responsible for the psychoactive “high” associated with cannabis products.
Terpenes
Compounds present in cannabis plants that give it a dinstict scent and flavor. Terpenes may also synergize with CBD and other cannabinoids, enhancing their effects.
