Groovy Hemp Company Podcast CBD Oil Glossary
Groovy Hemp Company CBD Oil Glossary
This is a quick and easy way to build a basic understanding of CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBDA Oil products and related building blocks.
Cannabis Sativa L
This is a plant species in the Cannabis genus. Includes agricultural hemp and marijuana, which are two different strains of Cannabis Sativa L. Two different strains mean hemp and marijuana are two different plants.
Industrial Hemp
Hemp and Cannabis are two strains that come from the same species (Cannabis Sativa). Hemp is the strain that contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in Cannabis) Industrial Hemp is the lowest grade of Hemp used as a supplement. The two higher grades are pharmaceutical grade and food grade.
Hemp Extract
This is an oil extracted from hemp’s aerial plant parts (leaves and mostly flowers/buds), containing a natural blend of phytocannabinoids.
Hemp Oil
This is used interchangeably with hemp extract but be cautious: some companies use this term when they really mean hemp seed oil.
Hemp Seed Oil
This is an oil extracted from hemp seeds (nutritious but contains almost no phytocannabinoids). It does contain omega-3 and omega-6 along with other nutrients that are excellent for skincare and overall health.
Phytocannabinoids
These are natural chemical compounds found in hemp extract that have been studied for various potential effects. Hemp oil extract contains many phytocannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabinoids
This is a group of fatty compounds found in hemp, other plants, and even the human body. Cannabinoids from plants are referred to as phytocannabinoids and those produced by the human body are called endocannabinoids. (The prefix Phyto means plant, while endo- means that it comes from within.) Cannabinoids are the primary chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant.
CBD Bioavailability
This is the percentage or fraction of an administered serving of CBD or CBG that has an active effect after it enters the bloodstream.
A Quick Overview of the Endocannabinoid System
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
This is a series of receptors that interact with phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids to maintain homeostatic functions. That means it helps keep your body working properly.
CB1
These are Cannabinoid receptors found primarily in the central nervous system. That includes neurons in the brain and nerves in the spinal cord.
CB2
These are Cannabinoid receptors found primarily in the peripheral nervous system. That includes nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Endocannabinoids
These are natural chemical compounds produced by our own bodies that are like phytocannabinoids. Their job is to bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. They are not stored but get created on demand.
Anandamide
In the brain, cannabinoid receptors (C1) are activated by a neurotransmitter called anandamide. It is one of the two known endocannabinoids.
2-AG
This is a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and some foods. 2-AG acts as a messenger molecule, playing roles in appetite, depression, memory, and fertility. It is one of the two known endocannabinoids.
The Various Forms of Hemp-based Phytocannabinoids
CBGA
In the Cannabis plant (including hemp) an organic compound called CBGA is broken down by specific enzymes into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. UV light or heat breaks down THCA and CBDA into THC or CBD. The percentage of either compound depends on the strain of the plant. CBGA converts to CBG. The percentage of CBG is generally very low.
CBDA
CBDA is shorthand for cannabidiolic-acid, the naturally occurring raw form of CBD that is produced directly in the cannabis (hemp) plant from CBGA by specific enzymes.
CBG
CBG (cannabigerol) is the precursor to all other cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It is a cannabinoid that has been found to act on very specific physiological systems and problems. Results for medicinal use are promising. CBG itself is not psychoactive (i.e., it won’t get you high).
CBD
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. In addition, independent research, as well as consumer feedback, has shown numerous benefits for human and animal health. CBD is found in a much higher concentration in hemp than any other cannabinoid.
CBC
Cannabichromene works synergistically with other cannabinoids and helps block pain.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin has a similar molecular structure to CBD. CBDV can interact with pain receptors and function as an anti-convulsive.
CBN
This cannabinoid is created when THC oxidizes. It is generally found in very small amounts relative to CBD. It has medicinal value including; pain relief, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, appetite stimulant, and has a sedative effect.
The Various Forms of Hemp-based Psychoactive Phytocannabinoids
THCA
THCA is shorthand for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, the naturally occurring raw form of THC that is produced directly in the cannabis plant from CBGA by specific enzymes.
THC
Unlike CBD, this cannabinoid is psychoactive and depending on the concentration, it will get you high. THC has demonstrated some potential health benefits including; increased appetite in eating disorder patients, helping with neurodegenerative diseases, and helping cancer patients.
Delta 8
Unlike CBD, this phytocannabinoid is mildly psychoactive. Depending on the concentration, it will help you relax. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have almost identical chemical structures. However, the very slight difference in chemical structures is enough to create a large difference in the degree of psychoactive impact. Delta 8 will help you relax and not much more. If you get high it is extremely mild. Because Delta 8 is hemp-based it is considered legal in accordance with the September 2018 Farm bill. If you use Delta 8 you will not pass a drug test if they are testing for THC.
Delta 9
Unlike CBD and Delta 8, this phytocannabinoid is very psychoactive and it will get you high. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have almost identical chemical structures. However, the very slight difference in chemical structures is enough to create a large difference in the degree of psychoactive impact. Again, Delta 9 will get you high. When Delta 9 is hemp-based it is considered legal in accordance with the September 2018 Farm bill. If you use Delta 9 you will not pass a drug test if they are testing for THC.
The Various CBD Categories
Full-spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD also contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids including less than 0.3% THC and various terpenes (depending on the strain). All these organic compounds work synergistically providing a fuller therapeutic effect than just CBD Isolate alone.
Broad-spectrum CBD Oil
It contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids except for THC, as well as terpenes shown to work synergistically together providing a fuller effect than just isolated CBD alone.
CBD Isolate
This is CBD without any other cannabinoids including THC, terpenes, flavonoids, or any of the other organic compounds that might be found in Industrial Hemp.
Water-soluble CBD (AKA Nano-emulsion of Nanotechnology)
These products utilize nano-technology to dramatically boost bioavailability. Ordinarily, because CBD is an oil it does not mix with water. Because the nano-CBD particles are less than 100 nanometers in size, they are small enough to mix efficiently with water. This form of CBD will pass through to the bloodstream much easier so your body can utilize CBD quickly and efficiently. Bioavailability is usually greater than 50%.
Terpenes
Terpenes
Organic compounds that are responsible for the distinctive fragrances of plant products from oranges to pine trees to, yes, cannabis. In Hemp, there is the possibility that terpenes work with cannabinoids to produce enhanced health benefits. This is referred to as the Entourage Effect
Myrcene (a terpene)
This is the most common terpene found in industrial hemp. Its aroma is musky, earthy, cloves, and herbal. It is helpful for sedating and relaxing. It is an anti-inflammatory, sedative, and muscle relaxant. It is useful for pain relief.
Limonene (a terpene)
This terpene has a citrus aroma. It is helpful for stress relief and reduces anxiety. It is also a mood elevator and anti-depressant. Limonene also helps relieves nausea.
Pinene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is pine, fresh mountain air, and slightly woody. Bet that surprised you endlessly. It will help you stay alert, it boosts energy, and improves focus and memory. Pinene is also a bronchodilator.
Caryophyllene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is spicy, woody, and pepper. It provides pain relief, is an anti-depressant, an anti-inflammatory, and has anti-anxiety qualities.
Humulene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is woody, earthy, herbal, and spicy. It has anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant, pain relief, and anti-tumor qualities.
Linalool (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is floral, sugar, and citrus. It has anti-anxiety, sedative, pain relief, and anti-bacterial qualities.
Entourage Effect
When you have CBD, other cannabinoids including <0.3% THC, and terpenes present from the original plant work together and create an enhanced positive impact. Using real hemp terpenes with CBD provides the maximum benefits.
CBD Flower (Bud)
This originates from hemp that is cultivated and grown for the specific purpose of high CBD content.
CBD Trimmed Flower (Bud)
This is from hemp that is cultivated and processed to provide the user with pure and smooth CBD Flower, without any excess plant matter. Trimmed CBD flower is picked specifically for the quality of the bud produced by the hemp plant.
CBD Untrimmed Flower (Bud)
This originates from hemp. CBD flower that is untrimmed offers users the purest form of CBD before it is processed into a variety of supplements. Untrimmed CBD flower is not the prettiest looking, but it has many capabilities and is usually a cheaper option than Trimmed CBD flower.
Liposomes
Liposomes are an oral delivery system for CBD. Bioavailability is a little less than 20%. Somewhere between oil-based capsules and so-called water-soluble CBD Oil.
The Different CBD Product Categories
CBD Oil Capsules
This is a very convenient, inexpensive way to get CBD into your system. The capsule casing is frequently gelatin. There are drawbacks. These types of capsules must pass through your digestive tract where a large percentage of the CBD is wasted and never gets to the intended target. Bioavailability ranges from about 6% – 10%.
CBD Tinctures
This is produced when hemp flowers (buds) are steeped in high-proof grain alcohol and then boiled at a low temperature. The resulting product is a tincture that is applied in small amounts sub-lingually from a dropper. Bioavailability is approximately 20% – 35%.
CBD Edibles
In CBD Edibles, the active compound is combined with food. The net result is the CBD is released over a longer timeframe with relief lasting longer. CBD Edibles are also discreet. Pull a couple of gummies out of your pocket and almost no one will notice.
CBD Topicals
These are lotions, creams, oils, salves, and balms that have been infused with CBD (cannabidiol). CBD topicals are absorbed through the pores and act on the endocannabinoid system in the skin. Because topicals are used only in specific areas, the effects are only local.
Explore Some Odds and Ends
CBD Dabs
These are extremely potent CBD concentrates in wax, shatter, butter, or powder form. They are usually 99% pure, which makes them more effective and expensive than CBD oils and edibles.
CBD Dabbing
This is the term used to describe the consumption of extremely potent CBD. Technically, it is classified as “the flash vaporization” of CBD concentrates when they are applied to a hot surface and then inhaled.
CO2 Extraction
Currently, this is the cleanest, safest method for extracting oils from plants such as hops, cannabis, hemp, and a wide range of nutraceuticals and organic crops. It has the advantage of no solvent residue.
Ethanol Extraction
High-grade grain alcohol can be used to create high-quality cannabis oil appropriate for vape pen cartridges and other products. This extraction method extracts the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp, however, it also extracts chlorophyll which may lead to some unpleasant side effects.
Homeostasis
The definition of homeostasis is the ability or tendency to maintain internal stability in an organism to compensate for environmental changes.
MCT Oil (medium-chain triglycerides)
MCTs are an ingredient in CBD Oil products that help the body absorb CBDs. MCTs are rapidly metabolized and are not stored as fat. This rapid metabolism also expedites cannabinoid utilization. MCT Oil does not occur naturally and can only be created in a lab. A CBD oil product with MCTs will be more expensive than one product with just coconut oil, it will also be a lot healthier.
Non-GMO
This means non-genetically modified organisms. GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques.