Our guide to common terms and what they mean
A cannabinoid produced by the body that interacts with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. These receptors are responsible for mental and physiological processes.
The amount of the substance that enters the bloodstream and can be used by the body.
A CBD product that has more than one cannabinoid, but not all that occurs naturally within the hemp plant. For example, a product that has had the THC removed is considered broad-spectrum.
The broad term used to cover a group of plants used to produce fibres, medicine, food supplements and by some as a recreational drug. This term includes the high THC varieties used for medicine and recreational use. It also includes low THC hemp which is used for CBD supplements and fibres for clothing, plastic and insulation.
Cannabidiol also known as CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in varieties of the cannabis plant as CBDa (see the next term). Cannabidiol available in the UK can only be produced from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L.) which is low in the intoxicating component THC.
CBDa is a naturally occuring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that is the precursor to cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is not a naturally occurring molecule, it is produced when CBDa is heated (decarboxylation) to remove the acid molecule. CBDa and CBD have different effects when consumed, which is why you can also purchase products that are high in CBDa such as hemp tea bags.
Cannabinoids are chemical components found in the cannabis plant. They include THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), CBG (Cannabigerol), CBN, CBC (Cannabichromene) and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin). To date, there are 113 known phytocannabinoids.
Carrier oils are those that are used to dilute essential oils ready for use. These are usually made from vegetable oils such as coconut or avocado. In the case of CBD the most common are coconut oil (MCT oil), hemp seed oil and olive oil. Often carrier oils are odourless with a slightly nutty flavour. This taste can often be detected when you take CBD under the tongue.
Cannabinoid receptors, which form part of the endocannabinoid system, found on cell surfaces in the human body. Concentrated in the brain, central nervous system and some other organs.
Cannabinoid receptors, which form part of the endocannabinoid system, found on cell surfaces in the human body. Mostly in peripheral organs, especially cells associated with the immune system. CB2 receptors are believed to regulate inflammation.
A certificate of analysis or lab report should be provided as verification that the CBD product contains what it says on the label and is free of dangerous heavy metals and solvents. These reports can contain exact measurements of cannabinoids found in the product, heavy metals testing, solvent tests and terpene levels in the final product. Our lab reports are completed by a third party and include batch numbers so that products can be matched to results.
This is the chemical that gives plants their green colouring and contains various vitamins and antioxidants.
This is a method used to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant. It is used due the high level of control it has over temperature and pressure. This method ensures that the oil produced is both pure and clean whilst protecting the active cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Another advantage of this method is that you can separate the constituent oils and remove anything that is not wanted in the final product. For instance, THC, so a broad-spectrum oil can be produced to guarantee that it will not have too much THC and break UK law.
The dictionary definition is the removal or elimination of a carboxyl from a molecule. With regards to cannabinoids this is the process whereby heat is applied to CBDa to convert it to the more desired CBD. The same process is used for converting THCa to THC and CBGa to CBG.
Refers to a protein compound (such as anandamide) which is naturally produced in the body. These bind to the same brain receptors (CB1 and CB2) as cannabinoids.
A biological system that all animals and people have that maintains balance or homeostasis. Our endocannabinoid system wants to keep our body, “just right”. This system regulates sleep, pain, appetite, memory, mood and inflammation. It is very complex and made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors believed to be the most abundant receptors in the body, which interact with endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
The entourage effect is a term used to describe the process whereby a combination of cannabinoids is considered to be more effective than an isolated molecule.
State of balance or a stable situation where opposing forces cancel each other out and where no changes are occurring. An example of equilibrium is when you are in a calm mental state and steady.
Full-spectrum refers to the cannabinoids and terpenes in the oil produced from the cannabis or hemp plant. A full-spectrum oil will contain all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids. This is unlike a broad-spectrum product that will only include a select few. Some people prefer a full-spectrum product because the full range of cannabinoids contributes to the entourage effect.
Hemp is a strain of cannabis plant that is grown specifically for industrial uses. Unlike the variety used to grow recreational cannabis it is low in THC and has thick fibrous stems. Uses for industrial hemp include making rope, textiles, paper, bioplastics, insulation, fuel, hemp seed oil and extracting CBD.
This is the oil produced by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. They are low in cannabinoids such as THC and CBD but high in vitamins and fatty acids. This oil is used for salads, cooking and as a carrier oil for CBD products.
Relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
MCTs refers to medium-chain triglycerides that sit in the middle of the other two types. They are of medium length and made up of 6 to 12 carbon atoms. MCTs are found in coconut oil and are processed by the body in a different way to long-chain fatty acids. Unlike other fats, they go straight from the gut to the liver. Due to their shorter length MCTs are easily digested and many health benefits are linked to the way your body processes these fats.
Omega fats are well known as they are associated with a healthy diet and a reduced risk of heart disease. They are commonly found in oily fish such as mackerel and sardines. They are also found in vegetable oil, nuts and seeds. Hemp seeds have both Omega 6 and Omega 3 fats. They are considered to be well balanced with a 3:1 ratio in favour of Omega 6, which is great for heart health.
The portion of the nervous system that is outside the brain and spinal cord. The nerves in the PNS connect the central nervous system (CNS) to sensory organs, such as the eye and ear, and to other organs of the body, muscles, blood vessels, and glands.
Relating to or denoting substances obtained by the refining and processing of petroleum or natural gas.
Psychoactive means something that acts upon the central nervous system to alter brain function. The alteration of brain function can cause changes in mood, perception and behaviour.
Sublingual literally means “under the tongue”. This refers to a method of CBD consumption whereby the liquid is held under the tongue to absorb the active ingredients.
The most well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THC is the cannabinoid that is known for the “high” feeling associated with recreational cannabis use.
Terpenes are aromatic oils that give hemp/cannabis (and other plants) their particular aromas and taste. More than 113 cannabis terpenes have been identified. They exist in varying proportions in hemp/cannabis strains and are known to have different effects on humans and animals.