A simple, beginner‑friendly reference guide to help visitors understand common CBD terminology.
This glossary keeps explanations clear and approachable, avoiding technical jargon unless it’s necessary — and even then, it’s explained gently.
A
Absorption — How CBD enters the body (through the mouth, lungs, or skin).
Active Compounds — Natural chemicals in hemp, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Administration Method — The way CBD is used (oil, gummy, capsule, topical, etc.).
B
Bioavailability — How much CBD the body can actually use after it’s taken.
Broad‑Spectrum CBD — CBD with other plant compounds but typically without THC.
C
Cannabidiol (CBD) — A non‑intoxicating compound found in hemp.
Cannabinoids — Natural compounds in hemp that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Carrier Oil — The oil used to dilute CBD extract (often MCT, hemp seed, or olive oil).
Certificate of Analysis (COA) — A third‑party lab report showing what’s in a CBD product.
Concentration — The amount of CBD in a product, usually measured in milligrams (mg).
D
Decarboxylation — A heating process that activates cannabinoids in hemp.
Dosage / Serving Size — The amount of CBD taken at one time.
E
Edibles — CBD products you eat, such as gummies or chocolates.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) — A body system that helps regulate balance, mood, sleep, and more.
Entourage Effect — The idea that cannabinoids and terpenes may work better together than alone.
F
Full‑Spectrum CBD — CBD that includes all naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace THC.
G
Gummies — A popular edible form of CBD with a longer‑lasting effect.
H
Hemp — A variety of the cannabis plant with low THC levels (0.3% or less in the U.S.).
Hemp Extract — The concentrated oil taken from the hemp plant, containing CBD and other compounds.
I
Isolate — Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
Inhalation — Using CBD through vaping or smoking (fastest onset).
L
Lab Testing — Independent analysis verifying safety and cannabinoid content.
Legal Limit (THC) — In the U.S., hemp products must contain 0.3% THC or less.
M
Milligrams (mg) — The unit used to measure CBD content.
MCT Oil — A common carrier oil used in CBD tinctures.
O
Oil / Tincture — A liquid CBD product taken under the tongue or added to food.
Onset Time — How long it takes to feel the effects of CBD.
P
Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids that come from plants (like CBD).
Potency — The strength of a CBD product.
S
Spectrum — Refers to the range of cannabinoids in a CBD product (full, broad, or isolate).
Sublingual — Taking CBD under the tongue for faster absorption.
T
Terpenes — Aromatic compounds in plants that contribute to scent and may influence effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — A cannabinoid that can cause intoxication at higher levels; present only in trace amounts in hemp‑derived CBD.
Topical — A CBD product applied directly to the skin.
V
Vape — A method of inhaling CBD for rapid onset.
Vessel / Device — The hardware used for vaping CBD.