Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms.
Here are Hemp Farming Specific definitions for terms you will encounter within the industry.
0.3% THC Limit
0.3% is the legal limit for THC levels in hemp plants and CBD products. This trace amount of THC is far too low to produce intoxicating effects, which is why hemp-derived CBD products are considered non-psychoactive under federal law.
2-AG
2-AG is an endocannabinoid that is produced by the endocannabinoid system within the human body. This endocannabinoid interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate a variety of physiological processes and support a state of homeostasis.
2018 Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products with THC levels at or below 0.3%.
Aeroponics
Aeroponics is a cultivation method that involves growing hemp plants without soil. In aeroponic growing, plants’ roots are exposed above ground and continually misted with nutrient water. This method maximizes oxygen intake, reduces stressors, and can result in cleaner, higher-quality products.
Alcohol extraction
During alcohol extraction, processors soak hemp biomass in solvents, such as ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, to dissolve and extract the most desirable components of the hemp plant. The solvent used is then evaporated, leaving a concentrated cannabis extract behind.
Anandamide (AEA)
Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that regulates various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, and stress. It is produced within the human body and interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
Biphasic Effect
Biphasic refers to the effects of substances that produce different results at higher doses than they do at lower concentrations. For example, CBD can have different effects at varying dosage levels.
Backcross (BX)
A backcross is a hybrid plant that has been bred with one of its parents (or a plant that is genetically similar) in order to create offspring that is closer to that of the original parent. For example, a grower could breed a plant with its own father to make sure the baby has its dad’s height. This is often done to maintain rarer strains or strengthen those with desired recessive genes.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum formulations combine CBD with the minor cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp while eliminating the trace amounts of THC found in full-spectrum formulations. These formulations offer a preferable alternative to isolates.
Cannabinoids
A cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in cannabis (Phytocannabinoids) and also produced within the human body (Endocannabinoids). Phytocannabinoids mimic the effects of endocannabinoids and are associated with the euphoric effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans.
Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring compounds synthesized by the cannabis sativa plant in response to heat and light. They include well-known compounds like CBD, as well as “minor” cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. Cannabinoids are responsible for the effects and benefits of CBD products.
The most well-known cannabinoid is THC due to the fact that it is the most abundant in Marijuana (Cannabis), and also because it produces the psychoactive effects (or the “high”) that drives the plant’s recreational use. However, there are over 85 known cannabinoids all with varying effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the at least 85 CBD has gained support for its use as a medical treatment as research has shown it effectively treats inflammation, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects (the “high” or “stoned” feeling) associated with THC.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound in the resinous flower of cannabis. It is one of the hundreds of phytocannabinoids found in the plant and has been found to have therapeutic properties. CBD does not have psychoactive effects like THC and is often used for relaxation, as a sleep aid, and for pain relief.
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol (CBN) is among the many minor cannabinoids produced in cannabis. CBN is a non-intoxicating compound that is created when THC ages and therefore, is often found in high quantities in older cannabis. CBN is primarily used as a sleep aid, but it has also been found to have pain and inflammation-reducing qualities.
CBD Concentrates
Concentrates are the most potent form of CBD products and distill all of the most desirable components of the hemp plant, including CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes, into various forms, including isolate, wax, shatter, oil, and distillate.
CBD Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is the process by which CBD products are created. It involves heating raw hemp plants to turn raw, acidic precursors to CBD, such as CBDA and CBGA, into compounds like CBD and CBG. This process optimizes the efficacy of naturally-occurring hemp compounds.
CBD Distillate
CBD distillate is a form of CBD concentrate that harnesses CBD in its purest, most refined, and most potent state. It may contain minor cannabinoids and naturally-occurring hemp terpenes, with trace amounts of THC at or below the legal limit of 0.3% in full-spectrum distillate.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis, or COA, is a document provided by a third party that analyzes the compounds found in cannabis. The COA outlines the strain’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles, as well as tests for pesticide residue or heavy metals. There is also information included on the product’s manufacturer, testing method used, and batch data. Not all manufacturers are required to provide a COA.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that plays a critical role in photosynthesis and can affect the taste and color of CBD oil. Some processing methods remove chlorophyll to improve product flavor.
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Researchers have theorized that some individuals may suffer from clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CED), which could be responsible for various health issues that CBD may address. CED is hypothesized to occur when the endocannabinoid system fails to produce enough endocannabinoids to maintain homeostasis.
Clone
A clone is a cannabis plant that is an exact genetic copy of its mother plant. It is a young female cannabis plant with stable genetics. Typically, growers elect to raise clones purchased from reputable breeders because they pose less risk of getting a plant with poor characteristics.
Closed-Loop Extraction
In closed-loop extraction, the extraction process takes place within a sealed system where solvents used are constantly recaptured and reused, rather than being released into the atmosphere. This method is environmentally friendly and used to extract various compounds, including CBD.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is a preferred method for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. It utilizes carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature to extract materials such as cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp biomass, resulting in clean, pure products.
Cold-Pressed CBD Extraction
This extraction method involves withdrawing cannabinoids from hemp biomass without the application of heat. Mechanical pressure is applied to raw hemp plants to release CBD and other cannabis compounds.
Crude Hemp Oil
Crude hemp oil is the initial form of CBD when it is first extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. It is further refined through various processes to create CBD products.
Dronabinol, Sativex & Nabilone
Sativex is a synthetic, prescription form of CBD FDA-approved for the treatment of seizures and convulsions. Dronabinol is a synthetic, pharmaceutical form of THC used to prevent chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, while Nabilone is a THC analog used as an antiemetic and appetite stimulant for individuals with chronic conditions.
Endocannabinoid Enzymes
The endocannabinoid system includes enzymes such as FAAH and MAGL, which are responsible for the degradation of endocannabinoids to regulate cannabinoid signaling and maintain homeostasis.
Endogenous
Endocannabinoids refer to cannabinoids that are produced within the human body, as opposed to exogenous cannabinoids derived from plants.
Entourage Effect
An entourage effect in cannabis refers to how certain compounds within a marijuana plant interact with each other in the human body. An entourage effect occurs when multiple compounds within the cannabis plant interact in sync, often producing more pleasant or potent effects than they would if a person only ingested one compound.
The entourage effect also refers to the enhanced effects of full-spectrum CBD products due to the synergistic interplay between CBD, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids naturally occurring alongside one another in the hemp plant.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are phytonutrients found in various plants, including hemp. They offer a variety of health benefits and are often present alongside cannabinoids and terpenes in CBD products.
Flowering Time
Flowering time refers to the time it takes for a plant to produce mature flowers. Cannabis flowering times are affected by the length of daily exposure the plant receives to sun (with the exception of the Cannabis ruderalis species, which flower automatically). When flowering times are reported for a strain, they are general estimates based on how the plants do on average in optimal conditions. Actual flowering times will vary and it is up to the grower to decide when to harvest for maximum benefit.
Hemp
Hemp is derived from non-intoxicating cannabis Sativa L. Hemp is genetically distinct from marijuana and has a variety of uses including fiber from the stems, protein from the seeds, and oils from the leaves and flowers. Hemp does not produce high levels of THC, but it can produce very high quantities of CBD. Hemp is regulated very differently from cannabis as it's legal to cultivate and sell under The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill).
Hybrid
Hybrid strains of cannabis are a mixture of Indica and Sativa strains. They allow the consumer or grower of the plant to take advantage of the best parts of each parent plant and create a hybrid option that fits their desired effect and flavor profile.
Indica
Indica is a subspecies of the cannabis plant. Cannabis Indica strains generally have a short stem and broad leaves and are associated with a more physical high in comparison to Sativa strains, which are often considered more cerebral. However, this thinking is no longer scientifically accurate as it has been found that different combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes are much more telling of the effects of the strain. Many dispensaries and cannabis industry professionals are moving away from the traditional Indica vs. Sativa nomenclature as it's more beneficial for customers to purchase products based on feelings or moods.
Kief
Kief, also known as pollen or dry sift, refers to the resin glands which contain the terpenes and cannabinoids from the marijuana plant. While flower without kief still contains those elements, kief alone will contain much higher levels than the remainder of the plant.
Multi-State Operator (MSO)
Multi-State Operators or MSOs are cannabis companies with operations in multiple legal states. The largest MSOs manage and control their own supply chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, wholesaling, and distribution.
Non-Compliance
Non-compliance in the cannabis industry means that a marijuana business is not in compliance with specific state or local laws. The business will be at risk of penalties from either the state or local government which include but are not limited to, fines, revoking of a license, or other consequences.
Trichome
Trichomes are the resin production glands of the cannabis plant. In Greek the word means “growth of hair,” and while these sticky little protrusions can make plants appear a little hairy, they are not hairs, nor are they “crystals,” which is how they are often described. THC, CBD and other vaporizer is a device used to consume marijuana. It cannabinoid-laced vapor to inhale. Vaporizing is healthier than smoking since there is no smoke to ingest, but this method still produces near instant effects. With new, more compact models on the market, vaporizing is growing in popularity.
Terpene
Terpenes create the flavor profile in cannabis flower. They are oils that are secreted in the same glands as cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, and they were developed by the plant to repel predators and lure pollinators. For more on terpenes, check out the terpene guide from Maggie's Farms.
THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. THC is the most well-known molecule in marijuana and is sought after for its euphoric, psychological effects.
THCa
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) is an inactive compound found in the trichomes of living cannabis plants. THCA doesn't get one “high,” although it is the precursor to THC, which it becomes through a process called decarboxylation.
Topical
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, oils, and balms that users apply directly to the skin for pain and inflammation relief. Cannabis topicals are non-intoxicating so the user can experience the medicinal properties of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
Vertically Integrated
Vertically integrated cannabis businesses own and manage all aspects of the supply chain. They own the cultivation, lab, manufacturing, and retail sectors of the business. This means that they can save money and time and consolidate the quality of their products.