We think everybody should know more about CBD and what it can do to promote healthy lifestyles. There is a LOT of information about CBD out there and taking in all of that information can be overwhelming. We’ve filtered through some of the most useful buzzwords and descriptions and have put together a list of terms every CBD consumer should know and understand.
Bioavailability
The rate and degree at which a drug is absorbed by the body’s circulatory system. It’s an important measurement tool because it determines the correct dosage for non-intravenously administered drugs. For drugs, supplements, and herbs administered non-intravenously, bioavailability means the amount of the ingested dose that eventually gets absorbed. In the case of CBD it is the extent to which the cannabidiol molecules reach the endocannabinoid receptors.
Broad Spectrum
The only compound that has been removed from a broad spectrum CBD product is THC. All the other beneficial compounds that lend to the “Entourage Effect” remain. Other cannabinoids like CBG,CBN 
and CBC are present as are terpenes like myrcene, linalool, pinene and limonene. Broad spectrum CBD gives consumers all the benefits of the entourage effect without having to consume the potentially problematic presence of THC. It’s an excellent choice for those people that can’t or don’t want THC in their system, whether for legal, professional or personal reasons.
Cannabinoids
Of the 480 natural components found within the cannabis plant, 66 have been classified as “cannabinoids”. The most well known and researched of these unique compounds is Tetrahydrocannabinols or THC, the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Cannabinoids are separated into subclasses which include cannabidiols (CBD), cannabigerols (CBG) and cannabinoid (CBN).
Cannabinoid Receptors
Part of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and are involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. They are of a class of cell membrane receptors in the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and researchers have identified two that exist in the human body, CB1 and CB2.
Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1)
CB1, along with CB2, is one of the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Primarily found in the central nervous system, they regulate a wide variety of brain functions and also are present in other areas of the body including the lungs, liver and kidneys,
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2)
These receptors are found in the immune system and are heavily concentrated in the spleen and gastrointestinal system.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)- A COA is a document issued by a third-party laboratory that includes a full composition of a product. A CBD Certificate of Analysis should include a total list of cannabinoids, levels, terpenes, and possible contaminants such as pesticides, solvent residue or heavy metals.
CO2 Extraction
This method uses pressurized carbon dioxide to separate and capture desirable cannabinoids from a marijuana or hemp plant, taking out the plant’s essential waxes, cannabinoids, and terpenes. The final product is a healthy-looking amber-colored oil and is used in tinctures and other CBD products. CO2 extraction is recognized in the cannabis industry for having an incredibly low environmental impact and is one of the safest techniques available today.
Crude Hemp Oil
Crude hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant through one of several methods and contains all of the cannabinoids (including THC), terpenes and flavonoids found naturally in the plant. It’s often further purified or winterized to remove compounds such as lipids, waxes and chlorophyll.
Delivery Method
How something is delivered into the body. In relation to CBD, delivery methods include transdermally (topicals), sublingual and orally (ingestibles), through the digestive system (capsules and softgels) and through inhalation (vaping). All of these methods have pros and cons and preferences usually depend on taste and reason for use.
Distillate
Distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract often derived from the hemp flower and biomass. It typically contains around 80% CBD and includes minor cannabinoids, terpenes and other plants oils and extracts.
Endocannabinoids
These are the natural cannabinoids produced by the human body. They work with the endocannabinoid system to help maintain homeostasis, or balance, and regulate the functions of various organs and tissues in the body. These chemical compounds activate the same receptors as THC, the active component in marijuana.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
This system, which is named after the cannabis plant and is present in all mammals, plays a vital role in our psychological well-being and daily life. It works with the central and peripheral nervous systems for proper functioni got and signaling procedures. Many medical professionals contend that the main function of the ECS is to maintain bodily homeostasis—biological harmony in response to changes in the environment
“Entourage Effect”
The combined effect of different elements found in cannabis working together as a whole that produce a greater effect than working separately to produce separate effects. The complexity of these effects differ depending on whether the product you use contains THC (full-spectrum) or is THC-free (broad spectrum).
Farm Bill
In the United States, the Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government. It is renewed approximately every 5 years and deals with both agriculture and all other affairs under the purview of the US Department of Agriculture. The 2018 Farm Bill established a new federal hemp 
regulatory system which facilitated the commercial cultivation, processing, and marketing of hemp and removed hemp and hemp seeds from the statutory definition of marijuana and the DEA schedule of Controlled Substances.
Flavonoids
Compounds that give plants their color, attract pollinators and filter out UV rays. Studies show that flavonoids regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your body. The help the body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors and are also powerful antioxidant agents.
Full-Spectrum
Full spectrum CBD has had none of the cannabinoids removed, including the psychoactive compounds (THC). Many consumers, such as medical professionals and truck drivers, prefer a CBD without THC (see “broad-spectrum above) because of drug testing protocols in their professions. THC has been known to activate a “positive” in such drug tests as a result of full-spectrum CBD consumption. (NOTE- If you see “full spectrum” on a CBD label, be sure to check out the company’s lab reports. Although the industry has not regulated the terms, a full spectrum CBD oil will most likely have THC in the formula.)
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is an essential oil that has been extracted from the hemp plant but (BEWARE!) contains no CBD. Products containing Hemp Seed Oil can be found in many grocery store aisles and, because of dishonest advertising practices, are often sold to consumers who believe they are purchasing CBD products.
Homogeneity
The degree to which multiple units from the same batch are similar. Homogeneity testing ensures the genetic consistency across strains of cannabis or the even distribution of THC (in full-spectrum) or CBD in a product, such as a tincture or edible. Quality brands exhibit high homogeneity test results.
Industrial Hemp
A variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial, or non-drug, uses of its derived products. While closely related to medicinal cannabis, it is grown in a vastly different manner and produces a very different crop.
Isolate
These products are almost 100% CBD. To manufacture an isolate, everything contained in the hemp plant is removed — including any traces of THC and the remaining beneficial cannabinoids — until only a powder or crystalline form of CBD is left. This means that isolate users will not benefit from the Entourage Effect but still experience some benefits from the pure CBD.
Phytocannabinoids
Any cannabinoid produced in the outgrowth of a cannabis plant. When extracted from the plant and consumed, phytocannabiunoids interact with your body’s receptors to produce numerous psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
Psychoactive
Psychoactive means “affecting the brain”. Psychoactive drugs change the brain’s function and alter mood, behavior and cognition. THC is the primary psychoactive element in the cannabis plant and is removed from broad spectrum products during the extraction process.
Sublingual
Sublingual, or “under the tongue”, is a delivery method of medication using the mouth. It involves 
placing the drug beneath the tongue to be absorbed and dissolved into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.
Terpenes
Terpenes are natural compounds found in the flower or bud of the cannabis plant and give cannabis its unique aroma. Although they won’t get you “high” the do provide numerous therapeutic benefits, just like their partners THC and CBD.
Tinctures
A CBD tincture is an oil-based preparation made from CBD extract. It is consumed orally (swallowed or sublingual) and can also be used in cooking or baking. Purelix tinctures do not contain alcohol, although many traditional tinctures do.
Vaping
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. These aerosols contain varying amounts of toxic chemicals which have been linked to cancer as well as respiratory and heart disease.
Water Soluble
This is CBD that, just like it sounds, is able to be dissolved in water. One of the biggest benefits of water-soluble CBD is that it offers increased bioavailability, meaning that you can take less to achieve the same results. Water soluble products can be used as additives and mixed mix into beverages and work more rapidly than other CBD products.
Winterization
Winterization is the process used to remove undesirable elements (fats, waxes and lipids) that were extracted from the plant during the initial extraction. During this step the crude oil is soaked in alcohol and then frozen to separate the waxes etc. It also draws out phytonutrients such as terpenes.
Although this isn’t a comprehensive list (that would take a LONG time for you to to read through) we hope we’ve covered the basics. If, however, there is something you don’t understand or would like further clarification on, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Services Reps. The Purelix Team is here to help!!
