Glossary of CBD & Cannabinoid Terms
Are you confused by all the cannabis and hemp terminology? What is CBD? What are rare cannabinoids? We believe that knowledge is extremely important.
In this CBD Glossary, we will answer questions about CBD, THC, rare cannabinoids, terpenes, uses, and the many products on the market today.
Cannabinoids are the active molecules found in hemp and cannabis plants. These plant-based molecules interact with the human endocannabinoid system. There are more than 100 cannabinoids discovered to date, with CBD and THC being the most well known. Those that naturally occur in very small amounts, such as CBDA, CBDV, CBC, CBG, CBN, and THCV are referred to as rare cannabinoids or minor cannabinoids. Each one is believed to offer unique effects. For example, THCV is a stimulant that increases energy and suppresses appetite. Meanwhile, CBN promotes sleep. What does CBD stand for? Many people wonder what all of these acronyms are for. CBD stands for cannabidiol, CBDA for cannabidiolic acid, CBDV for cannabidivarin, CBC for cannabichromene, CBG for cannabigerol, CBN for cannabinol, THCV for tetrahydrocannabivarin etc.
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. There are three species of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It has been used for centuries in herbal remedies for discomfort, nausea, stress, and sleep. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary intoxicating compound found in THC. Cannabis is consumed in various modes: cannabis flower is smoked and THC is extracted from cannabis to create THC oils, THC gummies, THC salves and more. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that is specifically bred to have very low levels of THC. CBD (cannabidiol) is the primary non-intoxicating compound found in hemp. To define CBD, it is believed to offer many health and wellness benefits without the high of cannabis. CBD oil is used for a variety of purposes, including reducing stress, relieving discomfort, and improving focus and sleep. The cannabis plant is believed to have originated in Central Asia and is now grown around the world.
CBC cannabinoid is found in hemp and cannabis plants. Like CBD, CBC does not have any psychoactive effects. In fact, CBC is known to counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC. What is CBC good for? CBC has been shown to have mood elevating properties as it raises levels of the brain’s “bliss” molecule anandamide. Other studies show that CBC may improve skin conditions. Like CBD oil, CBC oil is manufactured into CBC oil tinctures, CBC oil salves, CBC gummies and other health and wellness properties. Hemp and cannabis information website Leafly has this article: Nature’s antidepressant? Rare cannabinoid CBC boosts the brain’s ‘bliss’ molecule
CBC stands for cannabichromene, a cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. CBC is extracted as CBC oil and then used in a variety of products. What is CBC good for? It is believed to elevate and improve mood by raising levels of the brain molecule anandamide. CBC has also been found to support healthy skin.
CBC tincture is a liquid containing cannabichromene (CBC) and a carrier oil. CBC is a hemp-derived non-psychoactive cannabinoid usually taken to help elevate mood. Studies show that CBC elevates anandamide, a brain molecule responsible for producing feelings of happiness.
CBDA is the acidic precursor, or raw form, of CBD and is found in very small amounts in cannabis and hemp plants. When heated, CBDA turns into CBD. This means that CBDA cannot be smoked, vaped, or baked. Although it is similar to CBD, CBDA offers its own unique benefits. Scientific studies show that it may be a stronger antiemetic than CBD. This means that it effectively prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting. The molecular structure of CBDA has also been compared to NSAIDS, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This suggests that CBDA may have anti-inflammatory effects. CBDA oil can be purchased as CBDA tincture and must always be taken in its raw, unheated form. CBDA has also been studied in relation to COVID-19. See the full study here: Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants.
A CBDA tincture is a liquid that contains CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) in a carrier oil and can be taken orally. It may ease occasional nausea and vomiting and reduce inflammation after exercise. CBDA is being studied for other applications and has recently been in the news for a study on COVID-19.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from hemp and used for its health and wellness benefits. CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD oil has a wide range of potential benefits and is non-intoxicating, which means that CBD does not get one high. CBD is known to help with stress, discomfort, and a host of other issues. The FDA has approved CBD for one pharmaceutical drug to treat seizures. CBD is also being studied for many other ailments. CBD can be found in many products, including CBD isolate oils, CBD edibles, CBD gummies, CBD water, CBD salve and CBD cream.
CBD candies are sweet edibles that contain CBD oil. They can be used to support immune health, promote calm, balance, and stress resilience.
CBD cream is a topical CBD product that is used to provide relief from discomfort, inflammation after exercise, and moisturize skin. CBD cream is made with CBD oil and sometimes other cannabinoids, as well as moisturizing carriers such as beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and vitamin E.
A CBD dispensary is a store that specializes in selling CBD oil products. While a cannabis dispensary sells cannabis flower and items containing psychoactive THC, a CBD dispensary sells hemp-derived CBD. A CBD dispensary will usually carry CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD salves. They will often have a selection of other cannabinoid oils and gummies containing CBC, CBG, CBN, or THCV oils as well. In some states customers need to be over 21 years old to purchase CBD products, but CBD dispensaries are not subject to the same rules and regulations as cannabis dispensaries.
CBD Edibles are food items that have been infused with CBD oil. CBD edibles can be found in many different forms, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, and more. CBD edibles are a popular way to consume CBD as they offer all the benefits of CBD oil without having to smoke or vape. CBD edibles are non-intoxicating and generally considered safe to consume. However, one should always double check the safety standards of the manufacturer and their independent lab test results.
CBD gummies are edibles that are made with CBD oil. CBD gummies offer all the potential benefits of CBD oil in an easy to consume format. CBD gummies come in a variety of flavors and contain CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD, or full spectrum CBD.
CBD hemp oil is the same as CBD oil as CBD is extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant. To be legal in the United States, CBD must on a dry weight basis contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the psychoactive part of the hemp/cannabis plant. It is used to promote balance, calm, and relieve inflammation and discomfort, for example after exercise. The FDA has approved one CBD hemp oil pharmaceutical drug for use against seizures. CBD hemp oil is also being studied for many other potential benefits.
CBD isolate is CBD that has been isolated from the hemp plant and shows no traces of THC or other cannabinoids when lab tested. CBD isolate is also referred to as pure CBD. CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless, making it an easy ingredient to work with. CBD isolate can be used to make CBD products such as CBD oil, CBD water, CBD cream, CBD salves, and CBD gummies. It can help to relieve stress and support healthy joints, a healthy immune system and much more.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is the main non-psychoactive active compound in hemp. CBD is taken for balance, calm, stress resilience, and relief from discomfort and inflammation after exercise. It offers these health and wellness benefits due to the way it interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD is federally legal across the United States and is sold online, in stores, and in cannabis and CBD dispensaries. CBD oil is extracted from hemp and starts as a full spectrum oil. This means that it contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids and terpenes. It can be refined into a broad spectrum oil, or a zero THC CBD isolate oil or isolate powder. What is CBD oil made of? The oil itself is derived from hemp and can be combined with carrier oils such as MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD oil is also added to many different products for its health and wellness benefits. These include CBD gummies, CBD tinctures, and CBD salves. (Many people ask what is CBD oil for? We hope this answers all your questions on the CBD oil definition.)
CBD pills are capsules or gel caps that are made with CBD. CBD pills are meant to provide all the benefits of CBD oil in an easy-to-swallow pill form. They conveniently deliver CBD to the body through the digestive system. CBD pills can help with stress, discomfort, inflammation, and more.
A CBD salve is a topical product that is made with CBD oil. CBD salves can be used to help with discomfort, inflammation, and skin issues. CBD salves are available in a variety of consistencies, including lotion, balm, and cream. They can contain CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD, or full spectrum CBD.
CBD tinctures are liquids that are made with CBD oil. CBD tinctures are available in a variety of flavors and concentrations. They can be made with CBD isolates, broad spectrum CBD, or full spectrum CBD. They can also be blended with rare cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, CBN, or THCV oils. MCT coconut oil and hemp seed oil are popular carrier oils for CBD tinctures. CBD tinctures can be used sublingually, which means that they are placed under the tongue to be absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD tinctures can also be added to food or drink.
CBDV is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is found in hemp and cannabis plants. Animal studies show that CBDV may improve behavior, communication, and memory. CBDV and CBD for autism: Both cannabinoids are being studied in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder. CBDV is also being studied in relation to Rett syndrome, muscular dystrophy and more.
CBDV oil tincture is a liquid made by combining rare cannabinoid CBDV with a carrier oil. It is usually taken for health and wellness benefits including improved sociability and memory. CBDV oil is being tested on people with autism spectrum disorder to see if they may benefit from the oil.
CBD water is a beverage that is made with CBD oil. CBD water is available in a variety of flavors and concentrations. It usually contains very low doses of CBD. However, CBD water manufacturers often claim to use nanotechnology to make the CBD particles smaller and more easily digestible.
CBGA is the acidic precursor or raw form of CBG. It is a rare or minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. It is a foundational compound of the cannabis flower and is sometimes called the “granddaddy” of cannabinoids. This is because CBGA produces three major cannabinoid lines: THCA, CBDA and CBCA. Then, those cannabinoids eventually become THC, CBD, and CBC respectively. CBGA may also convert into CBG. CBGA has been studied in relation to Covid-19 and is believed to have unique health and wellness benefits. See study here: Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants.
CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is found in hemp and cannabis plants. It is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because it turns into other cannabinoids as it matures. Like CBD oil, CBG oil is extracted from hemp flowers and made into a variety of wellness products. CBG is known to have a variety of potential benefits. It relieves discomfort, soreness, and inflammation after exercise. CBG is good for stress relief, promoting calm, and is being studied in animal models of many different diseases. CBG can be consumed in the form of CBG flower, CBG oil tinctures, CBG gummies and in many other products. Cannabis information website Leafly has this article: Is CBG better than CBD and THC for pain, inflammation, and aging?
CBG flower is a hemp flower high in rare cannabinoid CBG (cannabigerol). CBG flower can be smoked or used to extract CBG oil for a variety of wellness products. CBG may relieve discomfort and inflammation after exercise.
CBG gummies are edibles containing CBG (cannabigerol). Gummies are an easy way for people to consume cannabinoids. CBG is usually taken to help relieve discomfort, pain and inflammation after exercise. CBG gummies can also promote healthy joints and mental calm.
CBG (cannabigerol) extract is combined with a carrier oil such as MCT coconut oil. It is usually consumed by using a small spray bottle or dropper to place the CBG oil under the tongue and swallow it. CBG oil tinctures can contain a CBG isolate, broad spectrum CBG, full spectrum CBG oil, or a CBG CBD blend of hemp oils. They are usually taken to help with discomfort and swelling after exercise or to promote calm and balance.
The CBN cannabinoid is found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBN is created when psychoactive THC ages or oxidizes. Unlike THC, CBN does not have psychoactive effects unless it is taken in very large doses. Many people like to take CBN for sleep and believe that it is the most sedative cannabinoid. CBN may help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, especially when combined with other cannabinoids or terpenes that promote relaxation and sleep. CBN also promotes relaxation and relief from discomfort and inflammation after exercise. What is CBN in weed? CBN forms in older weed when it is exposed to air and heat. This may be why people find older weed to be more sedating.
CBN gummies are sweet edibles containing CBN. CBN cannabinoid is a hemp-derived natural compound that is not intoxicating unless taken in extremely high doses. CBN promotes relaxation and sedation. For this reason, CBN gummies are often referred to as sleep gummies or calm sleep gummies. Taken a half hour bedtime, CBN gummies may help people fall asleep more quickly and sleep longer. Despite promoting deep sleep, CBN gummies should not make people feel groggy the following day.
Cannabinol (CBN) is a rare cannabinoid that promotes rest, relaxation and sleep. CBN oil is combined with a carrier oil such as MCT coconut oil and can be taken orally to aid sleep. CBN tinctures can also be added to food or drinks.
This is a document that shows the results of lab testing for contaminants and cannabinoid potency. The COA is issued by the laboratory that performed the testing. Reviewing the COA is important as it can help consumers avoid fake or contaminated products. A reputable company will always provide a COA from an independent third-party accredited laboratory for each batch of every product they make.
The carbon-dioxide extraction process is a safe, natural way to extract CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp. In this process, pressurized carbon dioxide is used to pull the desired cannabinoids from the plant material. The CO2 is then released, leaving behind a clean extract. This method is often chosen because it produces a purer product than some other extraction methods.
There is a lot of confusion around the different forms of THC. Many people ask what is Delta-8-THC or what is D8 THC? Referred to by both names, it is a cannabinoid that is manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. First, CBD is extracted from hemp, which is legal across the United States. The CBD is then turned into a psychoactive compound that is very similar to “regular” cannabis-derived Delta-9-THC. Delta-8-THC is said to be about half to two-thirds as intoxicating as Delta-9-THC. Although hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal at the federal level, the state-level legal status of Delta-8-THC is unclear. Many states have made it illegal or are trying to ban it due to its psychoactive properties.
Commonly known by the abbreviation THC, this is the main cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp that has psychoactive effects. It is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. THC is also known for its many health and wellness benefits, which is why it is the main cannabinoid used in medical cannabis products. Potential benefits include relief from nausea, discomfort, and inflammation. THC is also being studied for other potential benefits. Across the United States, the law varies greatly over THC. In some states, it is illegal, while in others THC products (including cannabis flower, THC distillate, THC gummies and THC chocolate) can be purchased in dispensaries with a medical cannabis card. In a few states, anyone 21 years and older can purchase THC products in cannabis dispensaries.
Like Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC is converted from hemp-derived CBD into a psychoactive compound. Different chemicals and reactions create the different deltas. Similar to Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC is weaker than “regular” Delta-9-THC. However, it is not easy to manufacture and must be refined extensively. Due to the heavy use of chemicals in its extraction and conversion process, it is extremely important to check independent lab test reports to ensure the safety of Delta-10-THC oils, gummies, or other products.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that are produced by the human body and interact with the human endocannabinoid system. The most well-known endocannabinoid is anandamide, which is responsible for the “bliss” molecule. It was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered. Hemp and cannabis plants are rich in cannabinoids which can interact with our human endocannabinoid system. This is how hemp and cannabis products affect our mood, hormones, sleep and more.
An edible is a food or drink that contains CBD, THC or other cannabinoids. Some common edibles are gummies, chews, chocolate bars, mints and brownies. There is an ever-increasing number of flavors and cannabinoids used in edibles. For example, there are huckleberry-flavored CBN gummies for sleep and lemon THCV gummies for energy and appetite suppression. People often eat edibles for the health and wellness benefits of cannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system within out bodies, like the nervous system, respiratory system, reproductive system, etc. The ECS is a network of receptors in the body that interacts with cannabinoids. The ECS is believed to be responsible for many physiological and psychological functions including mood, energy levels, memory, stress response and more. The ECS is also responsible for the “high” people feel when taking THC and the calming effect they feel when taking CBD. Read more about the ECS on Leaflys article: What is the endocannabinoid system and what is its role?
The entourage effect is a phenomenon where the various compounds in cannabis or hemp work together to produce a stronger effect than any one of the compounds alone. This includes the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis. For example, CBD oil is thought to be more effective when taken with other cannabinoids like THC and CBN. This is because all of the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create the “entourage effect.”
Ethanol extraction is a process that uses alcohol to extract cannabinoids from hemp or cannabis. This is the most common way to make CBD oil and other cannabinoid products. During ethanol extraction, the alcohol dissolves the cannabinoids from the plant matter. The resulting liquid is then strained and the cannabinoids are separated from the plant material. The ethanol is then evaporated, leaving behind a CBD oil or other cannabinoid product.
Extraction is the process of removing cannabinoids from hemp or cannabis. This can be done using a variety of methods including ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction. The resulting extract contains cannabinoids in a concentrated form and can be used to make CBD oil (or other cannabinoid oil) tinctures, edibles and other products.
The Farm Bill is a piece of legislation that regulates agriculture and food in the United States. The most recent Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm Bill, made industrial hemp legal at the federal level in the United States. This allows farmers to grow hemp and CBD producers to extract CBD from hemp for products like CBD oil tinctures, CBD edibles and more. Under the Farm Bill, industrial hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency that regulates food, drugs, cosmetics and other products. The FDA has not approved CBD or any other cannabinoid as a drug. However, the FDA has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy. The FDA’s rules on hemp and cannabis are constantly evolving and can be followed on the FDA’s website.
Full spectrum CBD is CBD oil that contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant. Full spectrum CBD oil usually has a light green, yellow or brownish color and is said to have a “full” flavor. It is also thought to provide a more “complete” array of benefits than CBD isolate.
Hemp is a variety of cannabis that contains little or no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Hemp was made legal in the United States at the federal level with the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp is also legal in many other countries. CBD is extracted from hemp for its health and wellness benefits. Hemp can also be used for its fiber and even turned into a form of concrete, known as hempcrete.
Hemp seed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of hemp. Hemp seed oil is high in fatty acids and contains many beneficial nutrients including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Like MCT coconut oil, hemp seed oil is often used as a carrier oil for CBD and other cannabinoids. When CBD and hemp seed oil are combined, it is called CBD hemp seed oil. However, on its own, hemp seed oil offers none of the wellness benefits or calming effects that CBD oil or other cannabinoid oils offer.
Like Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC, and Delta-O-THC, HHC is a psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoid. Because it is converted from hemp CBD into HHC (and is not derived from cannabis), it is federally legal. However, as more and more states crack down on Delta-8-THC, the legal status of HHC is unclear. It was first created in 1944 by adding hydrogen molecules to “regular” Delta-9-THC in a process known as hydrogenation. This is similar to how vegetable oil is converted into margarine. However, these days, HHC is usually made in a different way. First, CBD is extracted from hemp and turned into a powder. According to cannabis information website Leafly, it is then put in a “chemical reactor” and comes out as HHC. There are risks of explosions and the end result differs greatly in potency. HHC is usually turned into HHC vape carts but can also be used in other products.
Marijuana is a term that refers to female Cannabis sativa plants that produce flowers containing high levels of psychoactive THC. Marijuana can be used for recreational purposes to get high or for medicinal purposes for nausea, discomfort, sleep and more. Marijuana is not legal at the federal level in the United States. However, it is legal in some states and can be used for medical or recreational purposes. CBD oil and other cannabinoids are often extracted from the hemp variety of marijuana for their health and wellness benefits.
Microdosing is the act of taking very small doses of a substance, usually a drug, for the purpose of improving mental or physical function. With CBD or CBG, this could mean taking smaller doses of CBD oil or CBG oil than what is typically recommended but taking them more frequently. This can be helpful for keeping stable levels of CBD or CBG in one’s system for their balancing properties and continued relief from discomfort.
Organic is a term used to describe foods and products that are made from farming methods that restrict the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or other harmful ingredients. These methods promote the health of both the consumer and the environment.
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are found in hemp and cannabis plants. The most well-known phytocannabinoids are CBD and THC. Hemp and cannabis plants are rich in phytocannabinoids, which can interact with our human endocannabinoid system. This is how hemp and cannabis products affect our mood, hormones, sleep and more.
Potency is a term used to describe the strength of a CBD or cannabinoid oil. The potency of an oil is usually measured in terms of milligrams of CBD or a specific cannabinoid (such as CBC, CBG, CBN or THCV) per milliliter (mg/mL) of oil. It is important to know the potency of an oil before using it. CBD and cannabinoid products should always clearly list the potency of their products per dose, with third-party lab reports to back up the accuracy of said potency.
Psychoactive refers to a substance that induces a change in mental state or altered consciousness. The primary psychoactive substance found in cannabis is THC. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids include: CBC, CBDA, CBDV, CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCV.
CBD isolate is often called pure CBD. It is CBD that has had all traces of THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes removed to below lab detectable levels. Pure CBD or CBD isolate can be in a powder or oil form and is flavorless and odorless, meaning that it can easily be added to CBD tinctures, edibles, and more.
Rare cannabinoids are natural compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants that offer unique health and wellness properties. They are referred to as rare or minor cannabinoids because they occur in such small quantities in the plants. However, thanks to advances in breeding and extracting, they can now be produced in greater quantities. There are more than 100 known cannabinoids with the most popular being: CBDA, CBC, CBG, CBN, CBDV, and THCV. Each one offers unique properties. For example: CBDA is good for nausea, CBC for elevating mood, CBG for relieving discomfort, CBN for improving sleep, THCV for energy and appetite suppression, and CBDV is being studied for autism spectrum disorder. This is because they all have unique effects on the human endocannabinoid system. Learn more with this article: What are rare cannabinoids?
A cannabis strain is a term used to describe a particular variety of the cannabis plant. Strains are typically bred for certain characteristics, such as their smell, taste, or effects. Strains can also be re-created to some extent by mixing and matching cannabinoids and terpenes. For example, a cannabis sativa strain such as Durban Poison contains a high amount of rare cannabinoid THCV. Durban Poison offers an energizing feel with less hunger than many cannabis strains. By combining THC with THCV oil one can have the intoxicating feel of the THC with the uplifting, stimulating, appetite suppressing properties of THCV.
Terpenes are molecules that are found in hemp, cannabis, and other plants. These molecules interact with the human endocannabinoid system and are responsible for many of the different scents and flavors of the plants. Some terpenes such as linalool and myrcene are known to have relaxing and sedative effects. Others such as limonene and pinene are known to be stimulating and energizing. CBD products often include a blend of terpenes to enhance the effects of the cannabinoids. Terpenes also give cannabis strains their unique scents, flavors, and effects.
Terpenes are often combined with CBD or THC in tinctures and vapes for their scent, flavor, and effects. Terpene-only tinctures are oils that contain unique blends of isolated organic terpenes. They were created to offer specific effects: Relax Terpenes promote rest and sleep while Relief Terpenes relieve pain and inflammation after exercise. Terpene-only tinctures can be added to CBD or rare cannabinoid products. For example Relax terpenes could be combined with CBN for sleep and Relief could be combined with CBG for discomfort relief.
THC usually refers to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol or Delta-9-THC. It is a cannabinoid that is found in hemp and cannabis plants. It is the molecule that is responsible for the “high” feeling associated with marijuana. THC has a variety of potential medical benefits, including relieving pain, nausea, and anxiety. However, it also has psychoactive effects that can be unpleasant for some people. THC is available in various products, including flower, concentrates, vape pens, and edibles. Delta-9-THC is extracted from cannabis plants and must be sold in the United States in cannabis or medical marijuana dispensaries. However, manufacturers have found a way around that law and are synthesizing THC from hemp-derived CBD. This is in the form of Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC, THC-O and HHC. These products appear to be federally legal but are increasingly being outlawed by states due to their psychoactive properties. They are also less regulated and often undergo harsher chemical conversion processes than cannabis-derived Delta-9-THC.
THC distillate is a thick, golden liquid made by refining cannabis resin. THC distillates are usually potent and are commonly used in THC vape cartridges and can also be used in edibles and other products.
THC-O acetate is a synthetic compounds derived from hemp. It is said to be three times as strong as THC and has been called “the psychedelic cannabinoid” for its borderline hallucinatory effects. Because it is derived from hemp, and not from cannabis, it is skirting the law in many states. However, like Delta-8-THC, which is also derived from CBD and hemp, it is likely to be banned in many states soon.
THCV cannabinoid is found in hemp and cannabis plants. Although THCV sounds very similar to THC it has very different effects. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and is known for making people hungry. Conversely, THCV acts like a stimulant, increasing energy and suppressing appetite. This is why many people turn to THCV for weight loss. It may help them eat less and support increased exercise. Scientific studies show that THCV may be useful for combating nicotine addiction and addictions to other substances.
THCV was first discovered in cannabis sativa plants in Africa and is found in higher concentrations in cannabis strains including Doug’s Varin, Durban Poison, and Pineapple Purps. However, if THCV is combined with THC it may lose some of its stimulating, appetite suppressing properties. THCV oil can also be consumed on its own or combined with CBD in the form of THCV tinctures and THCV edibles such as THCV gummies. Cannabis information website Leafly has these articles:
THCV tinctures are consumable liquid products that contain THCV oil. They can be sprayed or dropped under the tongue and swallowed. THCV tinctures may boost energy and suppress appetite, which may aid weight loss.
THCV gummies are edibles made with THCV oil. They are taken for their stimulating properties and may aid weight loss by suppressing appetite (when combined with a healthy diet and exercise).
Many people look for THCV for weight loss. THCV is a stimulant that boosts energy levels, which may help fitness levels. THCV is also an appetite suppressant, which can help people achieve a calorie deficit and thereby lose weight. However, THCV is not an approved drug for weight loss. Most studies on THCV and weight loss have been conducted on animal models of obesity and not in humans.
Topical CBD is CBD that is applied to the skin. It can be found in many forms, including lotions, balms, and oils. CBD topicals are said to provide relief from discomfort and inflammation in general or after exercise.
Varins are a unique sub-family of cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants. They have slightly shorter, 3-carbon tails, instead of the 5-carbon tails found in THC, CBD and others. In nature, varins are found in extremely small quantities so very little was available for scientific study. Thanks to advances in breeding and extraction methods they can now be found in greater quantities. Despite their similarities to other cannabinoids, they can have very different effects. For example THCV has almost opposite effects of THC. THCV is a stimulant that increases energy and decreases hunger, while THC usually makes people sleepy and increases hunger. Another important varin is CBDV. Like CBD, CBDV is being studied for reducing seizures but also shows promise in studies on people with autism spectrum disorder.