The wide world of CBD can be a confusing place to navigate. On one hand, CBD is everywhere, and everyone is talking about its many health benefits. As a potent pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, fitness enthusiasts love CBD oil. CBD has calming, relaxing properties that can help those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, or even the everyday stresses and strains of life. CBD oil is used as a therapy for pets, and a tincture for insomnia.

CBD has even joined the beauty club, with CBD skincare products becoming popular for their sebum balancing effects. And yet, despite its ubiquity, CBD can actually seem pretty complicated. What’s the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil? Is CBD skincare considered a drug or a cosmetic? How are you supposed to know if your hemp oil contains any THC, and what exactly is an isolate, anyway?

There’s a lot to learn about CBD - but it’s simpler than you might think. If you’ve been afraid to experiment with CBD products, we’re here to hold your hand. Check out our convenient glossary of CBD-related terms below.

The Basics

Cannabis

A species of flowering plant, under which come varieties such as marijuana and hemp. There are 144 biologically active cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, including THC and CBD. The different varieties of cannabis can have vastly different properties and cannabinoid concentrations.

Cannabis sativa

A strain of cannabis known for promoting a cerebral or “head high”. It has an energizing effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase focus. “Industrial hemp” is one strain defined as Cannabis Sativa that is specifically cultivated for non-drug use and contains less than 0.3% THC.

Indigenous to eastern Asia, this flowering herbaceous plant has been farmed throughout recorded human history. It is farmed for marijuana as well as the industrial hemp used in CBD products. In addition, hemp fiber, hemp seed oil, and food products are also derived and harvested from different parts of the plant.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

A cannabinoid derived from the flowers, stalks, and stem of the cannabis plant. Both hemp and marijuana varieties naturally contain CBD. CBD is the second-most common cannabinoid after THC, comprising up to 40% of cannabis extracts. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. However, it does have a host of reported benefits that have led to a field of emerging research on its clinical value.

CBD is already in use as a treatment for epilepsy. For other users, it shows promising effects in aiding with anxiety and sleep disorders, skin health, mental wellness, and pain relief. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a nervous network that regulates bodily functions.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

A psychoactive cannabinoid compound that is found in cannabis. THC makes up the highest proportion of cannabinoid extracts from the cannabis plant. Like CBD, it impacts the ECS receptors in the brain, prompting them to release dopamine. Dopamine provides a feeling of pleasure, which is the “high” created by THC.

Hemp

Also known as “industrial hemp”, this strain of the cannabis plant is bred to contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Hemp is a fast-growing plant that acts as a natural soil purifier, making it an environmental champion. Its fibres are used to make eco-friendly, biodegradable fabrics. Hemp seeds are cold-pressed to expel hemp seed oil, which has applications in cooking, as a wellness and nutrition supplement, and in natural skincare. Due to the rising popularity of CBD products, hemp is now bred with higher amounts of CBD than cannabis.
As hemp contains very low levels of THC, it has no psychoactive effects. MUKOOMI Hemp CBD products contain zero percent THC.

Marijuana

A strain of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains high levels of THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids. This term can refer to the dried leaves and flowers that are consumed by users, usually by smoking or vaping. Marijuana combines both the psychoactive properties of THC with the benefits of CBD and additional plant compounds.

CBD Oil

A tincture of CBD compounds suspended in oil, generally administered with a dropper bottle. CBD oil can be consumed directly, or as an ingredient in food preparations. MUKOOMI Hemp CBD Oil is made with 100% organic CBD in pure hemp seed oil.

Hemp Seed Oil

This nutrient-rich oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. While it does not contain any cannabinoids, hemp seed oil offers many benefits. It’s low in saturated fats, and high in vitamin E and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a super-effective skin supplement that deeply nourishes skin, prevents visible signs of ageing, and can even combat conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

MUKOOMI Hemp CBD Skin Serum contains hemp seed oil, plus CBD and gentle botanicals that boost your skin’s health.

The Compounds

Full Spectrum

Full spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids found in the plant in addition to CBD. That means they also have the psychoactive effects of THC. It also contains other potentially beneficial compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. This combination can offer a special condition known as the “entourage effect”, where the different compounds work together to enhance each other.

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum CBD products are almost the same as full spectrum, except for one notable difference: they don’t contain any THC. Broad spectrum includes all the other cannabinoids and plant compounds found in cannabis, without any of the psychoactive effects. This type of product provides some “entourage effect” benefits as well.

Isolate

This is a 99% pure CBD product that comes in powder or crystalline from. In an isolate, all cannabinoids except CBD have been removed, so the end product contains no other plant compounds except for CBD.

Cannabinoids

These natural plant compounds are found in hemp and marijuana, and constitute the active ingredients of the cannabis plant. There are 144 types of cannabinoid, with CBD and THC being the most well-known and the most prevalent compounds.

Terpenes

These organic compounds give cannabis plants their specific flavour and aroma. There are more than a hundred terpenes which create different combinations in each strain of cannabis. Some terpenes are also found in other plants, like limonene in lemons and limes.

The Bonus Terms

Psychoactive

Any cannabis-derived product that contains more than 0.3 percent THC is considered to be mind-altering, acting on receptors in the brain and nervous system. In short, it can get you high - altering your sense of perception, mood, and behaviour. Hemp plants are a strain of cannabis that contains less than 0.3 percent THC, and therefore they do not have psychoactive properties.

ECS (Endocannabinoid system)

The ECS is a complex network of neurotransmitters that runs through our central and peripheral nervous system. The ECS gets right into the cells, regulating cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, cognitive, sensory and immune functions. This pervasive system includes cannabinoid receptors that respond to the effects of compounds like CBD and THC. Research suggests that the ECS is vital for modulating and regulating our bodily functions, and making sure our various biological systems maintain an internal balance known as homeostasis.

Certificate of Analysis

A detailed document produced and authenticated by an accredited third-party lab. The COA breaks down the quantities of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids that are in a specific product. It also verifies the quality of the CBD product, ensuring there are no harmful contaminants like heavy metals or pesticides present. In the case of non-psychoactive products, the COA certifies that they contain less than 0.3 percent THC.

As CBD is not a uniformly regulated substance, a COA is a must from any company selling CBD or THC products. All MUKOOMI Hemp CBD products come with a COA that you can view at this link.

Next time you’re looking to buy a CBD product, you won’t be stuck wondering what it does and whether it’s right for you, or if the claims being advertised are really true. As disreputable companies try to cash in on the CBD trend, you’ll be able to distinguish the legit ones: they won’t make wild promises, and they will always have a COA.

Dive into the world of CBD armed with the knowledge and confidence to buy safe, high-quality products that meet your unique needs. Go forth, conquer - just remember to start with a small dose of a new product to see how it works for you.