Reference Tool
A–Z CBD Glossary
Searchable reference of cannabinoid, hemp, and CBD terminology.
Biology & Pharmacology
Anandamide
The primary endogenous cannabinoid produced by the human body. Often called the "bliss molecule," it binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors and is broken down by the FAAH enzyme. CBD inhibits FAAH, increasing anandamide levels.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters systemic circulation and reaches its target tissues. For CBD, bioavailability varies by administration route: 6–19% oral, 13–35% sublingual, 34–46% inhalation.
Cannabinoid Receptor CB1
The primary cannabinoid receptor in the central nervous system. THC is a partial agonist; CBD is a negative allosteric modulator (changes receptor shape without activating it). Concentrated in brain regions governing memory, coordination, and reward.
Cannabinoid Receptor CB2
The cannabinoid receptor predominantly expressed on immune cells and in peripheral tissues. Associated with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450)
A family of liver enzymes that metabolise approximately 60% of pharmaceutical drugs. CBD is metabolised by and can inhibit CYP450 enzymes, potentially increasing serum concentrations of other drugs — the same mechanism behind grapefruit-drug interactions.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A cell-signalling system present in all vertebrates. Comprises cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG), and metabolic enzymes (FAAH, MAGL). Plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis.
Entourage Effect
The pharmacological principle that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically — each compound enhancing the therapeutic effects of the others. First proposed in 1998 by Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat. The scientific basis for full-spectrum CBD's superiority over isolate.
First-Pass Metabolism
The process by which orally ingested substances are absorbed through the intestine, transported to the liver via the portal vein, and partially metabolised before reaching systemic circulation. Reduces oral CBD bioavailability to 6–19%.
Flavonoids
Plant compounds contributing to pigmentation and offering therapeutic benefits. Cannflavins A and B, unique to cannabis, demonstrated anti-inflammatory potency up to 30 times aspirin in preclinical research.
Extraction & Processing
Broad-Spectrum
A CBD extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC selectively removed through additional processing. Offers a partial entourage effect — better than isolate, but less complete than full-spectrum.
CO2 Extraction
Extraction method using pressurised carbon dioxide to selectively pull cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Considered the gold standard — produces clean, solvent-free extracts without chemical residues. Heffernan's Hemp uses supercritical CO2 extraction.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabinoid acids (CBDA, THCA) to remove a carboxyl group (CO2), converting them to their neutral, pharmacologically active forms (CBD, THC). Occurs during smoking, vaporisation, cooking, or industrial processing.
Full-Spectrum
A CBD extract preserving the complete phytochemical profile of hemp — CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and trace THC (≤0.2% EU). Offers the complete entourage effect. Heffernan's Hemp's extract type.
Isolate
Purified CBD at 99%+ concentration. All other plant compounds are removed. Contains no THC, no terpenes, no minor cannabinoids. Least expensive extract type. Research shows isolates require higher doses than full-spectrum for comparable effects.
Winterisation
A post-extraction refinement process that removes plant waxes, lipids, and chlorophyll by dissolving the extract in ethanol and freezing it, then filtering out the solidified waxes. Produces a cleaner, clearer final product.
Cannabinoids
Cannabichromene (CBC)
A non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid with significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Research suggests CBC may also promote neurogenesis (growth of new neural stem cells).
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The most abundant cannabinoid in industrial hemp, comprising 60–80% of total cannabinoids. Non-intoxicating, acts as a CB1 negative allosteric modulator and engages multiple non-cannabinoid targets including serotonin 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptors.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
The "mother cannabinoid" — the biosynthetic precursor from which CBD, THC, and CBC are produced. Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial (active against MRSA). Typically 1–5% of hemp cannabinoids.
Cannabinol (CBN)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid produced through THC oxidation/degradation. Associated with sedative effects. Typically present at <1% in fresh hemp extracts, increasing with age and exposure to heat/light.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. A CB1 partial agonist. In EU-compliant full-spectrum CBD products, present only in trace amounts (≤0.2%) — pharmacologically insufficient for psychoactive effects but sufficient to contribute to the entourage effect.
Regulation & Legal
Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
A formal report from an independent laboratory confirming test results for a specific product batch. Should verify cannabinoid potency, THC compliance, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contamination. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is the standard.
ISO/IEC 17025
The international standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. A CBD lab report from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory is the gold standard for independent quality verification.
Kanavape Ruling
CJEU Case C-663/18 (2020). The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that member states may not prohibit the marketing of CBD lawfully produced in another member state, and that CBD is not a narcotic. The most significant legal precedent for the European CBD industry.
Novel Food Regulation
EU Regulation 2015/2283 requiring pre-market safety authorisation for food ingredients not consumed to a significant degree in the EU before May 1997. CBD extracts were classified as novel foods in 2019. EFSA evaluation ongoing as of 2026.
Product Terms
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglyceride oil, typically derived from coconut. Used as a carrier oil in CBD tinctures. Superior bioavailability to hemp seed or olive oil because MCTs are absorbed directly through the intestinal wall without requiring bile salt emulsification.
Sublingual Administration
Holding CBD oil under the tongue for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. Allows absorption through the sublingual mucosa directly into the bloodstream, partially bypassing first-pass liver metabolism. Results in faster onset and higher bioavailability than oral ingestion.
Terpenes
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis trichomes. Major hemp terpenes include myrcene, β-caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, and α-pinene. Each has distinct pharmacological properties contributing to the entourage effect.