55plus CBD Term Glossary

The CBD industry is awfully confusing....

That is why we curated a list of the most common terms that you will hear pretty frequently within our industry. Feel free to use this resource as you begin your holistic wellness journey with 55plus! 

If you still have questions, please consider reaching out via our Free 30-minute CBD consultation. Also, consider checking out our weekly 55plus Wellness News Articles to remain in the loop on the latest happenings.

The Top CBD Terms of 2024

Bioavailability

Bioavailability is a key indicator of drug absorption. It represents the administered dose fraction which achieves success in reaching the systemic circulation when administered orally or through any other extravascular dosing route.

Broad Spectrum

Broad Spectrum contains a variety of active compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes causing an "entourage effect" (see below for more info). The idea is that whole plant extracts often have greater benefits than their isolated counterparts. It is very similar to full spectrum CBD except that the THC has been removed

Cannabidiol - CBD

Otherwise known as cannabidiol, CBD is one of the cannabinoids (or active ingredients) found in cannabis. Unlike THC (another primary cannabinoid in cannabis), CBD does not get people high. It plugs into the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system of the brain to create feelings of subtle relaxation. CBD does not contain psychoactive properties and provides holistic health solutions for patients suffering from various afflictions like arthritis.

Cannabigerol - CBG

CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid – an active ingredient in cannabis. Along with the other 100+ cannabinoids, it helps create marijuana’s signature effects and health benefits. CBG is present in cannabis in very low concentrations, making it a “minor” cannabinoid.

Cannabinoid

A large group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds engage with receptors in the cells of the brain which are related to neurotransmission. 

Cannabinol - CBN

CBN is a minor cannabinoid, which means it’s not initially present in cannabis in high concentrations the way THC and CBD usually are. While CBN doesn’t get people particularly high, it can make them sleepy. In fact, it’s known as the cannabinoid with the greatest sedative properties. Consuming 5 mg of CBN is the equivalent of taking 10 mg of Valium – but with only 10% of Valium’s psychoactive effects.

Cannabis

An extremely complex plant, composed of hundreds of different chemical compounds - over 100!

CBD Oil

A natural oil which is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.

Curcumin

Curcumin is a major active ingredient in turmeric and thought to have antioxidant and anticancer properties. When you combine Curcumin with CBD it has been said to be a powerful anti-inflammatory, enhancing joint health. It has also been said it helps with digestive health, cardiovascular health, cognitive health and immune health.

Efficacy

The power to produce an effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers conducted random trials of CBD oils to test its effectiveness. Results revealed that CBD’s holistic health solutions are useful for muscle spasms, and nausea and vomiting. However, its main usage is to maintain holistic well-being. As the science advances, we will continue to discover more holistice health solutions.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. It plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction and fertility.

"Entourage Effect"

The combined effect of different compounds found in cannabis that work together as a whole to produce a greater effect than if working separately to produce separate effects. The three major cannabis compounds that lend to the entourage effect are cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The idea of the entourage effect is that whole plant extracts often have greater benefits than their isolated counterparts.

Full Spectrum

The words “full spectrum” refer to the full spectrum of cannabinoids and other compounds found in cannabis associated with the entourage effect. Full spectrum CBD oil has had zero cannabinoids removed, including intoxicating compounds like THC. The reason for this goes back to the entourage effect. All of the cannabinoids work in unison for the betterment of the whole. Full spectrum CBD products generally contain less than 0.3% THC.

Hemp

A variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It contains very small traces of THC and high amounts of CBD. Hemp fibers are used in various industries including the textile, paper, and automobile industries. CBD is extracted from the plant for various uses. Growing hemp was illegal on a federal level in the U.S. up until December 2018. Then the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the ban so long as it contains a maximum of 0.3% THC.

Homeostasis

In biology, Homeostasis can be defined as the steady, internal physical and chemical systems used by all living systems to create balance. These “systems”, which include the endocannabinoid system, continually strive for a balanced, stable environment in order for optimal cellular performance, which in turn facilitates an overall state of wellbeing within the greater organism itself. 

Marijauna

The psychoactive dried resinous flower buds and leaves of the female hemp or cannabis plant (Cannabis sativaorC. indica) that contain high levels of THC.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a common dietary supplement that has gained widespread popularity around the globe. Though renowned as a natural sleep aid, it also has powerful effects on other aspects of your health such as managing immune function and blood pressure.

Plus, it acts as an antioxidant, with some research finding that it can significantly affect many health conditions.

Nano - Nanoemulsion

A process where hemp oil goes through a proprietary proces that transforms it into water-soluble, nano-sized particles which leads to greater absorption and therefore enhanced efficacy.

THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol

Tetrhydrocannabinol (THC) is a crystalline compound that is the main active ingredient of cannabis.

THC is well-known for producing psychoactive effects in users of cannabis products—the compound responsible for the high associated with cannabis use.

Third-party Lab Testing

Third-party lab testing is a quality control phase of manufacturing. It involves an independent organization’s review of the manufacturing process and end-results of a manufactured good. The purpose of this testing ensures that the final product complies with specific safety and quality standards.

Tincture

Many CBD companies infuse alcohol with CBD oil to make tinctures. 55plus tinctures are organic extra virgin olive oil or organic medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil which is less abrasive.

CBD Tinctures are administered orally, sublingually, or mixed in foods or beverages and are, therefore, often packaged in small glass bottles with droppers as caps for convenient dosing. Tinctures offer a popular way to consume CBD without combustion or inhalation.

Topical

Topical CBD products are among the newest forms of cannabis products. These include lotions and creams applied topically which aim to address issues like pain and skin problems. Even though some topicals contain THC, the method of absorption means they do not cause the high of other cannabis products.