Last updated: June 2026
CBD terminology can be confusing — especially when published research is still incomplete in some areas. This A–Z glossary covers 45 key CBD terms to help you understand labels, research and product information with confidence.
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CBD Glossary A–Z
A
Anandamide
Known as the “bliss molecule,” anandamide is a fatty acid neurotransmitter and was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered. It binds to cannabinoid receptors — the same receptors THC acts on — and is associated with mood, memory and the “runner’s high.” CBD supports anandamide levels by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme that breaks it down.
B
Bioavailability
How quickly and efficiently a method of ingestion delivers a substance into the bloodstream, expressed as a percentage. Higher bioavailability means more CBD reaches your system for a given dose. Sublingual oil has higher bioavailability than edibles. Read more: CBD bioavailability
Broad-spectrum CBD
A CBD extract containing CBD plus other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from the hemp plant — but with all THC removed. Provides the entourage effect without any THC exposure. All Evopure CBD products are broad-spectrum. Read more: Types of CBD
C
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The full name for CBD. A phytocannabinoid — one of over 100 compounds in cannabis and hemp plants. Most abundant in hemp specifically. Non-psychoactive. Read more: Is CBD legal in the UK?
Cannabis Indica
A cannabis plant strain originating in the Middle East, known for CBD-to-THC ratios closer to 1:1 than most Sativa strains.
Cannabis Sativa
A cannabis strain from warm regions including Southeast Asia and Central/South America. Industrial hemp is a form of Cannabis Sativa cultivated for its low THC and high CBD content.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
A minor cannabinoid sometimes called the “mother of cannabinoids” because it is the chemical precursor to both CBD and THC. Found in small concentrations in most hemp strains. Emerging research suggests its own wellness applications. Read more: CBG vs CBD
Cannabinoid profile
The full range of cannabinoids present in a hemp or cannabis extract and their quantities. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate are all distinct cannabinoid profiles.
Cannabinoid receptors
Receptors in the human body through which cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are primarily in the brain and spine (regulating sleep, appetite, memory, pain). CB2 receptors are found throughout the body, associated with immune function and inflammation. A theoretical CB3 receptor may exist but is as yet unproven.
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. Over 100 have been identified, including CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, CBN and CBDV. Most work synergistically via the entourage effect. Read more: The endocannabinoid system
Cannabis
A plant used to produce marijuana (high THC) or hemp (low THC, high CBD). Recreational cannabis containing THC is illegal in the UK; hemp-derived CBD products are legal within regulatory limits.
Capsules (CBD)
CBD enclosed in a gel capsule for swallowing — a convenient way to control dosage without the taste of oil. Lower bioavailability than sublingual oil but excellent for routine use. Read more: CBD oil vs capsules
Carrier oil
A plant-based oil that carries CBD into the bloodstream and body tissues. MCT oil is the most commonly used CBD carrier oil, due to its ready absorption and neutral flavour.
CBC (cannabichromene)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in broad and full-spectrum CBD. Interacts with TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors. One of the “big six” cannabinoids in clinical research. Read more: What is CBC oil?
CBD concentrates
Highly concentrated CBD extracts used for vaping — also called CBD wax, shatter, dab oil or extract. Generally not broad-spectrum and therefore miss the entourage effect. Read more: Can you vape CBD oil?
CBD isolate
The purest form of CBD (99%+), with all other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids removed. No entourage effect. THC-free by design. Read more: What is CBD isolate?
CBD oil
A general term for CBD tinctures and products. Can be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate, blended into a carrier oil. The most popular and well-researched CBD format.
CBDV (cannabidivarin)
A non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid, structurally similar to CBD. Early research explores its potential in neurological applications. Read more: What is CBDV?
CBN (cannabinol)
A phytocannabinoid formed when THC oxidises (degrades) with heat, light or air. Mildly psychoactive in large amounts. Not legal in the UK as a standalone supplement. Read more: CBD vs CBN
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A third-party lab document that confirms what’s in a CBD product — CBD content, THC levels, and the absence of contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals). The most important thing to check when buying CBD. Read more: How to read CBD lab results
Controlled substances
Drugs, chemicals or medications regulated by the government — in manufacturing, possession or use. THC is a controlled substance in the UK; CBD is not.
D
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis — responsible for the “high.” Legal in the UK only on prescription (medical cannabis). Increasingly studied for pain management and seizure reduction. Read more: CBD vs THC
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabinoids to activate them, enabling them to bind more freely to receptors. Relevant to cooking and baking with CBD.
Distillate
A concentrated cannabis extract of a specific compound (usually CBD or THC). The base ingredient of most vapes and edibles. Less complete than full-spectrum extracts. Read more: What is CBD distillate?
E
Edibles
Food products infused with CBD (and/or THC). Lowest bioavailability of any CBD format due to digestion, but convenient and enjoyable. Takes 45–120 minutes to take effect. Avoid if managing calories, as most contain sugar.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The human biological system that maintains homeostasis — regulating immune function, pain response, mood, sleep, appetite and more through a network of receptors, endocannabinoids and enzymes. Read more: The endocannabinoid system
Entourage effect
The synergistic phenomenon where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce effects greater than any single compound in isolation. The reason broad and full-spectrum CBD is considered more effective than isolate. Read more: The entourage effect explained
Extraction
The process of separating cannabinoids from hemp. Methods include CO2 extraction (cleanest, preferred) and ethanol extraction. The quality and method of extraction affects the final product quality. Read more: How is CBD extracted?
F
Flavonoids
Plant metabolites found in most plants including hemp and cannabis. Thought to contribute to the entourage effect and provide their own wellness properties alongside cannabinoids.
FDA
The United States Food and Drug Administration — the federal agency responsible for regulating drugs and food products in the US. Not the regulatory body for UK CBD (that’s the FSA and Home Office).
Full-spectrum CBD
A CBD extract containing all naturally occurring hemp compounds — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids — including trace legal amounts of THC (≤1 mg per product in the UK). Provides the most complete entourage effect. Read more: What is full-spectrum CBD?
H
Hemp
A variety of Cannabis Sativa bred to contain very low THC (≤0.2% in the UK/EU) and higher CBD. The legal source of CBD supplements in the UK. Read more: Hemp vs marijuana
Hemp oil
Can refer to CBD oil derived from hemp, or to hempseed oil. Always check the label — these are very different products.
Hempseed oil
Oil pressed from hemp seeds. Rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and useful for cooking. Contains no meaningful CBD or THC. Not a substitute for CBD oil.
I
Industrial hemp
Hemp legally grown in the EU with less than 0.2% THC. All UK-legal CBD products must be derived from approved industrial hemp strains.
O
Organic
Grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers, GMOs or additives. Organic CBD is preferable as it eliminates residual agrichemicals in the final product. Look for UK/EU organic certification marks.
P
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids derived from plants (“phyto” = from plants). CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV and others are all phytocannabinoids. Distinct from endocannabinoids, which the human body produces itself.
Psychoactive
A substance that alters perception or consciousness. THC is psychoactive and causes a “high.” CBD is not psychoactive and will not cause intoxication at legal UK product limits.
S
Sublingual
The method of placing CBD oil drops under the tongue and holding for 60–90 seconds to allow absorption through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream. Best bioavailability of any CBD format after vaping. Read more: How to take CBD oil
Terpenes
Aromatic organic compounds found in hemp and other plants, responsible for distinctive scents. Over 100 found in hemp. Contribute their own potential wellness benefits and are a key part of the entourage effect. Read more: What are terpenes?
T
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. UK-legal CBD products must stay within 1 mg THC per product. THC at legal limits is non-intoxicating. Read more: CBD vs THC
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
A phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Sometimes called “diet weed” — animal studies suggest it may reduce appetite and boost metabolism. Research is still very early.
Tincture
A concentrated liquid herbal extract produced using a solvent (typically alcohol and water). CBD oil is technically a tincture when produced via this method.
Transdermal
A route of administration where a substance is delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Transdermal CBD patches are designed to penetrate the skin barrier — distinct from standard topicals (balms, creams) which act locally and don’t meaningfully enter circulation.
W
Water-soluble CBD
CBD processed using nanoemulsion technology to be water-compatible — potentially improving bioavailability. A growing but still-developing area; safety and regulatory profile in the UK is still being established.
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Take the free health quiz →Frequently asked questions
Is CBD psychoactive?
No. CBD is not psychoactive. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that causes a high. CBD products within UK legal limits should not cause any intoxicating effect.
What’s the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate?
Full-spectrum includes all hemp compounds including trace THC. Broad-spectrum has THC removed but retains other cannabinoids and terpenes. Isolate is pure CBD only. Broad and full-spectrum provide the entourage effect; isolate does not.
What does bioavailability mean for CBD?
How much and how quickly CBD reaches your bloodstream for a given method. Sublingual oil has higher bioavailability than capsules or edibles — meaning you may need less for the same effect.
How do I verify a product’s contents?
Check the latest Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the batch. It should confirm CBD content, THC at or below legal limits, and absence of contaminants. Always check the date — COAs should be recent and batch-specific.
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Take the free health quiz →Final words on CBD terminology
With this glossary in hand you can navigate CBD labels, lab reports and product comparisons with confidence. Knowledge is the best protection against scams and substandard products. When you’re ready to buy, look for a transparent brand with published COAs, organic sourcing and a clearly stated cannabinoid profile.
