The CBD (cannabidiol) and mushroom industries are rapidly evolving sectors within the realm of natural wellness and alternative medicine. As interest in these industries grows, so too does the need for clarity on the terminology used within them. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer exploring these realms, having a comprehensive understanding of key terms is essential. In this blog, we'll delve into a glossary of terms in the CBD and mushroom industries to help you navigate these fascinating worlds more confidently.
Marketing for cannabis and mushroom brands is often a very challenging one. With Facebook, Google, Amazon, Instagram, and many other platforms considering CBD and all forms of cannabis as prohibited content; brands are now using creative terminology to break through the tight algorithm rules just to get an ad posted. Often this leads to some confusion among the general public and this blog is to help shed some light on the matter. Check out these terms and what they are and feel free to save this blog as a future reference as well. Knowledge is power.
CBD Glossary:
Bioavailability: The rate and extent at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available for use by the body.
Broad Spectrum: CBD products that contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but have undergone additional processing to remove THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
Cannabidiol (CBD): A non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, known for its potential therapeutic benefits such as reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and promoting relaxation.
Cannabis: Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes several species, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It is known for containing compounds called cannabinoids, notably THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have various effects on the human body when consumed.
Cannabis is often used for recreational, medicinal, and industrial purposes. Marijuana and Hemp are both forms of cannabis plants.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): A document provided by CBD manufacturers that verifies the potency and purity of their products through laboratory testing.
Delta 8: Delta-8 is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, similar to delta-9 THC but with milder psychoactive effects. It's gaining popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits and is often used for relaxation, sleep, pain, and stress relief. This product can cause psychoactive effects so it's best to start slow when using this product.
Delta 9: Hemp-derived delta-9 refers to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracted from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants. It's a psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic properties, but in hemp-derived forms, it contains less than 0.3% THC, making it legal under certain regulations. This product can cause psychoactive effects so it is advised to start slowly when using this product. Delta-9 is primarily used for its psychoactive effects, which include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite. Medicinally, it's used to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Additionally, research suggests potential therapeutic applications for conditions like glaucoma, PTSD, and some neurological disorders.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body that helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood, pain sensation, and immune function.
Entourage Effect: The synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis, believed to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD products.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids are natural compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and drinks like tea and wine. They give these foods their vibrant colors and help protect plants from diseases and pests. In our bodies, flavonoids act as antioxidants, which means they can help fight off harmful molecules called free radicals and may offer health benefits like reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of certain diseases.
Full Spectrum: CBD products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. Full Spectrum products do have THC in them but it is not enough to cause psychoactive effects.
Hemp: A variety of the cannabis plant that contains low levels of THC (0.3% or less by dry weight) and is legally cultivated for industrial and therapeutic purposes.
Hemp Seed Oil: Not to be confused with CBD. Hemp seed oil is a nutritious oil that is known for its rich profile of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. When people talk about hemp oil, they're referring to oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. There are no cannabinoids—CBD or THC—in hemp oil. This ingredient is packed with healthy fats and often appears in beauty products for its moisturizing benefits.
Isolate: Pure CBD extract that has been isolated from all other compounds present in the cannabis plant, typically in the form of a white crystalline powder.
Isolate vs. Distillate : An isolate contains just one isolated ingredient. So when you see CBD Isolate, that means the product contains just the CBD molecule—but does not contain other compounds found in full-spectrum distillate products like CBN, CBG, etc.
Terpenes: Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that contribute to the flavor and scent profile of CBD products, and may also have therapeutic effects.
THC: THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a natural compound found in cannabis plants. It's the main psychoactive component responsible for the "high" sensation people experience when using cannabis. THC interacts with receptors in the brain and nervous system, altering perception, mood, and behavior.
Water Soluble/ Oil Soluble: Water-soluble means a substance will dissolve in water, while oil-soluble means that a substance will dissolve in oil. CBD is naturally oil-soluble, which is why it is so often sold in a tincture form like our CBD Oils. To get CBD to a water soluble solution the CBD would need to be nano-emulsified which causes the molecules to break down into much smaller molecules leaving the product to absorb quicker and sometimes making it more effective.
Mushroom Glossary:
Adaptogens: Adaptogens are natural substances, including certain mushrooms, herbs, and roots, that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. They are believed to support the body's ability to cope with physical, emotional, and environmental stressors without causing significant side effects.
Adaptogenic Mushrooms: These are a specific group of mushrooms known for their adaptogenic properties. They are prized for their ability to enhance resilience, promote vitality, and support overall health. Some popular adaptogenic mushrooms include reishi, chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, and turkey tail. Adaptogenic mushrooms are not to be confused with psychedelics.
Fruiting Body: The reproductive structure of a fungus, such as a mushroom, that produces spores for reproduction.
Magic Mushrooms: Magic mushrooms, also known as psychedelic mushrooms or shrooms, are certain types of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds, such as psilocybin and psilocin. When ingested, these substances can induce altered states of consciousness, including hallucinations, euphoria, and changes in perception and mood. They have been used for centuries in religious and spiritual practices, as well as for recreational purposes. However, it's important to note that magic mushrooms can have powerful effects and should be approached with caution and respect. These are NOT legal in most states. Often this term is tossed around when talking about adaptogenic mushrooms as a marketing ploy. It is important to know that the two are very different and one is legal while the other is not.
Mycelium: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of branching, thread-like hyphae that are responsible for nutrient absorption and distribution.
Psilocybin: A naturally occurring compound found in certain species of psychedelic mushrooms (commonly known as "magic mushrooms"), known for its hallucinogenic effects.
Psychedelic: Substances that alter perception, mood, and consciousness, often leading to profound spiritual or psychological experiences. Psychedelic mushrooms are NOT legal in most states in the U.S.
Conclusion: As the CBD and mushroom industries continue to expand and evolve, understanding the terminology used within them becomes increasingly important. This glossary serves as a starting point for anyone interested in exploring these fascinating realms of natural wellness and alternative medicine. Whether you're seeking relief from pain and anxiety with CBD or improving brain function and digestion with adaptogeic mushrooms having a solid grasp of the terminology will help you navigate these industries more confidently and responsibly. Be Well.