Glossary

24 terms covering cannabinoid science, pharmacology, and regulation.

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Bioavailability: The proportion of a substance that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect. Oral cannabinoid bioavailability is typically 6–15% due to first-pass metabolism. Inhalation yields 10–35%. Sublingual and transdermal delivery can improve bioavailability.
Biosynthesis: The production of complex molecules within a living organism. In cannabis, cannabinoids are biosynthesized in glandular trichomes starting from CBGA, which is enzymatically converted into the major cannabinoid acids (THCA, CBDA, CBCA).
Broad-spectrum: A cannabis extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had THC removed or reduced to non-detectable levels. Distinct from full-spectrum (which retains THC) and isolate (single compound).

Cannabinoid: Any chemical compound that acts on cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) or is structurally related to compounds that do. Includes phytocannabinoids (plant-derived), endocannabinoids (produced by the body), and synthetic cannabinoids.
CB1 Receptor: Cannabinoid receptor type 1, primarily expressed in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Mediates the psychoactive effects of THC. Also found in peripheral tissues. Part of the endocannabinoid system.
CB2 Receptor: Cannabinoid receptor type 2, predominantly expressed in immune tissues, the gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral nervous system. Generally not associated with psychoactive effects. Involved in immune modulation and inflammation.
COA (Certificate of Analysis): A document issued by an accredited testing laboratory certifying the results of cannabinoid potency, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbial testing for a cannabis or hemp product batch.

Decarboxylation: A chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (COOH) from a molecule, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). In cannabis, heat converts inactive acid cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) into their active, neutral forms (THC, CBD). Decarboxylation occurs during smoking, vaporization, and cooking.

Endocannabinoid: Lipid-based neurotransmitters produced naturally by the human body that bind to cannabinoid receptors. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A complex cell-signaling system in the body comprising endocannabinoids, their receptors (CB1, CB2), and the enzymes that synthesize and break them down. Regulates homeostatic processes including mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and immune function.
Entourage Effect: The proposed synergistic interaction between cannabis compounds — cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — that may produce effects greater than or qualitatively different from isolated compounds alone. The evidence base is debated; strong preclinical data exists, with limited clinical confirmation.

Full-spectrum: A cannabis extract retaining the complete range of naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals from the source plant, including THC. Associated with entourage effect claims. Regulated by THC content thresholds.

Hemp: Cannabis sativa L. plants that contain 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis, as defined by the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp and its derivatives (except THC) are federally legal in the United States. Hemp is cultivated for CBD, fiber, seeds, and other cannabinoids.

Isolate: A cannabis extract containing a single purified compound (e.g., CBD isolate, CBG isolate), typically >99% pure. Produced via crystallization or chromatographic purification. Contains no other cannabinoids or terpenes.

Lipophilic: Having an affinity for lipids (fats) and non-polar solvents; poorly soluble in water. Most phytocannabinoids are lipophilic, which affects their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and is central to formulation challenges.

Molecular Weight: The mass of one molecule of a compound, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). Used to characterize and differentiate cannabinoids. For example, THC and CBD both have a molecular weight of 314.46 g/mol despite being structural isomers.

Partial Agonist: A compound that binds to a receptor and activates it, but produces a submaximal response compared to a full agonist — even at saturating concentrations. THC is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, which is associated with a ceiling effect on certain actions.
Phytocannabinoid: Cannabinoids produced naturally by plants, primarily Cannabis sativa. Distinct from endocannabinoids (produced by the body) and synthetic cannabinoids. Over 100 phytocannabinoids have been identified, though most are present in trace quantities.
Psychoactive: Capable of affecting mental processes, mood, perception, or consciousness. In cannabis, THC and to a lesser extent THCV are classified as psychoactive. CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN (at normal doses), THCA, and CBDA are generally considered non-psychoactive or minimally so.

Schedule I: The most restrictive classification under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, applied to substances deemed to have high abuse potential, no currently accepted medical use, and lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. THC remains Schedule I federally despite broad state legalization.

Terpene: A large class of naturally occurring organic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants. In cannabis, terpenes contribute to aroma, flavor, and may modulate cannabinoid effects (entourage effect). Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and pinene.
Total THC: A compliance metric calculated as: THC + (0.877 × THCA). The 0.877 factor accounts for the mass loss of the carboxyl group when THCA decarboxylates to THC. Total THC determines whether cannabis or hemp meets legal thresholds (≤0.3% for federal hemp compliance).
TRPV1: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, an ion channel activated by capsaicin, heat, and certain cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC). Involved in pain signaling, inflammation, and body temperature regulation. A key non-cannabinoid receptor target for several phytocannabinoids.

Varin: A subclass of cannabinoids with a propyl (3-carbon) side chain instead of the pentyl (5-carbon) chain found in standard cannabinoids. Varin analogs include THCV, CBDV, CBGV, and CBCV. The propyl chain generally reduces potency and alters receptor binding kinetics.