Groovy Hemp Company CBD Oil Glossary
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CBD Oil Phrase Basics, an Overview

Cannabis Sativa L
This is a plant species in the Cannabis genus. Includes agricultural hemp and marijuana, which are two different strains of Cannabis Sativa L. Two different strains mean hemp and marijuana are two different plants.

Industrial Hemp
Hemp and Cannabis are two strains that come from the same species (Cannabis Sativa). Hemp is the strain that contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in Cannabis) Industrial Hemp is the lowest grade of Hemp used as a supplement. The two higher grades are pharmaceutical grade and food grade.

Hemp Oil Extract/ Hemp Oil/CBD Oil
This oil is extracted from hemp’s flowers/buds, containing a natural blend of phytocannabinoids. Be cautious: some companies use the term hemp oil when the product is made from hemp seed oil.

Hemp Seed Oil
This is an oil extracted from hemp seeds (nutritious but contains almost no phytocannabinoids). It contains omega-3 and omega-6, along with other nutrients, which are excellent for skincare and overall health.

Phytocannabinoids
Natural chemical compounds found in hemp oil extract have been studied for various potential effects. Hemp oil extract contains many phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabinoids
This is a group of fatty compounds found in hemp, other plants, and even the human body. Cannabinoids from plants are referred to as phytocannabinoids, and those produced by the human body are called endocannabinoids. (The prefix Phyto means plant, while endo- means that it comes from within.) Cannabinoids are the primary chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant.

CBD Bioavailability
This is the percentage or fraction of an administered serving of CBD or CBG that has an active effect after it enters the bloodstream.

A Quick Overview of the Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
This is a series of receptors that interact with phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids to maintain homeostatic functions. That means it helps keep your body working properly.

CB1
These are Cannabinoid receptors found primarily in the central nervous system. That includes neurons in the brain and nerves in the spinal cord.

CB2
These are Cannabinoid receptors found primarily in the peripheral nervous system. That includes nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Endocannabinoids
These are natural chemical compounds produced by our own bodies that are like phytocannabinoids. Their job is to bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. They are not stored but get created on demand.

Anandamide
In the brain, cannabinoid receptors (C1) are activated by a neurotransmitter called anandamide. It is one of the two known endocannabinoids.

2-AG
This is a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and some foods. 2-AG acts as a messenger molecule, playing roles in appetite, depression, memory, and fertility. It is one of the two known endocannabinoids.

The Various Forms of Hemp-based Phytocannabinoids

What is CBGA?
In the Cannabis plant (including hemp) an organic compound called CBGA is broken down by specific enzymes into THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. UV light or heat breaks down THCA and CBDA into THC or CBD. The percentage of either compound depends on the strain of the plant. CBGA converts to CBG. The percentage of CBG is generally very low.

CBDA
CBDA is shorthand for cannabidiol-acid, the naturally occurring raw form of CBD that is produced directly in the cannabis (hemp) plant from CBGA by specific enzymes.

CBG
CBG (cannabigerol) is the precursor to all other cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It is a cannabinoid that has been found to act on very specific physiological systems and problems. Results for medicinal use are promising. CBG itself is not psychoactive (i.e., it won’t get you high).

CBD
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. In addition, independent research, as well as consumer feedback, has shown numerous benefits for human and animal health. CBD is found in a much higher concentration in hemp than any other cannabinoid.

CBC
Cannabichromene works synergistically with other cannabinoids and helps block pain.

CBDv
Cannabidivarin has a similar molecular structure to CBD. CBDv can interact with pain receptors and function as an anti-convulsive. CBDv may also help reduce nausea and manage acne. This is NOT considered a general-use Cannabinoid. Please consult with a physician before using.

CBN
This cannabinoid is created when THC oxidizes. It is generally found in very small amounts relative to CBD. It has medicinal value, including physical discomfort relief, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, appetite stimulant, and sedative effects.

The Various Forms of Hemp-based Psychoactive Phytocannabinoids

THCA
THCA is shorthand for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and is the naturally occurring precursor to THC. It is easily converted to THC when exposed to heat or light. You will find a lot more THCA in marijuana plants than in hemp plants.

THC
Unlike CBD, this cannabinoid is psychoactive, and depending on the concentration, it will get you high. THC has demonstrated some potential health benefits, including increased appetite in eating disorder patients, helping with neurodegenerative diseases, and helping cancer patients.

THCV
THCV is produced as a byproduct of the natural breakdown of THCA in marijuana. It is similar to Delta 9 THC because it is psychoactive and interacts with the CB1 receptors in the ECS system. THCV is found in smaller quantities in most marijuana plants.

Delta 8 THC
Unlike CBD, this phytocannabinoid is mildly psychoactive. Depending on the concentration, it will help you relax. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have almost identical chemical structures. However, the very slight difference in chemical structures is enough to create a large difference in the degree of psychoactive impact.

Delta 8 will help you relax and not much more. If you get high, it is extremely mild. If you use Delta 8, you will not pass a drug test if they are testing for THC. 

As per the September 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-based Delta 8 and Delta 10  products were considered legal. As of April 2026, that has either changed or is in the process of changing in various states and at the federal level.

Delta 10 THC
Unlike CBD, this phytocannabinoid is mildly psychoactive and is actually less psychoactive than Delta 8 THC. Depending on the concentration, it will help you relax. Delta 8 and Delta 10 have fairly identical chemical structures. However, the slight difference in chemical structures is enough to create a difference in the degree of psychoactive impact.

Delta 8 and Delta 10 will help you relax and not much more. If you get high, it is extremely mild. If you use Delta 8 or Delta 10, you will not pass a drug test if they are testing for THC. 

As per the September 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-based Delta 8 and Delta 10  products were considered legal. As of April 2026, that has either changed or is in the process of changing in various states and at the federal level.

Delta 9 THC
Unlike CBD, Delta 8 THC, and Delta 10 THC, this phytocannabinoid is very psychoactive, and it will get you high. Delta 8 and Delta 9 have almost identical chemical structures. However, the very slight difference in chemical structures is enough to create a large difference in the degree of psychoactive impact.

Again, Delta 9 THC will get you high.

In 2024 and again in December 2025, Marijuana was supposed to be rescheduled by the DEA from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. This would have had many positive implications for everyone involved in the Marijuana ecosystem.

On April 23, 2026, Medical Marijuana, under certain conditions, was reclassified as Schedule 3. Recreational Marijuana is still classified as Schedule 1.

The Various CBD Categories

Full-spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD also contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids, including less than 0.3% THC and various terpenes (depending on the strain). All these organic compounds work synergistically, providing a fuller therapeutic effect than just CBD Isolate alone.

Broad-spectrum CBD Oil
It contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids except for THC, as well as terpenes shown to work synergistically together, providing a fuller effect than just isolated CBD alone.

CBD Isolate
This is CBD without any other cannabinoids, including THC, terpenes, flavonoids, or any of the other organic compounds that might be found in Industrial Hemp.

Water Soluble CBD Oil (AKA Nano-emulsion or Nanotechnology)
These products utilize nano-technology to dramatically boost bioavailability. Ordinarily, because CBD is an oil, it does not mix with water. Because the nano-CBD particles are less than 100 nanometers in size, they are small enough to mix efficiently with water. This form of CBD will pass through to the bloodstream much more easily, so your body can utilize CBD quickly and more efficiently. Bioavailability is usually greater than 50%.

Terpenes Including CBD Oil Terpenes

Terpenes
These organic compounds are responsible for the distinctive fragrances of plant products from oranges to pine trees to, yes, cannabis. In Hemp, possibly terpenes work with cannabinoids to produce enhanced health benefits.

Myrcene (a terpene)
This is the most common terpene found in industrial hemp. Its aroma is musky, earthy, clove-like, and herbal. It helps sedate and relax. It is an anti-inflammatory, sedative, and muscle relaxant. It is useful for pain relief.

Limonene (a terpene)
This terpene has a citrus aroma. It is helpful for stress relief and reduces anxiety. It is also a mood elevator and antidepressant. Limonene also helps relieve nausea.

Pinene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is pine, fresh mountain air, and slightly woody. Bet that surprised you endlessly. It will help you stay alert, boost energy, and improve focus and memory. Pinene is also a bronchodilator.

Caryophyllene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is spicy, woody, and peppery. It provides pain relief, is an anti-depressant, an anti-inflammatory, and has anti-anxiety qualities.

Humulene (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is woody, earthy, herbal, and spicy. It has anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant, pain relief, and anti-tumor qualities.

Linalool (a terpene)
This terpene’s aroma is floral, sugary, and citrusy. It has anti-anxiety, sedative, pain relief, and anti-bacterial qualities.

Entourage Effect
In Full-spectrum CBD Oil products, you have CBD, other cannabinoids, including <0.3% THC, and terpenes present.  The Entourage Effect is achieved when all of the above elements work together more effectively because of the THC. The net result is an enhanced positive impact. Using naturally occurring hemp terpenes with CBD provides the maximum benefits.

The Different CBD Product Categories

CBD Oil Capsules
This is a very convenient, inexpensive way to get CBD into your system. The capsule casing is frequently gelatin. There are drawbacks. These types of capsules must pass through your digestive tract, where a large percentage of the CBD is wasted and never gets to the intended target. Bioavailability ranges from about 6% – 10%.

CBD Tinctures
This is produced when hemp flowers (buds) are steeped in high-proof grain alcohol and then boiled at a low temperature. The resulting product is a tincture that is applied in small amounts sub-lingually from a dropper. Bioavailability is approximately 20% – 35%.

CBD Edibles
In CBD Edibles, the active compound is combined with food. The net result is that CBD is released over a longer timeframe with longer-lasting relief. CBD Edibles are also discreet. Pull a couple of gummies out of your pocket, and almost no one will notice.

CBD Topicals
These are lotions, creams, oils, salves, and balms that have been infused with CBD (cannabidiol). CBD topicals are absorbed through the pores and act on the endocannabinoid system in the skin. Because topicals are used only in specific areas, the effects are only local.

Explore Some Hemp Extract Odds and Ends