CB'Dico: The CBD dictionary

Letter : A

Organic CBD farming

CBD organic farming is an alternative agricultural production method that favors humus, autonomy and natural balance. In France, organic farming began in the 1950s, thanks to a number of farmers concerned with maintaining soil fertility and quality, as well as animal health.

The majority of organic farmers are members of the FNAB network, a trade association. The AB (Agrigulture Biologique) logo is French, while the leaf of stars is the European logo. There are other standards for products considered "organic" (Demeter, Nature et Progrès, Biocohérence, etc.), some of which are much more demanding and/or concern certain specific types of product (cosmetics or hygiene products, for example).

Letter: C

Cannabaceae (Cannabaceae)

The Cannabaceae or Cannabaceae is a family of dicotyledonous plants comprising two genera: cannabis and humulus (hops). The cannabis genus includes only annual plants, while the humulus genus generally comprises perennial plants.

Cannabinoid

Cannabinoids are molecules that activate certain receptors found in mammals and the human body. The best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but over a hundred others are known, although we still don't know all their respective effects. Others include CBN, CBG, CBC, etc.

Cannabis

It's an ancestral plant, known for its various virtues. There are many varieties of Cannabis, but according to scientists, the only variety that has given rise to all the others is Cannabis Sativa L.

This plant is often associated with a drug, as today's THC levels in certain varieties are very high. But we are also obliged to mention other fields in which this plant is useful, such as construction, the textile industry and a definite future for bio-fuels.

Cannabis wellness / CBD

Cannabis Bien-être or Light is a "light" form of cannabis, containing no more than 0.3% THC. It is in fact what we now refer to by the acronym"CBD". It appears to provide consumers with benefits such as anxiety and stress reduction, as well as pain relief, without all the problems associated with THC. Its sale and consumption are not linked to a medical prescription.

Cannabis light

Cannabis Light is the term used for cannabis flowers containing both high levels of CBD(cannabidiol) and low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Light cannabis is distinguished by its soothing effect, and above all, without the psychoactive side that is generated by "classic" cannabis and for which it is prohibited.

Recreational cannabis

Recreational Cannabis is the term used to designate cannabis with psychotropic effects (the varieties used contain high levels of THC). It is considered a drug, and is currently banned in France.

Therapeutic cannabis

Therapeutic Cannabis, also known as medical cannabis, refers to cannabis used in various forms of treatment, with THC and CBD levels controlled according to the pathologies to be treated, and following a medical prescription (in countries where it is recognized).

In France, a two-year scientific study led by the ANSM (Agence Nationale de la Santé et du Médicament) has begun, involving three thousand patients.

CBC: Cannabichromene

Its name is Cannabichromene: the third most important cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Today, researchers haven't found much about it due to the lack of studies carried out. However, it is thought to play a role in neurogenesis, inflammation reduction and pain relief. It does not appear to be psychoactive.

CBD: Cannabidiol

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a molecule found in the Cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties. On the contrary, Cannabidiol has a number of benefits. Ongoing studies point to its relaxing, anti-inflammatory effects, which may help with sports (running, contact sports, etc.). Also in favor of CBD, and in contrast to THC, these studies point to a reduction in anxiety, psychosis and other addictions.

But let's not forget that CBD is not a recognized medicine in France. It is simply considered a dietary supplement.

CBDa

CBAa stands for cannabidolic acid. It is a cannabinoid naturally present in cannabis that transforms into CBD after exposure to heat or during drying.

CBD Broad Spectrum

Broad Spectrum refers to the following CBD product categories: CBD oil and CBD candy in particular, but CBD flowers and CBD resins are also concerned. The hemp plant possesses various molecules such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Broad Spectrum is when the THC molecule has been entirely removed from the finished product for marketing. The finished product is THC-free, but still benefits from the other molecules and their properties.

CBD Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum refers to the following CBD product categories: CBD oil and CBD e-liquids above all, but CBD flowers and CBD resins are also concerned. The hemp plant possesses various molecules such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The term Full Spectrum is used when all the molecules have been preserved in the finished product, including THC (within the legal limit of 0.3%).

CBG: Cannabigerol

Cannabigerol or CBG is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Like other cannabis-derived molecules, it is one of a hundred or so cannabinoids present in the plant. CBG has similar effects to CBD. Possessing anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic effects, it is said to combat glaucoma and help restore appetite.

CBL: Cannabicyclol

CBL is a molecule found in the cannabis plant. Its full name is Cannabicyclol. Very little research has been done on this molecule, but it's certainly not the least interesting! Research shows that it has anti-inflammatory and tumor-fighting potential. Cannabicyclol has also been found to regulate muscle contractions.

CBN: Cannabinol

Cannabinol, also known as CBN, is a molecule found in the hemp plant. It belongs to the cannabinoid family. It is not present in the fresh plant, but is created when the plant is exposed to light and air after cutting. It is the result of THC oxidation.

CBN is currently being studied for eye problems and glaucoma, skin problems and loss of appetite. It is also said to be antibacterial, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory.

Hemp

Hemp is a member of the cannabaceae family. Unlike cannabis, hemp has little or none of the psychotropic THC molecule. In France, we mainly use the term "industrial hemp". Most of the fiber is used in the textile and construction industries, while the seeds are used in the food industry. Varieties in France are authorized with a THC content of less than 0.3%.

Food supplements

CBD is currently considered a food supplement! Europe and France have agreed on a common definition of what is considered a dietary supplement: These are foods whose purpose is to supplement the normal diet. They are a concentrated source of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. But beware: food supplements are not medicines. They contribute to well-being, not to curing disease.

Discover our complete article: Why is CBD an excellent dietary supplement?

CBD concentration

CBD concentration is the value corresponding to the mass of CBD contained per volume of CBD solution. This value, expressed as a percentage, differs from one product to another. For example, a CBD oil may contain 5%, 10%, 15% or even 40% CBD.

A CBD oil with a CBD concentration of 10% is logically twice as concentrated in CBD as a CBD-rich oil with a concentration of 5%.

CBD crystals

CBD crystals are a very pure, isolated, sugar-like form of CBD. CBD crystals are isolates, meaning that only CBD remains in the final product (bye bye the other cannabinoids). CBD concentration is often over 98%.

Letter: E

The entourage effect of CBD

The entourage effect of CBD was discovered during cannabis research and the term was first used in 1988, when an interaction was discovered between the different components present in cannabis. It's a rule of thumb that the association between different components present in cannabis can enhance (or regulate) the effect of each component, often improving the effect compared to taking cannabinoids in isolation.

Example: The action of CBD in the form of isolated crystals will be less effective than the action of CBD combined with other terpenes or cannabinoids.

Supercritical CO2 extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction is a method of treating plant material with CO2 in a supercritical state. This state is obtained under specific temperature and pressure conditions. It's a virtuous process, since CO2 acts as an ecological and recyclable solvent. In the case of hemp, for example, this process can be used to isolate and extract the plant's cannabinoids and other active ingredients.

Letter: F

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are one of the major families of nutrients. Around twenty of them are found in cannabis, some of which are found only in this plant. They are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and contribute to the color of our food.

Galenic form of CBD

The galenic form describes the form in which a medicine or dietary supplement is presented. It may take the form of capsules, tablets, oils, etc.

Letter: I

Indica

Indica strains of cannabis come straight from the Himalayas. As the name suggests, Indica stands for the country of India. Plants are rather small and bushy, with large, thick leaves. The reported effects of Indica varieties are that they give a "STONE" sensation, powerful, brittle and even dull. These varieties are therefore preferred before going to bed or at the end of the day. Indica is also known for stimulating the appetite and soothing pain. The best-known strains in the Indica family are Kush and Skunk.

Interchanvre

Interchanvre is the trade association that federates the industry's players around three pillars: ecology, economy and eco-responsibility. The aim is to raise the profile of this industry, which is now the European leader, by promoting French know-how.

CBD Isolate

A CBD isolate is, by definition, the isolation of a single molecule (in our case, CBD) in order to preserve only the properties of that same molecule. We find this isolate in the form of crystals, powder or wax. CBD levels can reach 99%.

Letter: K

Kanavape (stop)

The ruling linked to theKanavape case refers to the decision handed down on November 19, 2020 by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The CJEU ruled that the French ban on the marketing of cannabidiol (CBD)-based products was illegal, pointing out that this molecule present in hemp has "no psychotropic effect or harmful effect on human health".

The European Court of Justice has thus reaffirmed the principle of the free movement of goods by authorizing the import and marketing of CBD products in France and all other EU member states.

Letter : L

Limonene

Limonene is a terpene with a citrus aroma. It is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Letter: M

MILDECA

MILDECA, or Mission Interministérielle de Lutte contre les Drogues Et les Conduites Addictives, was created in 1982. This French organization, which reports to the Prime Minister, leads and coordinates government action at various levels: the fight against drugs and drug addiction; reception, care and rehabilitation of drug addicts; training of people involved in the fight against drugs and drug addiction; research, information and the fight against drug trafficking. Mildeca is staffed mainly by project managers.

Letter : P

Psychotropic / Psychoactive

A psychotropic drug is a chemical substance that acts on the psyche and the central nervous system. It's a term often associated with drugs as well as medicines. It is said to be "psychoactive".

Letter: R

CB1 and CB2 receptors

CB1 and CB2 receptors are components of the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are present in the brain and nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are found in the gastrointestinal, immune and peripheral nervous systems.

Letter: S

Sativa

Sativas are cannabis strains that have mainly been cultivated by the hemp industry, for their fiber and high yield. This plant comes from equatorial regions. It is tall and has long, thin leaves. Sativa varieties are used as raw materials in textiles, construction and cosmetics. Also known for its psychotropic effects, with a naturally high THC content, it has euphoric effects that provide a high dose of energy. Users report that it motivates, stimulates creativity and excites. The best-known varieties in the Sativa family are Haze.

Hemp Syndicate

The syndicat du chanvre (hemp union) brings together a large number of players in the hemp wellness, medical cannabis and hemp textile sectors. The syndicat works with public authorities to represent the interests of players in the hemp and cannabis sector in France.

Endocannabinoid system / SEC

The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors (or sensors), CB1, CB2 and THC, all three of which can be described as a lock, and keys, the cannabinoids that activate the receptors.

Receptors are found throughout the human body (brain, lungs, intestines, etc.). The keys, or active substances, exist in the different varieties of cannabis. CB1 receptors are involved in processing our emotions and influencing our memory. CB2s focus primarily on the immune system. It is through them that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD or "wellness" / "light" cannabis manifest themselves.

Letter: T

Terpene

Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons produced by many plants, especially conifers. Among other things, they enable plants to protect themselves against insects. Initial studies show that cannabis terpenes have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and relaxing properties. They have no psychoactive effect. They also contribute to the aroma and fragrance of certain plants (conifers, eucalyptus, etc.). They also provide plants with natural protection against fungi, insects, environmental stress and bacteria.

THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol

Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the main active molecule in cannabis. It is a psychotropic drug that produces psychoactive effects often described as "high". Depending on the THC level, which varies from 0 to 25% for a given plant, the effects will be more or less powerful. Its effects include euphoria, drowsiness and fatigue. This molecule is addictive. It can therefore only be present at a maximum level of 0.3% in CBD products.

Discover our full article: CBD vs THC, how CBD helps you get off THC?

THCV

THCV is a cannabinoid present in the cannabis plant: it is relatively close to THC. It could have a beneficial effect on negative sensations such as anxiety. Numerous studies are underway on this molecule, which could also have a high medicinal potential.

Trichomes

Trichomes are cannabinoid-rich resin glands found on the cannabis plant. They are small spheres that coat leaves, buds and branches, giving them a frosty white appearance. Trichomes function as a defense mechanism, deterring insects and animals with their bitter taste.

Letter: U

UPCBD

UPCBD stands for Union des Professionnels du CBD, a federation created in 2021 and chaired by Mr. Charles Morel. Bringing together various players in the sector, including specialized boutique networks, this new structure campaigns for the establishment of a clear regulatory framework and for the legalization of CBD flower.

Letter : V

Sublingual route

The sublingual route is one of the most common and effective ways of consuming products such as cannabidiol oil. In concrete terms, this involves placing a few drops ofCBD oil under the tongue, and allowing the product to dissolve and diffuse through the bloodstream via the mucous membranes of the mouth.