CBD Glossary: Hemp, Cannabinoids, Terpenes & CBD Terms Explained

Frisco Labs CBD & Hemp Education

CBD Glossary: Hemp, Cannabinoids, Terpenes & Cannabis Terms Explained

The hemp industry moves fast, and the language can get confusing. This Frisco Labs CBD glossary breaks down the most important hemp, CBD, THCA, cannabinoid, terpene, lab testing, extraction, flower, concentrate, edible, vape, shipping, compliance, and wholesale terms in plain English.

Whether you are shopping for CBD tinctures, hemp flower, THCA products, concentrates, gummies, vapes, wholesale pounds, or lab-tested hemp products, this guide helps you understand what you are looking at before you buy.

Buyer Education

How to Use This CBD & Hemp Glossary Before You Buy

This glossary is built to help customers understand the language behind hemp products before placing an order. Frisco Labs focuses on premium THCA flower, hemp-derived products, clear product information, third-party lab testing where applicable, wholesale supply, and reliable fulfillment.

Use this page to better understand product labels, COAs, cannabinoid potency, terpene profiles, flower quality, concentrates, edibles, vapes, wholesale terms, shipping language, and compliance-related terms you may see across FriscoLabs.com.

Quick Navigation

Frisco Labs Trust & Shopping Resources

Important Terms You Will See on FriscoLabs.com

Why This Glossary Matters

A good hemp product page should be easy to understand. A strong glossary helps customers compare potency, read lab reports, understand product types, and avoid confusion between terms like CBD, CBDA, THCA, THC, full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate, flower, trim, smalls, concentrates, and tinctures.

Frisco Labs uses education, lab testing, clear product descriptions, organized support pages, and compliance-aware language to help customers make smarter decisions before checkout.

A

2-AG

2-Arachidonoylglycerol, commonly called 2-AG, is an endocannabinoid naturally produced by the body. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors as part of the endocannabinoid system.

Adult Signature

A shipping requirement where an eligible adult must be present to sign for delivery. Hemp and cannabinoid products may require adult signature depending on the product, destination, and carrier rules.

Aeroponics

A growing method where plant roots are suspended and fed with a fine nutrient mist instead of traditional soil. This can help growers control moisture, oxygen, and nutrients.

Alcohol Extraction

An extraction method that uses alcohol, often ethanol, to pull cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from hemp plant material.

Anandamide

A naturally occurring endocannabinoid sometimes called the “bliss molecule.” Anandamide interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and helps support internal signaling.

Aroma Profile

The smell profile of hemp flower or concentrates. Aroma is shaped by terpenes, freshness, cure quality, storage, and strain genetics.

Authorized Seller

A verified source approved to sell a brand’s products. Buying from an authorized seller helps reduce the risk of counterfeit products, missing documentation, poor support, or unverifiable inventory.

B

Backcross

A breeding method where a plant is crossed back with a parent or similar genetic line to preserve specific traits such as aroma, structure, potency, or yield.

Batch Number

A code or identifier used to connect a product to a specific production, inventory, or lab testing record. Batch numbers help customers and support teams match products with the correct COA when available.

Bioavailability

The amount of a compound that becomes available for the body to absorb and use. Tinctures, edibles, vapes, flower, capsules, and topicals may all have different bioavailability profiles.

Broad Spectrum CBD

A hemp extract that contains CBD and other naturally occurring hemp compounds, such as minor cannabinoids and terpenes, but is processed to remove THC.

Bud

The flower of the hemp or cannabis plant. Buds are usually dried, cured, trimmed, and tested before retail or wholesale sale.

Bulk Hemp

Larger-volume hemp purchases, often used by retailers, processors, distributors, and wholesale buyers. Bulk hemp may include flower, smalls, trim, biomass, concentrates, tinctures, or finished goods.

Bulk THCA Flower

Wholesale or pound-volume THCA flower purchased in larger quantities. Buyers should review COAs, potency, state rules, payment requirements, and shipping eligibility before ordering.

C

Cannabichromene (CBC)

A minor cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBC is usually present in smaller amounts than CBD or THC.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp. CBD is used in many product formats, including tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, vapes, flower, and pet wellness products.

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)

The acidic precursor to CBD. CBDA naturally appears in raw hemp and can convert into CBD through heat, aging, or decarboxylation.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

A minor cannabinoid often called a “mother cannabinoid” because other cannabinoids can form from its acidic precursor during plant development.

Cannabinol (CBN)

A cannabinoid that can form as THC ages and oxidizes. CBN is usually present in smaller amounts compared with major cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids

Natural compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. Common cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, THC, THCA, CBDV, and THCV.

Cannabis

A plant family that includes hemp and marijuana. Hemp is legally defined in the United States by its low delta-9 THC concentration, while marijuana is generally associated with higher delta-9 THC levels.

Capsules

Pre-measured capsules filled with CBD, hemp extract, or other cannabinoids. Capsules are popular because they are simple, consistent, and easy to measure.

CB1 Receptor

A receptor in the endocannabinoid system found largely in the brain and central nervous system. Some cannabinoids interact directly or indirectly with CB1 receptors.

CB2 Receptor

A receptor in the endocannabinoid system commonly associated with immune system signaling and peripheral tissues.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A third-party lab report that shows product testing results. A COA may include cannabinoid potency, terpene data, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial testing, moisture, and other safety or quality markers.

Checkout Restriction

A checkout limitation that may appear because of product type, destination, payment rules, compliance settings, or order review requirements. Customers should contact support before sending any manual payment.

Clone

A plant grown from a cutting of another plant. Clones carry the same genetics as the mother plant and are used to preserve specific traits.

CO2 Extraction

An extraction method that uses carbon dioxide under controlled pressure and temperature to pull desirable compounds from hemp plant material.

Compliance

The process of following hemp laws, state rules, product testing requirements, shipping rules, labeling standards, payment processor rules, and age restrictions.

Concentrates

Highly concentrated hemp or cannabis products made to contain stronger levels of cannabinoids and terpenes than raw flower. Examples include wax, shatter, crumble, hash, resin, rosin, and distillate.

Cure

The controlled drying and aging process used after harvest. A proper cure can improve flower texture, aroma, flavor, smoothness, and overall quality.

D

Dab

A concentrated serving of hemp or cannabis extract that is vaporized using a dab rig, e-rig, or compatible concentrate device.

Decarboxylation

A heating process that changes acidic cannabinoids into different forms. For example, CBDA can convert into CBD, and THCA can convert into THC when heated.

Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary THC compound used in the federal hemp definition. Hemp is federally defined by having no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, though state laws may vary.

Delivery Method

The way a product is used. Common delivery methods include tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, vapes, flower, and concentrates.

Discreet Packaging

A private shipping approach using plain exterior packaging without unnecessary branding or product messaging. Discreet packaging helps protect customer privacy during delivery.

Distillate

A refined hemp or cannabis extract processed to concentrate specific cannabinoids. Distillate is commonly used in vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and infused products.

Dose

The amount of CBD, THC, THCA, or another cannabinoid used at one time. Product labels may use “serving size” instead of dose.

Dry Weight

The weight of hemp material after moisture is removed. Dry weight is important because federal hemp compliance is based on delta-9 THC concentration by dry weight.

E

Edible

A food-style product infused with hemp extract or cannabinoids. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, capsules, and drink mixes can fall into the edible category.

Endocannabinoid

A cannabinoid-like compound naturally produced by the body. Endocannabinoids help send signals through the endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoid System

A cell-signaling system that includes endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. It is commonly discussed in connection with internal balance and biological regulation.

Entourage Effect

The idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other hemp compounds may work together in ways that differ from isolated single-compound products.

Ethanol Extraction

A common extraction method that uses ethanol to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp plant material.

Extraction

The process of separating cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desired compounds from hemp plant material.

F

Farm Bill

A federal agriculture law. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the federal controlled substances list when hemp contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. State laws and product restrictions may still vary.

Flower

The harvested bud of the hemp or cannabis plant. Flower is commonly judged by aroma, structure, moisture, trichome coverage, cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and cure quality.

Flowering Time

The amount of time a hemp or cannabis plant spends in the flowering stage before harvest. Flowering time can vary by strain, grow method, and environment.

Fresh Frozen

Plant material frozen immediately after harvest to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids. Fresh frozen material is often used for live resin and live rosin products.

Fulfillment

The process of preparing, packing, labeling, and handing an order to the carrier. Strong fulfillment practices help improve tracking accuracy, delivery reliability, and customer support.

Full Spectrum CBD

A hemp extract that contains CBD along with other naturally occurring hemp compounds, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC within legal limits.

H

Hash

A concentrated product made from resinous trichomes separated from hemp or cannabis flower.

Heavy Metals Testing

Lab testing that checks for metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. This is important because hemp can absorb compounds from soil and growing environments.

Hemp

A cannabis plant legally defined in the United States as containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Hemp may be used for flower, extracts, fiber, seed oil, textiles, building materials, and finished retail products.

Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids sourced from hemp plants. These may include CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, THCA, and other hemp-derived compounds, depending on product type and state laws.

Hemp Extract

A concentrated extract made from hemp plant material. Hemp extract may contain CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds depending on how it is processed.

Hemp Seed Oil

Oil pressed from hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil is different from CBD oil because hemp seeds naturally contain little to no CBD.

Hybrid

A plant variety bred from different genetic lines. In hemp and cannabis retail, hybrid strains may combine traits commonly associated with indica and sativa genetics.

Hydroponics

A growing method that uses a nutrient-rich water system instead of traditional soil.

I

Indica

A cannabis type often associated with shorter, bushier plants. In modern retail, indica is used as a strain category, but effects and quality depend on the full cannabinoid and terpene profile.

Indoor Flower

Flower grown indoors under controlled conditions. Indoor flower is often valued for appearance, terpene preservation, structure, consistency, and premium bag appeal.

Industrial Hemp

Hemp grown for commercial or industrial use. It may be used for extracts, flower, fiber, seed, textiles, building materials, and other hemp-based products.

Infused Flower

Flower enhanced with additional hemp-derived extracts, concentrates, kief, diamonds, or cannabinoid-rich material. Infused products may be stronger than standard flower and should be reviewed carefully before use.

Isolate

A highly refined extract containing a single cannabinoid, such as CBD isolate. Unlike full spectrum or broad spectrum extracts, isolate does not contain a wider range of hemp compounds.

K

Kief

A collection of trichomes separated from hemp or cannabis flower. Kief is usually powdery and rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Kush

A strain family originally associated with the Hindu Kush region. Today, Kush is often used in strain names to describe earthy, gassy, piney, or heavy aromatic profiles.

L

Lab Tested

A product that has been tested by a laboratory for potency, purity, or safety markers. Customers should review the COA when available.

Landrace

A naturally developed hemp or cannabis variety associated with a specific geographic region and unique genetic traits.

Light Dep Flower

Short for light deprivation flower. This grow method uses controlled light cycles to trigger flowering, often producing outdoor or greenhouse flower with improved consistency.

Live Resin

An extract made from fresh frozen plant material. Live resin is valued for preserving more of the plant’s original terpene profile.

Live Rosin

A solventless extract typically made from fresh frozen material using ice water, heat, and pressure. It is often prized for flavor, aroma, and clean processing.

Local Law Responsibility

The customer’s responsibility to review state, local, and destination rules before purchasing hemp-derived products. Laws and shipping rules may vary by location.

M

Marijuana

A term commonly used for cannabis plants or products with higher delta-9 THC levels than legally defined hemp. Marijuana laws vary widely by state and country.

Manual Checkout

A support-assisted checkout process that may be used when standard card checkout is not available. Manual checkout usually requires cart review, inventory confirmation, shipping confirmation, and approved payment instructions before payment is sent.

Microbial Testing

Lab testing that checks for mold, yeast, bacteria, and other microbial contaminants. This is especially important for flower, edibles, and inhalable products.

Microdosing

Using very small servings of a cannabinoid product. Customers may use this approach to better understand tolerance and preferred serving size.

Minor Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids found in smaller amounts in hemp, such as CBG, CBC, CBN, CBDV, and THCV.

Moon Rocks

A high-potency infused flower product usually made by coating flower with concentrate and rolling it in kief or cannabinoid-rich material.

P

Pesticide Testing

Lab testing that checks whether a product contains pesticide residues. This is one of the key testing categories customers should look for on a COA.

Phenotype

The visible and measurable traits of a plant, including aroma, color, bud structure, resin production, growth pattern, and terpene expression.

Phytocannabinoid

A cannabinoid produced by plants. CBD, CBG, THC, and THCA are examples of phytocannabinoids.

Potency

The concentration of cannabinoids in a product. Potency is usually shown in milligrams for edibles and tinctures, or as a percentage for flower and concentrates.

Pre-Roll

A ready-to-use rolled hemp or cannabis product made with ground flower, shake, smalls, or infused material.

Product Authenticity

The ability to verify that a product came from the real brand or an approved source. Authenticity matters because counterfeit or unauthorized products may lack reliable testing, support, or quality controls.

R

Residual Solvents

Solvent traces that may remain after extraction if not properly removed. COAs may include residual solvent testing for concentrates, oils, and extracts.

Resin

The sticky, cannabinoid-rich material produced by hemp and cannabis plants. Resin contains many of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.

Responsible Purchasing

The practice of reviewing product details, local laws, COAs, shipping rules, payment requirements, and personal responsibilities before buying hemp-derived products.

Restricted Checkout

A checkout status where standard card payment may not be available because of product type, destination, payment rules, or compliance settings. Customers should follow approved Frisco Labs support instructions before sending payment.

Rosin

A solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure. Rosin is popular with customers looking for cleaner processing methods without chemical solvents.

Route of Administration

The way a substance enters the body. Examples include inhalation, oral ingestion, sublingual use, and topical application.

S

Sativa

A cannabis type often associated with taller plants and narrow leaves. In retail, sativa is commonly used as a strain category, but the full cannabinoid and terpene profile tells a more complete story.

Seed-to-Shelf

A production model where a company manages or tracks the product from cultivation through manufacturing, testing, packaging, and retail sale.

Shake

Small pieces of flower that naturally break away from larger buds. Shake may be used for pre-rolls, extraction, cooking, or lower-cost flower options.

Shatter

A concentrate with a hard, glass-like consistency. Shatter is usually valued for potency and clarity.

Shipping Eligibility

Whether an order can be shipped to a specific destination based on product type, location rules, carrier limitations, and compliance settings. Eligibility can change as laws and policies change.

Signature Required

A delivery requirement where the purchaser or an eligible adult must be available to sign for the package. Signature delivery helps reduce theft, misdelivery, and delivery disputes.

Smalls

Smaller buds from the same plant or harvest batch. Smalls can offer strong value because they may carry similar aroma and potency to larger buds at a lower price point.

Solvent

A substance used during extraction to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Common examples include ethanol, butane, propane, and CO2.

Solventless

A product made without chemical solvents. Rosin and certain forms of hash are common solventless products.

Strain

A named variety of hemp or cannabis bred for certain traits, such as aroma, flavor, potency, structure, or terpene profile.

Sublingual

A method where a tincture or oil is placed under the tongue before swallowing. This is common with CBD tinctures.

Support Center

A customer help resource with information about shipping, payments, wholesale, tracking, returns, COAs, restricted checkout, and general order support.

T

Terpene

Aromatic compounds found in hemp, cannabis, fruits, herbs, and many other plants. Terpenes help shape a product’s smell, flavor, and overall profile.

Terpene Profile

The mix of terpenes found in a hemp or cannabis product. A terpene profile helps explain why one strain may smell fruity, gassy, earthy, piney, floral, skunky, or citrus-heavy.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

A cannabinoid associated with intoxicating effects. Hemp products are federally defined by delta-9 THC concentration, but state laws may place additional restrictions on THC and hemp-derived cannabinoids.

THCA

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, the acidic precursor to THC. THCA is naturally found in raw cannabis and hemp flower and can convert into THC when heated through decarboxylation.

THCA Flower

Flower that is rich in THCA before heating. Customers should review lab results, product details, local laws, and shipping restrictions before purchasing THCA flower.

Tincture

A liquid hemp extract usually packaged in a dropper bottle. CBD tinctures are commonly taken by mouth or placed under the tongue before swallowing.

Topical

A product applied to the skin, such as a cream, balm, lotion, roll-on, or salve. Topicals are not used the same way as inhalable or ingestible products.

Total Cannabinoids

The combined amount of cannabinoids in a product. Lab reports may show total cannabinoids along with individual cannabinoid percentages.

Trichome

Tiny resin glands found on hemp and cannabis flower. Trichomes contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable plant compounds.

Trim

Leaves and smaller plant material removed during flower processing. Trim may be used for extraction, pre-rolls, edibles, or other hemp products depending on quality.

V

Vape Cartridge

A cartridge filled with hemp or cannabis extract designed for use with a compatible vape battery.

Vape Pen

A battery-powered device used to vaporize compatible hemp or cannabis vape products.

Vaping

Heating a compatible extract or oil into vapor instead of smoke. Vape products should only be used as directed and only where legal.

Vegetative Stage

The plant growth stage before flowering, when the plant focuses on roots, stems, and leaves.

W

Wax

A concentrate with a soft, wax-like texture. Wax is typically rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Wholesale Hemp

Hemp products sold in larger quantities to approved buyers, retailers, processors, or bulk customers. Wholesale hemp buyers should review compliance, COAs, shipping rules, and payment requirements before ordering.

Whole-Plant Extract

An extract made using a broader range of hemp plant material to preserve more naturally occurring compounds from the plant.

Winterization

A refining process that uses cold temperatures and filtration to remove fats, lipids, and waxes from hemp extract.

Popular CBD & Hemp Terms Customers Should Know

How Frisco Labs Defines a Better Hemp Buying Experience

A better hemp buying experience is not just about one product. It comes from clear product names, real product details, lab documentation where applicable, responsible shipping practices, customer support, and honest education before checkout.

When comparing CBD, THCA, flower, concentrates, gummies, vapes, or wholesale hemp products, customers should look for clear potency information, matching COAs, real support pages, transparent shipping rules, and product descriptions that explain what is actually being sold.

Shop Smarter With Frisco Labs

Know What You Are Buying Before You Checkout

Understanding CBD and hemp terms makes it easier to compare products, read lab reports, understand potency, and choose the right format for your needs.

Frisco Labs products are intended for adults. Product availability, payment options, and shipping eligibility may vary by location. Always review your local laws before ordering hemp or cannabinoid products.