For additional information on the source of any definition in our glossary, please contact our team via email at info@cannabisandhealth.org.
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Cannabinoid
A class of diverse chemical compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body by humans and other vertebrates), the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially). THC and CBD are the most notable cannabinoids, but there are at least 111 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants that includes three different species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These species are indigenous to Central and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for hemp fiber, for hemp oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD
Cannabidiol, a major non-intoxicating constituent of cannabis which has multiple pharmacological actions including antioxidant, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system, an endogenous cannabinoid system found in all vertebrates that promotes homeostasis within the body.
Entourage Effect
A diverse variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids has a more significant medical benefit than an isolated single compound synthesized in a lab.
Half-Life
The duration of action of a drug. This is the period of time required for the concentration or amount of drug in the body to be reduced by one-half.
Hemp (Legal Definition)
The United States Agricultural Act of 2014 (“farm bill,” P.L. 113-79, §7606) defines hemp as the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
Hemp (Scientific Definition)
Hemp is a commonly used term for high-growing varieties of the cannabis plant and its products, which include fiber, oil, and seed. Hemp is refined into products such as hemp seed foods, hemp oil, wax, resin, rope, cloth, pulp, paper, and fuel.
Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp oil is a term that can refer to two different products: cannabinoid-rich hemp extracts, or oil extracted from hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fats, protein, and other nutrients. Although it is remarkably nutritious, it is not recommend as use for therapy.
CHRI aims to inform clinical decision-making, product development and public policy related to the therapeutic use of cannabinoids.