Glossary of Cannabinoid Terms

The 3CHI glossary is a resource for the community. Here you’ll find simple and clear definitions for all the most common cannabinoid terms and cannabis terminology. 

Broad Spectrum

The term “Broad spectrum” indicates 3CHI chose to include a range of cannabinoids in the product. For example, instead of only using CBD, 3CHI might add CBN, CBG, and any other useful minor cannabinoids. The purpose is to take advantage of the cannabinoids’ natural synergistic relationship to boost the overall effectiveness of the product. 

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are natural compounds produced by hemp. Researchers have identified more than 100 unique cannabinoids, and that number grows with every passing year. The majority of these are largely unexplored and relatively unknown, but several have become extremely popular for their therapeutic effects. Delta 8 THC and CBD are both examples of common cannabinoids. 

Cannabis

Cannabis is defined as any hemp plant that contains more than 0.3% of the cannabinoid delta 9 THC. In that sense, cannabis is simply a variety of hemp. 

However, this 0.3% difference in delta 9 is quite significant from a legal perspective. Any higher and the plant automatically falls into the jurisdiction of the controlled substance act, making it federally banned to use or sell. 

3CHI offers only 100% federally legal products, derived from organic hemp. 

Cannabis Derived Terpenes

Cannabis Derived Terpenes (CDT) are terpenes extracted from cannabis. Like all terpenes, CDTs are active ingredients with effects of their own, and also add flavor and aroma to the final product. Additionally, CDTs can bolster the effect of nearby cannabinoids, and can help shape the profile of a strain’s active effects. 

CBD

CBD is a soothing cannabinoid. It has become one of the most popular self-care products on the market. 3CHI offers several premium CBD blends.

CBG 

CBG is a newer cannabinoid, and hasn’t enjoyed the same research and access as CBD. But it is already generating a lot of buzz for its seemingly wide range of potential benefits. 3CHI is one of the first companies in the country to offer clean, lab-tested formulas.

CBN

Anecdotal evidence suggests CBN is exceptional for calming, night-time relief. Due to the extended government prohibition against cannabis, the formal studies supporting these results are lacking. But CBN is commonly used by individuals who find high CBD extracts just aren’t enough. Users can also add CBN oil to THC blends to elevate the overall effects. 3CHI offers several sleep-focused CBN products. 

CBC 

CBC is a minor cannabinoid with a calming profile. It appears to be particularly effective when mixed with similar cannabinoids.

Crystallization

The formation of crystals is a common occurrence in concentrated extracts. Fortunately, it is a completely harmless and natural side effect that in no way alters the quality of your product. Highly concentrated oils will sometimes begin to crystalize as the excess cannabinoids granulate out. Organic honey and other heavily-saturated products often do the same thing. 

Applying light heat is the quickest way to melt and disperse the crystals back into the rest of the product. 3CHI recommends a hair dryer or warm water bath. 

Crystal Resistant Vape Oil

The term “crystal resistant vape oil” (CRV) indicates the specified product will not experience crystallization (see crystallization above). 

Decarboxylation

Cannabinoids in their natural state do not offer any therapeutic effects. The chemicals must be first “activated” — typically by heat — before they become effective when consumed. 

Decarboxylation is the process of heat activating the “dormant” cannabinoids within a product. Many 3CHI products do not require heat in order to feel the effects of the cannabinoids within. These “activated products” require no heat. Tinctures and edibles are popular examples of activated products. 

Delta 8 THC

Delta 8 is a federally legal version of THC with a number of incredible effects. It is widely reported to offer powerful feelings of euphoria, but lesser psychoactive effects than delta 9.

Click the link HERE to learn more about delta 8 and where it fits in the growing world of cannabinoids. 

Delta 9 THC

Delta 9 is the active ingredient in marijuana and the best-known version of THC. 3CHI does not sell any delta 9 products, as it is federally banned in the United States in amounts over .3%. The effects of delta 9 closely resemble delta 8, but are significantly more potent. 

Distillates

Distillates are an extremely concentrated version of a cannabinoid. When making distillate oil, chemists use a purification step that strips solvents, terpenes and other impurities from the oil. This distilled oil can then be used for dabbing, baking, or vaporizing. It is a versatile and convenient way to work with cannabinoid extracts. 

Edibles

3CHI edibles are tasty gummy candies infused with various cannabinoid blends. The most popular of these delicious choices are the delta 8 edibles. When using edibles, the liver and stomach lining absorb the cannabinoids, which often results in a longer, more intense experience. Because of this, 3CHI recommends starting your dosage at half of one gummy. 

Endocannabinoids 

Endocannabinoids are compounds produced naturally by the human body. They form bonds with receptors located on the endocannabinoid system in the exact same way as the cannabinoid family. 

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a neural pathway that exists within the human body. This system is vital to maintaining the wellbeing of every living human being, and is directly responsible for regulating mood, energy level, metabolism, and dozens of other aspects of waking life. All cannabinoids form bonds with receptors located on this system. The two main sets of receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Farm Bill of 2018

The Farm Bill of 2018 marked a turning point in cannabinoid history. This landmark piece of legislation removed delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids from tight federal regulation, opening them up for use and exploration. The farm bill is the main reason delta 8 products are available to enjoy today. 

Focused Blend

3CHI’s award-winning focused blend collection is a line of expertly-crafted cannabinoid products, each designed to offer long-lasting, targeted relief. The blends contain two or more complementary cannabinoids, and are available as tincture, vape cartridges, or relief cream. 

Hemp

Hemp is the origin of the entire cannabinoid family. It naturally produces more than 100 unique compounds, each with a slightly different set of effects. Companies like 3CHI can then extract these cannabinoids and use them in a wide range of therapeutic applications. Delta 8 and CBD both come from hemp.

Hemp-Derived

Hemp derived simply means the product in question originally came from hemp. In the case of delta 8 THC, the compound begins its life as CBD. The CBD crystals are extracted from hemp and converted to delta 8 using a simple and safe chemical isomerization process. 

Hybrid

Hybrid indicates a “hybrid strain”, which is the result of cross-breeding two or more cannabis strains. By pairing Sativa or Indica strains, breeders can create entirely new strains that combine a desired set of active effects.

For example, a breeder might combine an energetic Sativa strain with a calming Indica strain in order to create a unique strain with a balanced set of effects. Creating hybrids also allows breeders to expand the number of possible therapeutic profiles. Most modern cannabis strains are hybrids. 

Indica

Indica is one of two main cannabis strain classifications. These strains offer a drowsy and soothing profile, and the flavors are earthy and fruity. 

Isolate

Isolates are the purest possible form of the cannabinoid. After the initial extraction, a secondary refinement process strips away all terpenes and other cannabinoids from the oil, leaving a product that often exists in concentrations of 99.9 percent or higher.

These isolates typically take the form of a fine powder, and are one of the most versatile ways to use cannabinoids. 

Natural 

3Chi’s natural tincture is a broad-spectrum blend containing a high ratio of CBD. The extract is ideal for immediate, soothing relief. 

Psychoactive

A psychoactive is any compound that affects the workings of the brain. This may sound intimidating, but many common products contain psychoactives. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are examples of popular psychoactives. In the cannabinoid family, Delta 8, CBD, CBG, and CBN are legal compounds that offer a psychoactive experience. 

Sauce

3CHI sauce is a premium concentrate, containing delta 8 THC. The sauces are intended for dabbing, and you can read all about what that process entails HERE. 

Sativa

Sativa is the other major classification of cannabis strains. These popular strains are defined by motivating and energizing sensations, and the flavors are mostly citrusy and sweet. 

Syringe

Syringes dispense liquid easily and accurately. 3CHI offers a medical-grade syringe filled with premium delta 8 distillate, intended to allow customers to use delta 8 without restriction. Our distillate syringe also includes a needle tip for maximum convenience and precision. 

Tincture

Tinctures are cannabinoid concentrates held in a carrier oil, designed to allow the compound to absorb easily through the mouth. 3CHI uses a natural, coconut-based MCT carrier oil in its tinctures. To use, put desired amount of oil under the tongue and hold them in place 60 seconds before swallowing. 

Terpenes

Terpenes are natural flavorful compounds that give most fruits and plants their distinct aroma. When derived from cannabis, terpenes help shape the taste of strain, and even boost the effectiveness of cannabinoids they interact with. However the terpenes themselves have no effects.  

THCV 

THCV is a minor cannabinoid with reported therapeutic uses. It can be mildly intoxicating to some users, and exists in distillate form as a thick, seemingly-solid oil. 3CHI is proud to offer the highest quality THCV distillate anywhere on the market. 

Vape Cartridge 

Vape Cartridge refers to the 510-threaded CCELL cartridges. 3CHI fills each cartridge with premium delta 8 concentrate and a carefully-added blend of minor cannabinoids and terpenes for extra flavor and feel. We offer a wide range of vape products to select from for many different desired effects and flavor options. When heated via battery, the oil will turn into vapor and can be inhaled through the mouthpiece. 

Vape Battery

The vape battery is an essential attachment for using any vape cartridge. To use, gently screw the threaded end of the cartridge onto the battery until tight. From there, a button or breath-activation will begin to vaporize the oil and allow you to inhale the resulting vapor. Note that without a battery, the vape cartridge is ineffective. Batteries can be purchased at most gas stations and smoke shops. 

You’ve reached the end of the 3CHI glossary. However, we will continue to update the terms based on feedback from the community. You can find all of the products mentioned above at this link HERE. 

Was this helpful? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below! Then, if you want to keep learning cannabis terminology, click HERE to head to our full blog.