Steve’s Goods Hemptionary | Hemp Glossary

Steve’s Goods:

Steve’s Goods is a brand of Hemp derived CBD products that strives to spread awareness about the medicinal benefits of this amazing plant. Our goal is to build an online brand to support the continued education of cannabis and especially CBD

Biomass:

Biomass is dried hemp plant materials including the stalks and leaves that may include flowers/buds and/or seeds that have been harvested. Free of mold, grit, minimal (< 0.1%) non-hemp organic matter, and at least 80% dry. An industry-wide acceptable moisture content is necessary to establish uniform pricing for hemp biomass. Any hemp biomass material that is above the standard moisture content will result in decreased value and an adjusted sale price to reflect a lower volume of the end product to account for further water evaporation. Biomass can also be milled, ground or pressed into pellets

Cannabinoids:

Cannabinoids are unique compounds chemically created in the cannabis plant that operate in harmony with animal’s endocannabinoid system that provide a wide range of benefits throughout the body through continuous effort to bring the body back to homeostasis.

Cannabinoid Acids:

Cannabinoid acids are created inside of the cannabis plant and when heated (decarboxylated) yield the compounds most consumers are after, which is THC and CBD.  So, these cannabinoid acids are effective precursors to THC and CBD. Here’s a list of some important cannabinoid acids:

CBDA: cannabidiolic acid

CBGA: cannabigerolic acid

THCA: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid

CBCA: Cannabichromenenic acid

THCA and CBDA are usually the most abundant cannabinoid acids in strains, while the others are present at much lower levels. CBGA is the starting compound that enzymes in the plant use to make THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.  Cannabinoid acids do not have the psychoactive effects that their decarboxylated forms have (like THC).  Cannabinoid acids do have antibiotic and insecticidal properties, which is why we think cannabis produces cannabinoids in the first place: to defend itself. When cannabinoid acids are exposed to heat (extraction, smoking, etc.) they lose the “A” and turn into neutral, rather than acidic, plant cannabinoids. 

CBGA becomes CBG (cannabigerol)

THCA becomes THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

CBDA becomes CBD (cannabidiol)

CBCA becomes CBC (cannabichromene)

Cannabis:

Cannabis is a general name for a plant genus that has a wide range of species that belong to this group.  This genus includes both hemp and marijuanna, but can be divided even more specifically into three subgroups (species): Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

Cannabis Sativa:

Cannabis Sativa is a species of cannabis that are described to consist of lighter green coloring, grow taller, and have an extended flowing time.  The plants from these subgroups typically are from South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, meaning they originated in areas outside of Asia and the Middle East.  

CBC (cannabichromene):

CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with robust anti-inflammatory properties. It binds to the body’s TRPA1 receptor, which is a lesser-known component of the endogenous cannabinoid system.  This cannabinoid is studied in a majority of medical research 

CBD (cannabidiol):

CBD is one of many unique cannabinoids, natural compounds, produced by the cannabis plant. It has a long list of potential therapeutic benefits and no intoxicating effects.

CBG (cannabigerol):

CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in small amounts in hemp plants. It is like CBD or THC because it converts into one of the two inside the plant. CBG has special properties about it that allows it to attach directly to your cannabinoid receptors and dominate them. It is viewed as the stem cell molecule of cannabinoids; seeing that it hasn’t been fully developed. 

CBN (cannabinol):

CBN is the result of the breakdown of THC. When exposed to oxygen and time, THC gradually breaks down into CBN, which has been observed to result in greater sedation when combined with THC, and may also have anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties. 

Clone:

Cloning cannabis is a practice done by growers to reproduce the exact same plant that has matured.  This is done by clipping off the top of the ‘mother plant’ and rooted, which would further lead to a replication of the growing process that was done for the original plant.  There is no regulation on the amount of times a plant can be cloned, it is completely up to the grower to decide.

Cross Genetics:

Cross Genetics is a process used to breed two different strains of cannabis together to create a new strain of the plant that incorporates DNA from both plants used in the new formation, which in turn will combine the flavors, smells, and effects from the combined plants.

Endocannabinoid System:

The Endocannabinoid System is a biological network of neurotransmitters containing receptors that when interacted with signal to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system.

The leading receptor interactions recorded are among the various cannabinoids and CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the body’s central nervous system.  These receptors are able to regulate learning and memory, pain, inflammation and degeneration, metabolic processes, bone formation, cardiovascular effects, the development of neurons, and more.  CB2 receptors are commonly found in the peripheral immune system. 

Feminized:

Feminized plants are produced by selective breeding to produce a higher concentration of female plants that are derived from seed. The majority of cannabinoids found in cannabis are derived from the buds produced by the female plants, which are then used to create hemp or marijuanna wellness products.  By feminizing the seeds, there is less pressure of fertilization taking place when growing cannabis because there are no males to complete the cycle.

Flowering Time:

Flowering time refers to the time it takes a cannabis plant to produce mature buds. Cannabis flowering times are affected by the length of daily exposure the plant receives to sun.  Cannabis ruderalis species are the exception because they flower automatically. Depending on the grower’s decision, these times will vary based on their decision when it is the most beneficial to harvest.

Heirloom:

The term heirloom refers to a strain or species of cannabis that has been removed from its native ecological environment and cultivated in a different geographical location.

Hemp:

Hemp is a cannabis plant that is derived for the Cannabis sativa species.  In the U.S. hemp is defined by containing a concentration of THC that is 0.3% or lower.  That definition varies depending on where you are in the world.  For instance, some countries define hemp as having concentrations of THC that are  0.2% and others define it as have 0% THC.  The differentiation in definitions has to do with the purpose hemp is used for.

Hemp is a very versatile plant that can be manufactured into a variety of products that range from objects, such as rope or paper or biofuels, to larger structures, such as hempcrete to build or insulate homes, to a beneficial rotation crop that cleans the soil of harmful toxins and heavy metals, to a wellness product, such as CBD/CBG tinctures or concentrates or creams.

Hydroponics:

Hydroponics is a gardening practice that removes the need for soil by growing plants in water and administering the necessary nutrients through a variety of solutions instead of relying on the nutrients provided by the soil.  For a cannabis grower to have more control over the inputs the plant is given; there would be more control over the outputs provided by the plant, such as clearer flavor and aroma.  

Marijuana:

Marijuana is a plant derived from cannabis and is sourced from all three subgroups of genus.  On a molecular level, hemp and marijuanna are exactly the same.  But, marijuana in the U.S. is defined by acquiring more than .3% THC concentration and is considered to produce intoxicating effects. 

Pot & Weed: Are slang terms for this plant

Phenotype:

Phenotype is a biological term that is mainly used by agricultural experts in the cannabis community.  This term is defined as clearly visible characteristics that are used to determine the quality and fitness of the plant.  For example, the height of the plant, the size and color of the leaves, or as specific as the structure of the plant’s cells.

Strain:

The term strain refers to a distinct range of cannabis plant species that are created to have specific plant traits desired by the breeder.  Strain names are extremely inconsistent in the medical marijuanna industry due to potential misidentification of a plant due to a name coming from plant appearance rather than the genetics of the given cannabis plant.

Synergy:

Synergy is the interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the plant that define the effects of cannabis. Cannabis compounds can work together with other compounds found in the plant for a greater effect.

“THC and CBD work in synergy for a balance of effects”

Terpenes:

Terpenes are organic molecules that form inside cannabis trichomes.  Their main function is to provide distinct aromas (scents), which are directly influenced by a combination of the spectrum and strength of the provided light exposure. The differentiation of flavors and aromas that cannabis plants are able to provide is due to the terpene content.

THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol):

THC is considered the most recognized cannabinoid produced by cannabis.  It is most abundant in marijuanna plants and is responsible for the intoxicating effects, known as being “high”, marijuanna facilitates in the minds of animals, especially humans.  Through present day research, THC has become considered effective in treating and/or mitigating a wide spectrum of health conditions.

Trichome:

Trichomes are tiny appendages that look like hairs growing all over the plant.  The word trichome comes from the Greek language meaning ‘hair’.  These epidermal structures on cannabis are glands producing cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC.

Forms and Spectrum of Cannabis Products:

Broad Spectrum CBD:

Broad Spectrum is the name for CBD products that have all the cannabinoids besides THC. Broad spectrum works well for people who are regularly drug-tested for their jobs or for other reasons are uncomfortable ingesting any amount of THC but still want to receive the other cannabinoids.

Bud: 

The term Bud refers to the smokable part of the female cannabis plant.  This segment of the plant is covered in trichomes and people judge the quality is based on aroma, color,and the density of trichomes covering the bud.  Other common names that refer to this part of the plant are nugs or flower.

CBD Capsules:

CBD Capsules are a pill-sized, dissolvable cylinder used as a vehicle to administer medication through ingestion. Capsule shells, of which there are many variants, can contain any form of cannabis, even decarboxylated flower. Capsules range from single cannabinoid to full-spectrum or strain-specific oil, providing consumers with a myriad of choices to suit their exact needs. These often function as safer alternatives to combusting or vaping bud.

CBD Edibles:

CBD Edibles are cannabis infused treats that require passing through one’s digestive system to allow the cannabinoids to take effect. But once the effects begin to take place they last the longest. These products can come in the form of full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate.  Also there are a variety of edible options in terms of baked goods, drinks, candy, and more depending on the food that is infused with cannabis that has binded to some sort of fatty oil.

CBD Isolate:

Isolate is the purest form of CBD available.  It does not contain any other cannabinoids and often, is recommended for those who are unable to use a product with even trace amounts of THC. Isolate is good for adding to food and drink, increasing the mg. of CBD in a product or creating your own CBD-filled goodies. Additionally, you can dab it or sprinkle it on joints, making it extremely versatile.

CBD Live Resin:

CBD Live Resin is made by using cryogenically frozen buds, as opposed to dried trims or cured buds. Being frozen ensures greater preservation of cannabinoids and terpenes. This also means it’s more expensive due to a more extensive process.

CBD Oil:

CBD Oil is extracted from the whole plant and contains a range of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that feed your endocannabinoid system (ECS).  It has the potential to relieve everyday inflammation throughout the body.

CBD Topicals:

CBD Topicals are products you apply directly to your skin. They can be found in an assortment of applications; creams, lotions, gels, salves, and oils. The evidence is growing that topicals infused full spectrum CBD offer targeted relief to painful areas, by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin. People report immediate pain relief, less inflammation, and more mobility. There’s been research with acne, eczema and a wide range of skin issues.

CBG Oil:

CBG Oil is made with THC Free Distillate. Increasing the CBG from one of several additional cannabinoids to a noted ingredient amp the healing power of the CBD. Just like when CBD has a touch of THC added it helps boost certain qualities, combining CBD with higher amounts of CBG has a ripple effect in healing.

Concentrates:

Concentrates are the absolute purest form of cannabis due to the compression of single or multiple cannabinoids into a solvent.  The results create a product that is extremely potent through the process of extracting these tiny compounds from the plant.  Depending on the manufacturing process there are a variety of different types of concentrates that can be created.

Crude:

Crude is rough cut, unprocessed or barely winterized extract, normally processed from the cheapest bulk trim possible. Alternatively, this raw material can be short hand for any extract that hasn’t been processed heavily and is intended to be distilled.

Crumble:

The extraction process for CBD Crumble is still the same, however, The difference is that makers use a pre-purged CBD oil that has more moisture and is higher in viscosity. It results in a softer substance that easily crumbles, hence the name. The higher price of this product due to how refined the substance is.

Distillate:

 Distillate is a runny, translucent oil without waxes or undesirable compounds from the original plant. This raw material is desirable due to its potency and versatility. It can be used to dab, vaporize, and as an ingredient in Edibles, Topicals, and other products. Distillate concentrates are achieved through an extensive refinement process that separates compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Entourage Effect:

The Entourage Effect is a system that occurs between the interaction of multiple cannabinoids, which is believed to increase therapeutic benefits derived from cannabis.  

Fatty Oils:

Fatty Oils are oil-based ingredients that cannabinoids bind well to, which facilitates the effects of cannabis to last longer.  For example, hemp seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil, etc.

Full Spectrum CBD:

Full Spectrum CBD delivers measurable amounts of CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and less than .3% THC. With such a wide variety of cannabinoids The Entourage Effect is able to take place, which facilitates the product to last longer and create more relief with less consumption.

Hash:

Hash is a concentrate derived from the cannabis plant that requires the processes of sieving and filtering to remove the trichomes from the plant where the collected powder is then pressed.  The potency of hash has a very wide range but is considered to be more potent than cannabis bud.

Hemp Seed Oil:

Hemp Seed Oil is produced from hemp seeds and stems is a wonderful source for vitamins A and E, full of omegas 3 and 6, delicious in the kitchen, and can be used as a base in beauty products. But it doesn’t feed your endocannabinoid system or bring balance to your body.

Kief:

Kief is a high concentration of trichomes that have detached from the cannabis plant and were sifted into a small chamber attached to the bottom of the grinder, which is the apparatus that crumbles up cannabis.  Since the trichomes hold a higher concentration of cannabinoids than the rest of the bud, the potency of kief is much higher.

Shatter:

CBD Shatter is incredibly similar to CBD wax, in fact, it’s nearly the same thing, except shatter is a more pure concentrate. It’s called shatter because as the name hint; it’s in the form of isolated crystals with terpenes added. This is the purest of CBD one can get, besides CBD isolate, but with just some extras added to give it flavor.

Sublingual:

Sublingual means applied under the tongue.  One’s tongue is an easy way to have some of the cannabinoids reach the bloodstream quickly, while the rest get digested through the body.  This usually takes effect when administering a tincture under the tongue.

THC-Free: 

THC-Free is a more general term used to describe any cannabis product that has absolutely no THC, which would encompass both CBD Isolate and Broad Spectrum CBD.

Wax:

CBD Wax is an extract you can use in your dab/oil rig. CBD can’t and won’t intoxicate a person and is completely legal.  Therefore, you’ll never have to worry about any random drug tests you may encounter. This is one of the fastest ways to intake CBD and feel the effects immediately.

Cannabis Smoking Devices:

Banger:

A banger is a disk-shaped bowl piece that is placed on a rig, a bong like apparatus, and typically made of glass, quartz, titanium, or ceramic material so that they can be heated up to higher temperatures for various concentrations to be consumed in higher quantities at once. This piece is able to be detached from the rig and interchanged, as well as cleaned separately.

Blunt:

A blunt is cannabis flower wrapped in a tobacco leaf.  This leaf is typically obtained by a hollowed out cigar or cigarillo, which is kept moist to then be re-rolled with bud.  This form of cannabis consumption was typically burn slower and last longer than the average joint.

Bong:

A bong is a large device that uses water to filter and cool down the smoke being consumed by the user.  Most bongs contain a bowl piece to hold the cannabis flower, a stem to contain the smoke as it gets pulled down to the water, and a mouth, and a mouth piece to pull the smoke into one’s lungs when the stem is released.

Bowl:

A bowl is another term for a cannabis pipe, which is a small hand-held device used to smoke cannabis flower.  Another definition for a bowl is a small piece of a bong that holds ground up cannabis to be smoked.

Bubbler:

A bubbler is a type of water pipe, meaning it is a small device that holds water.  It is kind of a combination of a bowl and bong based on that it is a smoking apparatus with a glass stem that drops from the bowl into the water, allowing for the water to filter and cool the smoke like a bong. However, similar to a bowl, it has a carburetor and the part holding the ground up flower is not removable.

Cartridge:

A cartridge is a tiny apparatus that contains concentrated cannabis is a more liquidized form.  These are then able to be attached to some sort of vape device, which in turn is used to smoke.

Dab/ Dabbing:

Dabs are a concentrated form of cannabis. Which usually are referred to as wax, earwax, honeycomb, shatter, crumble, budder or hash oil due to the various shapes and textures these extracts are made in. These concentrates extracted from various forms of cannabis produce a clean hit with incredibly powerful effects as opposed to combusting cannabis flower/plant material. This is because dabs have much higher concentrations of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, than is found in regular cannabis. Dabbing is considered to be the quickest method of delivering cannabinoids into your system at extremely high levels. Dabs are meant to be vaporized at high temperatures typically with a rig or a dab pen.

Dab Pen:

A dab pen is a type of vaporizer that specifically holds and combusts pure cannabis concentrates instead of a concentrated oil. These devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, which is all based on the users needs. 

Nectar Collector:

This type of device is typically glass, metal or silicone and is used by heating one end with a torch or the heated end is controlled by a battery powered atomizer.  The hot end is placed on the provided cannabis concentrate and the user then pulls the smoke up through the mouth piece.

Wax Pen:

This type of device contains a chamber that contains an electrically heated atomizer in which cannabis concentrates are administered into and able to be smoked on the go.

E-Nail:

An e-nail is an electrically controlled device, which is placed on a dab rig to smoke cannabis concentrates.  Depending on the concentrate being consumed the temperature of this piece may vary and are able to be much more managed.

Gravity Bong:

A gravity bong is a type of table-top vaporizer that allows the avid cannabis smoker to get more out of the provided cannabis flower provided.  This form of cannabis consumption facilitates a greater collection and consumption of the bud’s cannabinoids and terpenes to produce a more effective hit from a smaller quantity of the plant.

Joint:

A joint is cannabis flower rolled up in smokeables papers.  This form of cannabis consumption is more instant relief due to the cannabinoids quickly reaching the bloodstream.  Some examples of smokable papers to roll up one’s bud are elements, raws, and zigzags.  Just like the flower, the type of paper chosen to roll up the joint is extremely important because there can be different additives on the product.

Pre-Roll:

A pre-roll is an already rolled cannabis cigarette (joint) that can be taken on the go. They are typically cone shaped and can come in a variety of sizes, containing 1 gram of flower all they way up to 1 ounce.

Smoke:

Smoke are concentrated particles that are visible in the air and are typically purged from the burning of a substance, such as cannabis flower.

Vape:

(Noun): A vape is slang for vaporizer, a tool used to smoke either cannabis, tobacco or other smoking blends. They are widely used nowadays for their simplicity, on the go convenience as well as being a healthy alternative to smoking.

(Verb): Vaping is the action to inhale and exhale vapor into ones’ respiratory system through the use of a vaporizer. 

Vape Pen/ Vaporizer:

A vaporizer is a tool used to smoke either cannabis, tobacco or other smoking blends held in oil cartridges. They are widely used nowadays for their simplicity, on the go convenience as well as being a potentially safer alternative to smoking.

Extraction Processes & Terminology:

Blasting:

Blasting is an extraction method that rapidly soaking and moving gas through the cannabis plant material inside of a Closed Loop System.

Bump:

Bump is a process that occurs while boiling a variety of liquids together, which creates an abrupt large gas formation.

Certificate of Analysis (COAs):

COAs are documents issued by an internal quality assurance team or third-party analytical testing lab that confirms that the product has passed inspection and meets regulatory standards. A certificate of analysis can include information on the following; cannabinoids, terpenes, heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, mycotoxins, moisture content, water activity, residual solvents, and the presence of foreign materials.

Closed Loop System (CLS):

CLS is an apparatus that is used to extract gases from a liquid. The term refers to whether or not your process dumps to the environment or if the process is maintained within the equipment. A CLS extraction unit recovers the solvent used during extraction before the system is opened to the environment.

Decarboxylation:

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (C02). Usually, decarboxylation refers to activating cannabinoids through heat.

EtOH:

EtOH is the scientific term for Ethanol due to the OH tail on the molecule (OH is a compound, which is 2 or more different elements put together, this one is called hydroxide). MetOH would be Methanol for the same reason.
*EtOH ethanol – 96% ethanol with 4% water
*EtOH absolute – 99.99% ethanol

Extraction:

Extraction refers to the process of small potent compounds from the rest of the plant (biomass).  The cannabis industry uses these methods to in turn concentrate these compounds to create a variety of products, ranging from oils, to pills, to edibles, and so on.

Falling Film Evaporator (FFE):

FFE refers to an automated evaporator that is generally used in bulk distillation. During this process fluid evaporates on the outside of horizontal or vertical tubes. In all cases, the process fluid to be evaporated flows downwards by gravity as a continuous film.

MtOH:

MtOH is the scientific term for Methanol due to the OH tail on the molecule.

OH:

O and H are the elements oxygen and hydrogen OH is a compound, which is 2 or more different elements put together, this one is called hydroxide. The element “OH” does not exist. OH, is otherwise known as hydroxide, and it is an ion.

Oxidization:

Oxidation is any chemical reaction in which a material combines with oxygen.

Quick Wash Ethanol (QWET):

QWET is a technique commonly employed to extract oil from cannabis. In this process plant matter is submerged into Ethanol and then quickly removed. The speed at which the process takes place is in order to avoid picking up unwanted plant matter.

Quick Wash Isopropyl (QWISO):

QWISO is a technique commonly employed to extract oil from cannabis. This process is very similar to QWET, but employees the use of Isopropyl alcohol instead of Ethanol.

Raw:

The term raw is used to describe any sort of material or substance in its most natural state, which means it has not gone through any sort of processing or purification operation.

Residual Solvents:

Residual Solvents are any remaining extracts that are present after the cannabis extraction process. Common examples are propane, ethanol, and butane. Residual solvents are typically removed when the necessary cleansing practiced are performed accordingly.

Rising Film Evaporator (RFE):

RFE refers to an automated evaporator that is generally used for bulk distillation. In this process the liquid being evaporated is fed from the bottom into long tubes and heated with steam condensing on the outside of the tube from the shell side. This is to produce steam and vapour within the tube bringing the liquid inside to boil. The vapour produced then presses the liquid against the walls of the tubes and causes the ascending force of this liquid

Seed-to-Sale:

Seed-to-Sale is the life cycle of the marijuana plant from the time the plant is grown until the final product is sold to the customer. Some jurisdictions require digital tracking of the entire process to ensure cannabis products are not diverted.  Companies that care for cannabis strains from seed-to-sale stay with the product while it is being planted, harvested, processed, and sold.

Short Path Distillation (SPD):

SPD is a process of distillation that uses a special type of glassware with a short distillation trajectory. This process creates a rough compound isolation that is fairly easy and has a smaller entry cost. The other methods you would compare SPD to are Wiped Film Evaporation(WFE) and Spinning Band Distillation(SBD).

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP):

SOP is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations. SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance, while reducing miscommunication and failure to comply with industry regulations

Winterization:

Winterization, also known as alcohol wash, is done after the initial extraction procedure, which can use CO2, nitrogen, butane or other solvents. All these lead to the separation of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, and produce minimally unwanted substances, like plant waxes, fats and chlorophyll.

Wiped Film Evaporator (WFE):

WFE refers to an automated evaporator that is generally used for bulk distillation. It is a form of Short Path Distillation.

Medical Terminology:

Removed due to FDA regulations. Please feel free to do your own research.