CBD

Cannabis Nomenclature Defined

Joan Sutton, founder and CEO of 707 Flora, offers her breaks down the terminology and language surrounding the cannabis industry.

Over the last few years, CBD-based skincare has carved a name for itself within the wellness industry. In 2018, it was valued at $633.6 million, and it is now anticipated to reach $3.48 billion by 2026. It’s one of the fastest-growing markets today, yet there is still a lot of confusion and mystery surrounding the benefits — and even the definition of — CBD. For many people, CBD is synonymous to marijuana, which could not be further from the truth. Many consumers don’t understand what CBD actually is, and it’s by no fault of their own. Just try searching “CBD” on Amazon. What you’ll find are hundreds of brands marketing their products under the CBD label, despite only containing cannabis sativa, otherwise known as hemp seed oil/extract, which is completely different. With marketers purposefully fueling the public’s confusion around CBD to make a profit, it has become increasingly important for wellness and skincare professionals to educate themselves on what exactly CBD is to guide their clients towards reputable businesses. 

A good place to start is to have a clear understanding of the terminology surrounding the cannabis industry. So, let’s begin:

Cannabis

The word “cannabis” refers to the actual botanical plant, which comes in two forms: marijuana and hemp. 

Marijuana

According to the 2018 Farm  Bill, marijuana is defined as any form of cannabis containing more than 0.3 percent THC content.

Hemp

Hemp, on the other hand, is any variety of cannabis containing 0.3 percent or less THC content. So though hemp and marijuana both come from the same plant, or “Cannabis Sativa L.”, what differentiates them are the THC levels.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds — of which cannabidiol (aka CBD) is just one. There are phyto (meaning plant) cannabinoids, and chemical compounds that mimic the actions of phytocannabinoids or have a similar structure. CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids. However, there are over 100 known cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as CBG, CBN, and CBDV. 

THC aka Delta 9 THC

Probably the most famous and well-known cannabinoid, it’s the chemical responsible for the psychoactive feelings, or what people experience as a “high” effect, when smoking or ingesting the marijuana plant. 

CBD aka Cannabidiol

CBD, on the other hand, is not associated with any “high” feeling. Rather, it's a cannabinoid found to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal ingredient for skincare and wellness. While found in both hemp and marijuana, CBD is most commonly derived from female hemp plants, and can be processed in three different ways: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD, also known as whole plant hemp extract, refers to when all properties of the hemp flower — and, yes, that includes the low levels of THC — are kept intact. 

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is when all properties of the hemp flower remain except for the THC, which is completely removed.

Isolate CBD

Isolate CBD, as the name suggests, is when all hemp properties are removed except for CBD.

Studies indicate that full-spectrum CBD is more effective than isolate CBD, however it is much less costly. So, many brands use CBD isolates in their formula. 

Hempseed Oil

Now, we couldn’t end our discussion around CBD without mentioning hempseed oil, which has been used in skincare for many years. Hempseed oil is what’s most commonly passed off to unknowing consumers as CBD because it is often listed on the ingredient list as Cannabis Sativia L Seed Oil. However, whereas CBD originates from cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems, hempseed oil is only extracted from the seed of the plant. It is a rich source of omegas, but it is not CBD and does not perform in the body or on the skin in the same manner as CBD. 

Before incorporating a CBD-based skincare brand inside your backbar or retail area, it’s important to fully understand the distinction between the two. While it is very hydrating and makes for a fantastic facial moisturizer, hemp seed oil does not offer the same benefits as CBD. While we know we’ve only just scratched the surface and more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s potential and use, what we know for sure is that this industry will continue to grow. More brands will surface rapidly, and it's up to professionals and consumers to have a solid understanding of the benefits and how it can contribute to one’s health. Only by being educated in this industry can we make informed decisions and recommendations to the clients we serve, as well as the professional product lines we carry inside our treatment rooms.

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