CBD Glossary: the complete lexicon
This glossary gathers and simply defines every CBD term: the cannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBG, CBN), the terpenes, the formats (flower, resin, moon rock) and the quality and legal markers. Everything you need to understand each product page and buy with confidence.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the active molecules of hemp. Here are the main ones, from CBD to THC, clearly defined.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CBD (cannabidiol) | Non-psychotropic hemp compound valued for its aromas and wellness use ; it does not cause a high. |
| THC | The main psychotropic cannabinoid of cannabis ; legally kept below 0.3 % in CBD products sold legally (0.2 % in some countries). |
| CBG (cannabigerol) | The precursor cannabinoid to the others (the mother cannabinoid), present in small amounts. |
| CBN (cannabinol) | Cannabinoid formed by the natural breakdown of THC over time. |
| CBC (cannabichromene) | A minor cannabinoid naturally present in hemp. |
| Full spectrum | Extract keeping all of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, with THC below 0.3 %. |
| Broad spectrum | Extract keeping the plant's compounds but without THC. |
| Isolate | Pure CBD above 99 %, stripped of every other compound. |
| Entourage effect | The idea that hemp's compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) work in synergy rather than in isolation. |
Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each variety its smell and taste. Here are the most common in CBD.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Terpene | Natural aromatic compound found in hemp and many plants ; it defines smell and taste. |
| Limonene | Terpene with a citrus aroma (lemon, orange). |
| Myrcene | Terpene with earthy, herbal notes, very common in hemp. |
| Pinene | Terpene smelling of pine and conifer resin. |
| Linalool | Floral terpene reminiscent of lavender. |
| Beta-caryophyllene | Peppery, spicy terpene. |
| Humulene | Hoppy, woody terpene. |
| Terpinolene | Fresh terpene with woody and floral facets. |
Formats and products
CBD comes in several formats, from flower to resin. Here are the main ones and what sets them apart.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CBD flower | Dried hemp bud, rich in CBD. |
| Resin / Hash | Concentrate made from the plant's resin (trichomes), pressed. |
| Moon rock | Flower coated in oil then rolled in kief : one of the most concentrated formats. |
| Pollen | Crumbly resin pressed from trichomes. |
| Kief | Fine powder of trichomes separated from the flower. |
| Trichomes | Tiny resin glands on the flower's surface where cannabinoids and terpenes concentrate. |
| Pre-roll | A ready-to-use cone of CBD flower already rolled. |
Cultivation and quality
The growing method and the contents largely determine a flower's quality. Here are the essential markers.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Grown inside under artificial light ; dense, aromatic flowers. |
| Outdoor | Grown in full sun ; bulkier flowers, earthier profile. |
| Greenhouse | Grown under glass ; a compromise between natural sun and climate protection. |
| CBD content | The flower's cannabidiol concentration, often between 8 and 25 %. |
| THC content | THC concentration, legally below 0.3 %. |
| Storage | Kept away from light, heat and air to preserve aromas and terpenes. |
Legal framework
A few markers on the legal framework of CBD in France and Europe.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) | Cannabis variety legally grown with THC below 0.3 %. |
| 0.3 % THC threshold | The legal THC limit in CBD products (0.2 % in some countries such as Spain). |
| EU free movement | Principle (Kanavape ruling, CJEU 2020) allowing CBD legally produced in the European Union to circulate. |
| 18+ | CBD sales are restricted to adults. |
Questions fréquentes
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD is a non-psychotropic compound with no high, while THC is the psychotropic cannabinoid of cannabis, legally kept below 0.3 % in CBD products sold legally.
What does full spectrum mean?
A full-spectrum extract keeps all of the plant's natural cannabinoids and terpenes, with THC below 0.3 %, unlike isolate which contains only pure CBD.
What is a terpene?
A terpene is a natural aromatic compound found in hemp and many plants ; it gives each variety its characteristic smell and taste.
What is a moon rock?
A moon rock is a CBD flower coated in oil then rolled in kief, which makes it one of the most concentrated formats.
Is CBD legal?
Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in France and across the European Union as long as the THC content stays below 0.3 %. Sales are restricted to adults.