Charlotte’s Web™ Glossary of Terms

To help make our blog as easy to read as possible, we’re including this glossary to quickly explain some of the more technical words you might run across in some of our articles. 

Alcohol Extraction 

Alcohol extraction is one method of extracting cannabinoids from the hemp plant. It’s less commonly used and more labor-intensive than CO₂ extraction, in part because it needs to be produced in smaller batches. When done right, however, alcohol extraction is an artisanal process that uses whole-plant material to create a potent combination of high-terpene CBD oil. This article explains some of the differences between different extraction methods. 

Broad spectrum 

In general, broad spectrum oils have some but not all phyto-compounds. Our broad spectrum hemp extract is basically full spectrum except it does not contain any THC, like our THC Free† CBD Oil. Broad-spectrum oils fall somewhere in between CBD isolates (which contain just a single type of molecule, typically CBD), and full-spectrum hemp oils (which contain all the beneficial compounds present in the hemp plant, including over 80 types of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and much more). 

Cannabinoids 

Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, where they play a key role in ensuring normal immune and nervous system functioning. Endocannabinoids refer to cannabinoids produced by your body, and phytocannabinoids refer to cannabinoids that are present in plants (such as CBC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and more). The hemp plant produces over 80 cannabinoids. 

Capsules 

CBD Capsules provide a convenient way to take CBD in an easy-to-swallow pill form. Our liquid capsules contain the same full-spectrum hemp oil you’ll find in our other products, combined with an extra-virgin olive oil carrier oil. They’re a great choice anytime you’re on the go. 

CBC (Cannabichromene) 

CBC is one of the beneficial phytocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. Among other benefits, it may help improve recovery from exercise-induced inflammation. 

CBD (Cannabidiol) 

CBD gets a lot of press these days, but in fact it’s just one of 80+ phytocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. While research is still being done to learn more about the effects of this amazing plant, we already know that it can help support a sense of calm, improve recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, and support healthy sleep cycles. 

CBG (Cannabigerol) 

CBG is another one of the beneficial phytocannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. The primary potential benefit of CBG is its ability to help ease everyday stress. 

CBN (Cannabinol) 

CBN is yet another beneficial phytocannabinoid produced by the hemp plant. Together with CBD, it can help improve sleep. 

Certificate of Analysis 

A Certificate of Analysis is a document speaking to the laboratory analysis done on any cannabinoid-related products. 

Certified B Corporation 

These days, some companies seek to do more than make profits—they also want to affect change and make the world a better place. Companies like this can become a Certified B Corporation by meeting strict regulations to prove their dedication to balancing profits with purpose. Charlotte’s Web achieved Certified B Corporation status in 2020. 

CO₂ Extraction 

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction is the most commonly used method in the industry for removing cannabinoids from the hemp plant and turning them into an extract. It allows for a very targeted extraction of cannabinoids, which makes it an efficient process. We use CO₂ extraction for all our products, with the exception of our Original Formula. Learn more about the CO₂ extraction method here. 

Endocannabinoid System 

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is an important bodily system. The ECS helps to regulate homeostasis (or balance) in your body, which means it plays a role in everything from hormones and metabolism to sleep cycles and moods. To help it work optimally, your ECS enjoys a steady supply of cannabinoids (like CBD). 

Entourage Effect 

The Entourage Effect refers to the fact that the compounds in the hemp plant work together to provide a synergistic effect that’s stronger than the sum of its parts. This is why full-spectrum CBD oils are considered more effective than CBD isolates. 

Full-Spectrum 

The hemp plant contains a lot more than just CBD. In fact, hemp has over 100 beneficial compounds that we know of (and we’re still learning more). Full-spectrum CBD oils contain all the beneficial compounds from the hemp plant. This type of CBD oil is considered the most effective, which is why the majority of the products available here at Charlotte’s Web are full-spectrum. 

Flavonoid 

Flavonoids are plant compounds that have been found to have beneficial antioxidant effects. Some foods that are commonly known for having high flavonoid content include wine, chocolate, blueberries, and green tea. Well, guess what else contains a potent concentration of flavonoids? You guessed it, Hemp Extract. Or more specifically, full-spectrum CBD products. Learn more about flavonoids in CBD. 

GMP Certification 

GMP, or Good Manufacturing Practices, refers to a set of best practices and procedures that companies should use to produce supplements that are safe, effective, and high in quality. Here at Charlotte’s Web, we are GMP certified, which means our manufacturing and quality procedures have met or surpassed the GMP guidelines. Learn more about our commitment to quality, including our adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices. 

GMO 

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are plants that have been altered using genetic engineering to change certain properties. Many people are concerned that genetically modified products may not confer the same health benefits as those that occur naturally. Here at Charlotte’s Web, we offer only GMO-free hemp oil. 

Gummies 

CBD gummies are like flavored gummy bears that have been infused with beneficial hemp extract. Their small size and added flavor make them an easy and tasty way to take CBD. Plus, our CBD gummies are fortified with additional holistic ingredients like turmeric, lemon balm, and melatonin. 

Hemp Extract 

The hemp plant is an incredibly versatile and useful plan in many different ways. One way of using the hemp plant is by extracting its beneficial compounds for human consumption through oils, capsules, gummies, or topical products. Learn more about the differences between hemp extract, CBD oil, and marijuana. 

Isolate/Distillate 

An isolate contains just one isolated ingredient. So when you see CBD Isolate, that means the product contains just the CBD molecule—but does not contain other compounds found in full-spectrum products like CBN, CBG, and so on. Learn more about CBD isolates. 

Organic 

The word organic gets tossed around a lot these days, though the meaning isn’t always 100% clear. Most people use the term to refer to foods and other products that are produced using healthy, eco-friendly methods. But there’s no one, single source of what is and what isn’t considered organic; the most trustworthy thing you can look for is an official seal, such as the USDA Certified Organic. Here at Charlotte’s Web, we are currently in the process of qualifying as certified organic. In the meantime, we continue to go the extra mile to give back to the land that sustains us. Learn more about how we care for our soil. Learn more about the process of becoming certified and some of our Organic CBD products.

Original Formula 

Charlotte’s Web CBD oils come in 2 formulas. Our Original Formula contains a different amount of CBD, comes in different flavors, and uses a different extraction method than our other CBD oils. Learn more about the difference between our Original Formula and 60mg. 

Terpenes 

You may or may not know what terpenes are, but chances are good that you’ve smelled them before. That’s because terpenes are aromatic compounds that create the scents you associate with plants like pine, lavender and yes, cannabis. Research shows that terpenes can help CBD and other cannabinoids to stimulate the endocannabinoid system. 

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) 

THC is the intoxicating compound found in marijuana that “makes you high.” Our full-spectrum CBD oils contain a small amount of THC (less than 0.3% THC), while our broad-spectrum THC Free CBD products do not contain THC (THC Free means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm). Learn more about whether CBD shows up on a drug test. 

Topicals 

CBD topicals are products containing CBD that can be applied to the skin through roll-ons, balms, and creams. This differentiates them from products that are taken orally, including oils, capsules, and gummies. 

Water Soluble/Oil Soluble 

Water-soluble means a substance will dissolve in water (like table sugar), while oil-soluble means that a substance will dissolve in oil. CBD is oil-soluble, which is why it is so often sold in a tincture form like our CBD Oils. In addition, the most common CBD extraction methods (CO₂ and alcohol extraction) both produce oil-soluble CBD. Here at Charlotte’s Web, our products are oil-soluble.