So, what does CBD stand for anyway? It’s such a common term now that many people use products that include it as a supplement without knowing exactly what it is. This leads to many misconceptions, such as that CBD is the same as THC or that it’s derived from marijuana. CBD is simply a shorthand acronym for the term Cannabidiol. Of course, that means you’ll need to understand what Cannabidiol is — and isn’t. Before you buy any CBD products or any other items with three-letter acronyms on them, make sure you know what you’re getting so you’re not surprised by the results.
The Ins and Outs of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is one of many cannabinoids, which are simply various compounds found in cannabis plants. Cannabis includes both marijuana and hemp, and CBD is technically found in both types of plants. However, it’s only found as an isolated compound in hemp, making it particularly easy to extract. That’s why most CBD products sold today are made with hemp, not to mention that hemp-based CBD is legal on a federal level in the US. This is in contrast to THC, which is still a regulated compound in most states and is outright banned in some parts of the country.
Cannabidiol isn’t the easiest word to pronounce, hence why many people are left asking, “What does CBD stand for?” after reading the shortened form.
- C stands for the Canna part of the name
- B represents the Bi section
- D covers the Diol at the end.
The term is pronounced Kanna-buh-dye-all. It’s fine to just say CBD instead since it’s shorter and easier to remember.
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that’s commonly mislabeled as “not psychoactive.” However, that would mean it had no effect whatsoever. Since it does bind to receptors in the brain and offers potential effects like relaxation and pain relief, it does have psychoactive effects. However, it is not intoxicating like THC is for most people. That means that you can take it at times when you need to maintain your ability to focus, such as when you’re working or spending time with family. That’s one of the most important reasons to know what CBD is and that you’re taking it instead of other products.
What Does CBD Stand for in Gummies, Vapes, and More?
CBD is sometimes sold in pure extract form, but it’s more commonly mixed into other products like gummies, other snack foods and edibles, oral drops, tinctures, capsules, and vaporizer pens. There are many ways to take CBD, but the results remain mostly the same since the active ingredient is the same. CBD is measured in milligrams. While the form in which you consume the CBD will affect how quickly it provides any potential effects, it should more or less all work the same for you. We know that 50 mg of CBD is equivalent, whether it’s taken in the form of a vape cartridge, a powder added to a drink or eaten as a gummy bear.
CBD Vs. THC
If you’re still asking, “What does CBD stand for?” you may be confusing it with THC. THC is short for Tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s a more potent, psychoactive compound primarily found in marijuana and absent in large amounts from hemp. Hemp is allowed to have a tiny amount of THC and remain legal. CBD products can also contain up to 0.3% THC by volume by federal law. These levels are low enough that most people won’t notice any THC-like effects from CBD. Using a full-spectrum CBD product even with low THC levels could lead to failing a drug test, which is important to know if that’s a concern for you. For the lowest chance of issues with drug testing, use CBD extracts that have been tested for 0% THC content.
CBD is a common product throughout most of the country now, so it’s important to understand its value when shopping for it. Don’t confuse it with THC extracts or edibles that could make you far more intoxicated than similar CBD products. Store THC and CBD products separately and leave them in the original packaging so that it’s always easy to check the exact content of anything you want to consume.
Read more to learn the more about THC vs CBD.
