CBD Glossary
Cannabis wellness comes with its own vocabulary, and it can feel like a lot to take in, especially if you're new to CBD. Whether you're reading a lab report for the first time or just want to understand what's actually in your bottle, this glossary is here to help. We've kept every definition clear and plain-English, the same way we'd explain it to a friend.
B
Bioavailability
How much of a substance actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream and put to use by your body. Bioavailability varies by product type, for example, CBD taken sublingually (under the tongue) tends to absorb faster than CBD added to food. See our CBD Dosage Guide for more on how this affects dosing.
Broad Spectrum
A type of hemp extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and plant compounds, but with the THC removed. All Proof products are made with broad-spectrum extract, giving you the benefit of multiple cannabinoids without any THC. Learn more in our CBD vs. THC guide.
C
Cannabidiol (CBD)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. CBD won't get you high and is commonly used to support calm, comfort, and everyday balance.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
A minor cannabinoid sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, develop from it. Research into CBG is still growing, but many people use it alongside CBD as part of a broader wellness routine.
Cannabinoid
Any of the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN. Cannabinoids interact with your body's endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinol (CBN)
A cannabinoid often associated with rest and sleep support. Our CBD + CBN Sleepy Drops combine CBN with CBD specifically for nighttime use.
Cannabis
The plant family that includes both hemp and marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are technically the same species, but hemp is legally defined by its low THC content (under 0.3%).
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A lab document showing the test results for a specific product batch, including cannabinoid potency and screening for contaminants. You can view Proof's COAs for every product on our Tested Clean page.
cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)
A set of quality standards for how products are manufactured, tested, and packaged. Our hemp is sourced from an FDA-registered, cGMP and Organic certified facility in Oregon.
CO2 Extraction
A method of pulling cannabinoids out of the hemp plant using pressurized carbon dioxide instead of harsh chemical solvents. It's widely considered one of the cleanest extraction methods available.
D
Dose / Dosing
The amount of a product you take at one time. Because everyone's body responds a little differently, finding the right dose is a personal process, our Dosage Guide walks through how to find yours.
E
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A network within your body that helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and comfort. Both CBD and THC interact with this system, though in different ways. Read more in our ECS guide.
Entourage Effect
The idea that cannabinoids and other plant compounds may work better together than any single compound alone. It's part of why we formulate with broad-spectrum extract rather than isolate.
F
Farm Bill (2018)
The federal law that legalized hemp and hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC, opening the door for CBD products like ours to be sold legally across the U.S.
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for regulating food, supplements, and drug safety. CBD products are not FDA-approved to treat any disease, and none of our products make that claim.
Full Spectrum
A type of hemp extract containing all the naturally occurring cannabinoids in the plant, including trace, legal amounts of THC (under 0.3%). This differs from broad spectrum, which has the THC fully removed.
G
GMP
Shorthand for Good Manufacturing Practice, referring to quality and safety standards followed during production. See also: cGMP.
H
Heavy Metals Testing
Lab screening to confirm a product is free of contaminants like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, which can be absorbed by plants from soil or water. Every Proof batch is tested for this.
Hemp
A variety of the cannabis plant that's legally defined as containing 0.3% THC or less. All Proof products are made from hemp, not marijuana.
I
Indica / Sativa
Terms traditionally used to describe different cannabis plant types and their reported effects. These labels are more relevant to THC cannabis strains and don't meaningfully apply to broad-spectrum CBD products like ours.
Isolate
Pure CBD with all other plant compounds removed. Unlike isolate, Proof products use broad-spectrum extract, which retains multiple beneficial compounds.
ISO/IEC Accreditation
A recognized international standard for testing laboratories, confirming they meet strict requirements for accuracy and reliability. Proof's products are tested by ISO/IEC-accredited labs, including Anresco and SC Labs.
M
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglyceride oil, typically derived from coconut. It's one of just two ingredients in our tinctures (alongside hemp extract), and it helps the body absorb CBD more effectively.
Microbial Testing
Lab screening for harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast to confirm a product is safe to consume.
Minor Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids found in smaller concentrations in the hemp plant, such as CBG and CBN, compared to the more abundant CBD.
Mycotoxin Testing
Lab screening for toxins produced by certain molds that can grow on hemp during cultivation or storage.
P
Pesticide Testing
Lab screening to confirm a product is free from pesticide residue, an important check given how much hemp can absorb from soil.
Potency
The concentration of active cannabinoids, like CBD, in a product. Potency is confirmed through lab testing and listed on each product's Certificate of Analysis.
Prop 65
A California law requiring businesses to provide warnings about exposure to certain chemicals. You may see a Prop 65 notice on hemp products sold in California as a precautionary disclosure.
R
Residual Solvents
Trace chemical solvents that can be left behind after certain extraction methods. Lab testing confirms whether any residual solvents remain in a finished product.
S
Sublingual
Referring to placement under the tongue. Taking CBD sublingually, holding drops under your tongue for about 60 seconds, allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream.
T
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in hemp and many other plants that contribute to scent and flavor, and which may work alongside cannabinoids to support the entourage effect.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The intoxicating cannabinoid responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis. Proof products are THC-free. Learn more in our CBD vs. THC guide.
Tincture
A liquid extract, typically taken by drops under the tongue or added to food and drinks. Our Comfort Drops and Sleepy Drops are both tinctures.
Topical
A product applied directly to the skin rather than taken internally. Topicals work locally in the area where they're applied. Our Ice Hot Roll-On is a topical made for muscles and joints.