Use this glossary as a plain-English starting point, then open individual term guides when a word affects product comparison, store discovery, label reading, or local rules.
Core cannabis terms
Cannabis is a broad plant category. Hemp is commonly used for cannabis plants and derivatives with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight under U.S. federal hemp rules, although state rules can still differ. CBD and THC are cannabinoids, meaning naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis.
Product and label terms
A serving size is the amount suggested on a label for one use. Potency usually describes how much CBD, THC, or total cannabinoid content is present. A COA, or certificate of analysis, is a lab report that may show cannabinoid levels and screening for contaminants. Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate describe how much of the plant profile remains in the extract.
Shopping terms
A dispensary or cannabis store is a location where consumers may browse cannabis or hemp products where allowed. A brand page helps compare company background, product formats, transparency, and lab testing. A product category groups similar formats such as oils, gummies, capsules, topicals, flower, or vapes.
Careful research note: Cannabis and CBD rules can vary by location and may change. This page is informational, not medical or legal advice.
Useful terms to learn first
CBDCBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. CBD itself is usually described as non-intoxicating, but product format, THC content, label quality, and local rules still matter.Read term guideTHCTHC usually refers to tetrahydrocannabinol, especially delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid most associated with intoxicating cannabis effects.Read term guideHempHemp commonly means cannabis plants or derivatives that meet a low delta-9 THC threshold under a specific law, such as the U.S. federal 0.3% delta-9 THC limit by dry weight.Read term guideCOAA COA, or certificate of analysis, is a lab report that may show cannabinoid levels and screening results for a product batch.Read term guideFull-spectrumFull-spectrum usually means a hemp extract that keeps a broader plant profile, which may include CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace THC where allowed.Read term guideBroad-spectrumBroad-spectrum usually means a hemp extract with multiple plant compounds while aiming to remove detectable THC, according to the brand or lab report.Read term guideIsolateCBD isolate is a more purified CBD ingredient or extract type focused on CBD rather than a broader hemp extract profile.Read term guideServing sizeServing size is the amount a label suggests for one use, such as one gummy, one capsule, a measured oil amount, or a topical application note.Read term guideDispensaryA dispensary is a cannabis retail location where consumers may browse or purchase cannabis products where allowed by local rules.Read term guideCannabinoidA cannabinoid is a compound associated with cannabis. CBD and THC are two widely discussed cannabinoids, and product labels may list others depending on the product.Read term guide
Next stepContinue the research path
When you are ready, compare current product, store, location, and brand information in one place.
Visit the CBD resource center
Related guides