When you start using and buying CBD, you'll become familiar with the basic terminology around the product. But there are some words that pop up on various CBD labels that buyers may find confusing or unclear, even if they have purchased CBD before. Keep reading to learn some of those terms and their meanings so you can be a more informed CBD shopper.

CO₂ Extraction

A bottle may tell you that the CBD within is isolated via CO₂ extraction. What this means is that a specific method, which is based on the use of carbon dioxide, is used to remove the CBD from the hemp. CO₂ extraction is considered to be the premium extraction method for CBD, as it results in an extract with very few impurities. CBD produced in this way is known to have a long shelf life.

Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is what happens when various cannabinoids work together to deliver even more powerful results within the body. You may see full-spectrum CBD products advertising that they offer an entourage effect. This is because these products don't just contain CBD — they also contain CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids found naturally in the hemp.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is basically pure CBD that has been extracted from the hemp plant with very, very little impurities and other substances. If you see a product that is made with CBD isolate and no other hemp ingredients, then you know it contains only CBD, not any of the other cannabinoids from the hemp.

Terpene

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give hemp, and really any plant, its odor. Hemp contains specific terpenes, and they are thought to have therapeutic benefits. They can work along with the CBD and other cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect. If you see CBD products advertised as being high in terpenes, you can expect them to have a potent hemp flavor and scent.

Vertical Integration

Sometimes a CBD label will state that the company producing the CBD practices vertical integration. This just means that the company owns the whole supply chain that produces the CBD, from the farm where the hemp is grown to the labs where it is extracted. Vertical integration can result in products that are better regulated and more consistent.

Now, if you see any of these terms on CBD packages, you'll have a better understanding of what's inside. Contact a supplier for more information about CBD.