Cannabinoid
A member of a group of compounds found in cannabis. THC and CBD are two examples.
Read the source ↗THE WORDS BEHIND THE LABELS
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THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis.
Read the source ↗CBD
Cannabidiol, a cannabis compound that does not cause a THC-like high but can have side effects and medicine interactions.
Read the source ↗Delta-8 THC
An intoxicating cannabinoid naturally present in small quantities in cannabis. It is distinct from CBD.
Read the source ↗Edible
A food or drink containing cannabis compounds. Effects can be delayed, and accidental ingestion can cause poisoning.
Read the source ↗Impairment
Reduced abilities such as attention, memory, coordination, or decision-making that can affect everyday safety.
Read the source ↗Drug interaction
A change in a medicine's effects or safety when combined with another substance, including some supplements.
Read the source ↗Sedation
Reduced alertness or sleepiness. CBD combined with alcohol or certain medicines can increase this risk.
Read the source ↗Tolerance
Needing more of a substance to experience an effect previously felt with less. It can be a warning sign to discuss.
Read the source ↗Withdrawal
Symptoms following stopping or substantially reducing heavy or prolonged use, such as sleep difficulty, irritability, or appetite changes.
Read the source ↗Cannabis use disorder
A condition involving difficulty stopping cannabis use despite resulting health or social problems. Diagnosis requires professional assessment.
Read the source ↗Exposure
Contact with a substance, including swallowing, inhaling, or skin contact. An exposure does not necessarily mean poisoning occurred.
Read the source ↗Clinical trial
Research in people that evaluates an intervention. Controlled trials compare its results with another treatment or a control.
Read the source ↗Control group
The comparison group in a study, which may receive standard care or an inactive substance instead of the tested treatment.
Read the source ↗Placebo
An inactive comparison substance used in some studies to help evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Read the source ↗Double-blind study
A study in which participants and researchers do not know who is receiving the experimental intervention or the comparison.
Read the source ↗Association
A relationship observed between factors. Other influences may help explain it, so association alone does not establish causation.
Read the source ↗Contaminant
An unwanted substance in a sample, such as a pesticide or microorganism. A label alone cannot rule out contamination.
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Definitions explain terminology; they are not a diagnosis, product endorsement, or individual legal determination.