Medical Cannabis Glossary

CBD (Cannabidiol) – Phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, it does not have psychoactive effects. It has medicinal effects, such as: anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, among others.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – Main psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Known for its euphoric effects, it also has medicinal properties, such as: analgesic, antiemetic, muscle relaxant, among others.

Delta-8-THC (Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – A variant of THC that occurs naturally in small amounts in the cannabis plant. Known for its milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9-THC, with therapeutic potential for pain and anxiety relief.

Delta-9-THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The most common and psychoactive form of THC found in cannabis. Known for its euphoric and medicinal effects, such as: analgesic, antiemetic, muscle relaxant, among others.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – Phytocannabinoid found in cannabis, structurally similar to THC. It has unique medicinal properties, such as: appetite suppressant, potential in diabetes treatment, and as a neuroprotective agent.

Cannabis Sativa – One of the main species of cannabis, generally associated with energizing and stimulating effects. Used for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Cannabis Indica – Another main species of cannabis, known for its relaxing and sedative effects. Widely used for medicinal purposes, especially in the treatment of insomnia and chronic pain.

Phytocannabinoids – Chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system. Include CBD, THC, CBG, among others.

Endocannabinoids – Compounds produced by the human body that bind to cannabinoid receptors. Include anandamide and 2-AG.

Endocannabinoid System – Biological system composed of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Regulates various physiological functions, including pain, mood, appetite, and memory.

CB1 Receptors – Cannabinoid receptors found mainly in the central nervous system. Interact primarily with THC.

CB2 Receptors – Cannabinoid receptors found mainly in the immune system. Interact primarily with CBD.

Terpenes – Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis and may have therapeutic effects of their own.

Entourage Effect – Theory that the compounds in cannabis (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work synergistically to create a more complete therapeutic effect than isolated compounds.

Full-Spectrum – Products that contain all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Broad-Spectrum – Products that contain multiple compounds from the cannabis plant, but without THC.

CBD Isolate – Product that contains only the isolated cannabidiol (CBD), without other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.

CBN (Cannabinol) – Non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Known for its sedative properties and therapeutic potential in treating sleep disorders.

CBG (Cannabigerol) – Non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in cannabis. Known for its therapeutic potential in inflammation, pain, and bacterial infections.

Decarboxylation – Process by which cannabinoid acids are converted into their active forms (e.g., THCA into THC) through heat.

CBD Oil – Cannabis extract diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil, used for medicinal purposes.

CBD Tincture – Cannabis extract dissolved in alcohol or another solvent, used for sublingual administration.

Vaporization – Method of consuming cannabis that involves heating the plant or extract to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in vapor form, without combustion.

Edibles – Foods and beverages infused with cannabinoids, used for oral consumption of cannabis.

Microdosing – Technique of consuming cannabis in small doses, aiming to obtain therapeutic benefits without intense psychoactive effects.

Legalization – Process of making the production, sale, and use of cannabis legal for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Decriminalization – Process of reducing or eliminating criminal penalties associated with cannabis use.

Hemp – Variety of Cannabis sativa with low THC content (<0.3%). Used industrially for the production of fibers, foods, oils, and other products.

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – Non-psychoactive acidic form of THC found in the cannabis plant. Converts to THC through decarboxylation.

CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid) – Non-psychoactive acidic form of CBD found in the cannabis plant. Converts to CBD through decarboxylation.

Synthetic Cannabinoid – Compounds created in a laboratory that mimic the effects of phytocannabinoids. Used in research and some prescription medications.

Jaboticannabis – An interesting analogy between cannabis and jaboticaba, a plant traditionally of Brazilian origin. Highlights the possibility of Brazil creating its own cannabis species, showcasing the country's ability to integrate tradition and modernity in its agricultural and industrial practices. The creation of its own regulation also contributes to better development of the agenda in the country.