The vocabulary of hemp ingredient procurement spans chemistry, regulation, agriculture, and quality management. For B2B buyers new to the category or expanding into more technical sourcing discussions, having a working command of the key terminology reduces communication errors, improves supplier evaluation, and supports more confident compliance decision-making. This glossary covers the terms that appear most frequently in hemp ingredient procurement, testing, and regulatory contexts.
A
A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation)
One of the primary accreditation bodies for ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation in the United States. A laboratory accredited by A2LA for hemp cannabinoid analysis has demonstrated technical competency through independent assessment. Look for A2LA or ANAB accreditation notation on COAs.
ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board)
Alongside A2LA, one of the primary ISO 17025 accreditation bodies for analytical laboratories in the United States.
B
Bioavailability
The fraction of an administered dose that reaches systemic circulation. Oral CBD bioavailability from conventional oil-based formulations is approximately 6-19%. Water-soluble formats (nanoemulsions) may offer 1.5-4x improvement.
Biomass
The raw plant material — hemp flower, leaf, and stem — used as feedstock for cannabinoid extraction. The legal classification of biomass as hemp (not marijuana) is determined by the pre-harvest delta-9 THC test.
Broad-Spectrum Extract
A hemp extract containing CBD and a range of other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes from which delta-9 THC has been selectively removed to non-detectable levels. Contrasts with full-spectrum (THC present) and isolate (single compound).
C
CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action)
A quality management process for identifying the root cause of a problem, taking corrective action, and implementing prevention to avoid recurrence. A functioning CAPA system is a GMP requirement.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
A minor cannabinoid found in hemp extract. Not intoxicating. Present in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum extracts.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
The primary non-intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp extract. The compound most commonly marketed for functional and wellness applications.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
The acidic precursor to CBD in the hemp plant. CBDA converts to CBD through decarboxylation (heat). Reported separately from CBD on HPLC-based COAs.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
A minor cannabinoid found in hemp extract, sometimes called the "precursor" cannabinoid as it is converted to other cannabinoids during the plant's growth. Present in broad-spectrum extracts.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A minor cannabinoid formed primarily through the oxidative degradation of THC. Elevated CBN content in an extract may indicate older biomass or oxidative degradation during storage.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A laboratory document summarizing the analytical test results for a specific sample. For hemp ingredients, a compliant COA must be from a DEA-registered, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory and must include separate THCA and delta-9 THC values with total THC calculated.
Chain of Custody
Documentation recording possession and transfer of a material from origin through end use. In hemp ingredient supply, chain of custody connects the finished ingredient to the USDA-licensed hemp producer.
CO2 Extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature as a solvent to extract cannabinoids from hemp biomass. Produces a clean extract without residual chemical solvents.
D
Decarboxylation
The chemical process that converts acidic cannabinoid precursors (THCA, CBDA) to their neutral forms (THC, CBD) by removing a carboxyl group (CO₂), typically via heat. Relevant to total THC compliance because THCA decarboxylates to delta-9 THC.
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
Federal law enforcement agency that regulates controlled substances. Hemp testing laboratories must hold DEA Schedule I researcher registration to legally handle and test hemp samples that may contain THC above 0.3%.
Delta-8 THC
A THC isomer with psychoactive properties, naturally present in hemp at trace concentrations. Synthetically produced in larger quantities through CBD isomerization. Synthetic delta-8 is prohibited under the federal hemp framework.
Delta-9 THC
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. The operative compliance analyte in hemp: must be below 0.3% in hemp biomass on a dry weight basis; combined with THCA in the total THC formula.
Distillate
A refined hemp extract produced through distillation of crude extract. Distillation removes waxes, chlorophyll, and other impurities, concentrating cannabinoids. Hemp distillate typically contains 70-90% total cannabinoids.
E
Ethanol Extraction
Extraction of cannabinoids from hemp biomass using food-grade ethanol as a solvent. Produces a broad extract that may require further refinement (winterization, distillation) to remove plant waxes and chlorophyll.
F
Full-Spectrum Extract
A hemp extract that contains the full range of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including a compliant level of delta-9 THC. The "entourage effect" hypothesis suggests that the combined presence of cannabinoids and terpenes may produce different effects than isolated compounds.
G
GC (Gas Chromatography)
An analytical separation technique used in cannabinoid testing. GC applies heat that converts THCA to delta-9 THC, making it unsuitable for total THC calculations under the federal formula that requires separate THCA and delta-9 THC values.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Regulatory standards for manufacturing processes, documentation, and quality systems. Under 21 CFR Part 111, GMP requirements apply to dietary supplement manufacturing and are relevant to hemp ingredient production.
H
HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol)
A hydrogenated form of THC produced synthetically. Prohibited under the federal hemp framework as a synthetic cannabinoid.
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
The analytical methodology required for hemp cannabinoid potency testing that produces separate THCA and delta-9 THC values. HPLC analyzes samples at ambient temperature, preserving acidic cannabinoid forms without decarboxylation.
Hemp Seed Oil
Oil cold-pressed from hemp seeds. Does not naturally contain significant cannabinoids. Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Used as a carrier oil for hemp extract products and as a standalone nutritional ingredient.
I
Isolate
A purified form of a single cannabinoid (typically CBD) separated from all other plant compounds. CBD isolate is typically >99% CBD by weight with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant compounds.
ISO 17025
International standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. Laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 for hemp cannabinoid analysis have demonstrated technical proficiency and validated methodology. Required alongside DEA registration for compliant hemp testing.
L
Lot Number
A unique identifier assigned to a specific production batch of ingredient. The lot number should appear on the COA, the product label, and the shipping documents to enable traceability.
LOD (Limit of Detection)
The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably detected by an analytical method. Values below the LOD are typically reported as "not detected" (ND).
LOQ (Limit of Quantification)
The lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably quantified. Values above the LOD but below the LOQ may be detected but not precisely measured.
M
MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil)
A carrier oil derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, composed predominantly of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. Widely used as a carrier for hemp extracts due to flavor neutrality and oxidative stability.
Master Batch Record (MBR)
A template document containing the complete instructions for producing a specific product. Each production run generates a Batch Production Record (BPR) completed against the MBR.
N
Nanoemulsion
An emulsification technology that produces droplets in the 20-200nm size range, improving the water solubility and GI absorption of lipophilic compounds like cannabinoids. Used to produce water-soluble hemp extract formats.
ND (Not Detected)
Reported when an analyte is below the laboratory's Limit of Detection.
S
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
A document providing information on the properties, hazards, handling, and disposal of a chemical or ingredient. Required for all hemp ingredient shipments.
SQA (Supplier Quality Agreement)
A formal agreement between a buyer and supplier specifying quality requirements, testing obligations, audit rights, documentation standards, and remedies for non-conformance.
T
TDS (Technical Data Sheet)
A document providing detailed technical specifications for an ingredient, including physical properties, chemical composition, storage conditions, shelf life, and application guidelines.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-intoxicating acidic precursor to delta-9 THC. Present in raw hemp extract. Converts to delta-9 THC through decarboxylation. Must be reported separately from delta-9 THC on compliant COAs and included in the total THC calculation.
THC-O (THC-O Acetate)
A synthetic cannabinoid derived from THC through chemical acetylation. Prohibited under the federal hemp framework.
Total THC
The compliance metric for hemp ingredient THC content: Total THC = delta-9 THC + (THCA x 0.877). Finished hemp products must contain no more than 0.4mg total THC per container.
U
USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
The federal agency responsible for regulating hemp production through the USDA hemp program. Hemp producers must be licensed under a USDA-approved state or tribal hemp plan.
W
Winterization
A post-extraction refinement process in which hemp crude extract is dissolved in ethanol and chilled to precipitate and filter out plant waxes and lipids. Produces a cleaner, more refined extract suitable for distillation.
This glossary reflects the terminology in use as of June 2026. The hemp regulatory vocabulary continues to evolve as federal and state frameworks develop. Low Gravity Hemp maintains technical resources for B2B customers to support compliance and formulation work. Contact us to discuss specific technical questions.
