The hemp aisle has become a soup of acronyms. CBD, CBG, CBN, delta-8, isolate, full spectrum, milligrams per bottle versus milligrams per dropper. Here's what all of it means, in plain English, so you can choose with confidence.
First, what is hemp?
Hemp and marijuana are the same species, Cannabis sativa. The legal difference is THC, the compound responsible for the "high." Under current federal law, hemp is cannabis with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Hemp plants produce more than a hundred other compounds called cannabinoids. Most of them aren't intoxicating, and a few have become popular on their own.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is the best-known hemp cannabinoid and the most abundant one in hemp plants. It doesn't produce a high. People use it to support a sense of calm and relaxation, to unwind after a long day, and to support recovery after exercise.*
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and signaling molecules involved in mood, sleep, appetite and comfort. Research on CBD is active and growing, though much remains to be learned.
Isolate vs. full spectrum
This is the most important choice you'll make when buying CBD.
- CBD isolate is purified CBD with everything else removed, including THC. It's the choice for people who want no THC at all, for example because of drug testing at work. Our CBD 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 are THC-free isolate in organic coconut MCT oil.
- Full spectrum CBD keeps the hemp plant's full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, including the trace amount of THC that hemp naturally contains. Many people prefer it because of the "entourage effect," the idea that hemp compounds work better together than alone. Our Full Spectrum 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 are made this way.
Drug tests: because full spectrum products contain trace THC, regular use can show up on a drug test. If that matters for you, choose isolate.
CBG (cannabigerol)
CBG is often called the "mother cannabinoid." Its acid form, CBGA, is the compound hemp plants convert into CBD, THC and others as they mature. Only small amounts remain in the finished plant, which is why CBG is rarer and more expensive. It isn't intoxicating, and people describe it as helping them feel clear and steady during the day.* It's one of three cannabinoids in our daytime blend, Sun Drops.
CBN (cannabinol)
CBN forms naturally as THC ages and is exposed to air and light. That's why old cannabis was said to make people sleepy. Today CBN is mostly used in evening and nighttime products, and many people pair it with CBD as part of a wind-down routine.* Our Nox Out evening formula combines 1,000 mg of full spectrum CBD with 200 mg of CBN and 100 mg of delta-8 per bottle.
Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 is a close chemical cousin of delta-9 THC. Unlike CBD, CBG and CBN, it is mildly intoxicating. People describe it as lighter and smoother than delta-9. In our blends it's used in small amounts to add a gentle sense of ease. Because it's a form of THC:
- it will show up on drug tests,
- you shouldn't drive or operate machinery after taking it, and
- its legal status varies from state to state and is changing at the federal level. Many states restrict it to adults 21 and over.
How to read CBD strength
The big number on a CBD bottle is the total milligrams in the whole bottle, not per serving. Our tinctures are 2 oz (about 60 ml) bottles, so the math works out roughly like this:
- 500 mg bottle: about 8 mg of CBD per ml
- 1,000 mg bottle: about 17 mg per ml
- 2,000 mg bottle: about 33 mg per ml
- 4,000 mg bottle: about 67 mg per ml
We suggest starting around 10 mg and increasing gradually if needed, up to 100 mg a day. The effects of CBD typically last between 6 and 24 hours. A higher-strength bottle isn't "stronger CBD." It just means fewer drops for the same dose, which makes it a better value if you need a larger amount.
Beyond tinctures
- CBD Relief Rub: 300 mg of hemp-derived cannabinoids in organic mango butter, coconut MCT oil, shea butter and emu oil, with wintergreen and ginger essential oils. It's THC-free and specially formulated to penetrate into muscles and joints after workouts.* Sold as a single 29.5 ml jar or a 4-pack.
- CBD Pet 500: THC-free CBD in MCT oil, dosed for cats and dogs at 1–5 mg per 10 lbs of body weight.
- Cannabinoids Bundle: Sun Drops, Nox Out and CBD 1000 together, for day, night and everyday use.
Always check the lab report
The CBD market is loosely regulated, and independent testing has repeatedly found products that don't contain what their labels claim. A certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab confirms the cannabinoid content and checks for contaminants. Every Adaptonic cannabinoid product page shows its COAs. You can find them in the image gallery.
Safety
CBD can interact with some medications, including blood thinners, because it affects how the liver processes certain drugs. Talk to your healthcare provider before use if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a medical condition. Keep all cannabinoid products away from children and pets, except products formulated for pets.
Shop this guide: All cannabinoids · CBD 1000 (isolate) · Full Spectrum 1000 · Sun Drops · Nox Out · CBD Relief Rub
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Photo: Case Road by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, licensed under CC BY 4.0.