CBD Acronym Glossary

When it comes to CBD, all the misinformation and constant updates to regulations can leave you a little confused. But understanding the ins and outs of the industry begins with the many acronyms used on various official documents. Our Chief Compliance Officer, Margaret Richardson, is no stranger to the many acronyms representing federal regulations and offered her expertise on the matter. Search our CBD acronyms glossary for the abbreviations commonly used in the industry.

CBD Acronym Glossary

 

Compounds

CBD (Cannabidiol) – This natural compound is found in high concentrations in Hemp plants. CBD is the key to our premium products.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The chemical that provides psychoactive effects, or the high associated with the Marijuana plant. THC exists in extremely low concentrations in the Industrial Hemp plant.

 

Regulatory Agencies

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) – Led the way in legalizing Industrial Hemp and extracts, like CBD. This organization approves or disproves Industrial Hemp plans and programs.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – Responsible for regulating CBD, CBG and other Hemp-derived compounds. This agency also regulates prescription drugs and everyday products like dietary supplements, food, cosmetics, beverages, etc.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – This group determines which pesticides and herbicides you can use on Industrial Hemp; as it stands, you cannot use any pesticides on Industrial Hemp crops.

FTC (Federal Trade Commission) – Monitors the industry for proper labeling requirements: weight, ingredients lists, etc. This agency can take companies to court for improper labeling.

AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) – Not a government agency; co-regulates pet food and products with the FDA. They create regulations that states then adopt and implement at a state level.

 

Compliance

CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) – Set of rules implemented by the FDA. CBD follows two sets of CFRs: part 117, for food and beverages, and part 111, for dietary supplements and OTCs.

cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) – Represents how the FDA implements the code of federal regulations. Constantly changing in practice but the written document does not change. As companies get more efficient, the industry will adjust internal strategies, including testing methods and stability studies, which reflect through cGMP.

COA (Certificate of Analysis) – Full panel set of results that confirms potency, whether there are other cannabinoids and terpenes present, and the absence of pathogens, bacteria, mycotoxins, pesticides, etc.

QR Code (Quick Response code) – A 2D barcode that links to information for the consumer, especially COAs when concerning CBD products.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) – The non-government entity that creates testing standards and provides certifications for third-party laboratories. These testing methods are recognized on a federal and state level as appropriate for CBD testing.

QC (Quality Control) – The extensive process of checking and testing products throughout production, including when raw materials come in, during manufacturing and as final goods.

 

The CBD industry is ever-expanding and evolving, meaning we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to CBD acronyms and their importance. Fortunately, our weekly podcast, ‘CBD University,’ covers all these abbreviations and more.

For more in-depth information on these CBD acronyms and how they relate to Global Widget, listen to the full episode of What’s Behind the Letters with Margaret Richardson, here.