Technical terms

Technical terms explain the concepts behind cannabinoid processing, testing and formulation. Explore what they mean, why they matter and how they are used in practice.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

COA

COA

A laboratory document reporting the tested composition, purity and other measured specifications of a material or product.

Read term →

Contamination

Contamination

The unwanted presence of substances, microorganisms or foreign material that can affect the quality, safety or purity of a product.

Read term →

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation

A process where applied heat converts acidic cannabinoids into their neutral forms.

Read term →

Epimer

Epimer

A type of diastereomer that differs from another compound at one stereogenic centre while the other stereogenic centres remain the same.

Read term →

Headspace

Headspace

The air-filled space between the material and the closure of its container, which can influence quality over time.

Read term →

Homologue

Homologue

A compound in the same chemical family as another compound that differs by one or more repeating structural units.

Read term →

Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation

A chemical reaction that adds hydrogen to a molecule, reducing one or more double bonds and creating a more saturated structure.

Read term →

Isomer

Isomer

A compound with the same molecular formula as another compound but a different arrangement of its atoms.

Read term →

Metabolite

Metabolite

A compound formed when the body chemically transforms another substance

Read term →

Oxidation

Oxidation

A process where cannabinoids react with oxygen and change chemically.

Read term →

Purity

Purity

The proportion of a material made up of the intended compound rather than other substances or components.

Read term →

Residue

Residue

Leftover material left on equipment or container surfaces after transferring or processing.

Read term →

Stereoisomer

Stereoisomer

A compound with the same molecular formula and atomic connections as another compound, but a different three-dimensional arrangement of its atoms.

Read term →

Viscosity

Viscosity

The resistance of a material to flow, determining how easily it moves, pours, transfers and fills.

Read term →
Educational information only

This content does not constitute advice

All information in the Cannabinoid Knowledge Hub is provided solely for educational and scientific purposes. It does not constitute medical advice, usage advice, dosage guidance or instructions for mixing, combining or consuming substances.

Discussions of effects, interactions and risks are descriptive only and should not be interpreted as a recommendation or encouragement to use or combine any substance. Visitors are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their country or jurisdiction. Nothing in the Knowledge Hub may be used to support illegal activity.

Read the full disclaimer