This cannabis glossary provides definitions for various cannabis terms and dispensary terminology. It’s a helpful resource for anyone interested in learning more about cannabis. With this knowledge, you can confidently understand all the ins and outs of cannabis terms whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned consumer.
Bud
The term bud refers to the flower of the cannabis plant, which is where most of the plant’s cannabinoids are concentrated. Buds are typically harvested, dried, and then consumed in various ways. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, each with unique flavors and effects.
CBG
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from it. Despite its non-intoxicating nature, CBG may have potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation.
CBN
CBN stands for cannabinol, a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis that is known for its potential sedative effects. It’s typically found in aged cannabis as it forms when THC degrades. It’s thought that CBN might be the reason why old cannabis tends to make users feel particularly sleepy.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, but there are many others. Discovering and understanding these cannabinoids can help you pick out the right products for your needs.
Cannabis
Cannabis is the proper name for marijuana or weed. The plant is used for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, which are primarily attributed to cannabinoids. Its history dates back thousands of years, making it one of humanity’s oldest cultivated crops.
Cartridge
In the context of cannabis, a cartridge refers to a pre-filled container of cannabis oil or concentrate designed to be used with a vaporizer. Cartridges offer a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, particularly when you’re on the go.
Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent forms of cannabis where the cannabinoids have been extracted from the plant matter. Types of concentrates include hash, shatter, rosin, live resin, and more. They’re often used by experienced consumers seeking a more intense experience.
Concentrates are highly potent forms of cannabis where the cannabinoids have been extracted from the plant matter. Types of concentrates include hash, shatter, rosin, live resin, and more. They’re often used by experienced consumers seeking a more intense experience.
Delta 8
Delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis that’s known for producing a milder high compared to Delta 9 THC. It’s becoming increasingly popular in products like edibles and vapes. Its rise in popularity underscores the growing interest in lesser-known cannabinoids.
Dispensary
A dispensary is a retail store where cannabis and cannabis products are sold, either for medical or recreational use depending on local laws. Stepping into a dispensary can feel like entering a candy store for cannabis fans, with an array of products to choose from.
Distillate
Distillate refers to a highly refined cannabis extract often used in edibles and vape cartridges. The distillate process removes impurities, leaving a high concentration of cannabinoids. This purity makes it a favorite among consumers seeking potent effects.
Edibles
Edibles are food or drink products that have been infused with cannabis. They offer an alternative method of consumption for those who prefer not to smoke or vaporize. From gummies to brownies, edibles offer a potent and long-lasting high.
Flower
In the context of cannabis, flower refers to the smokable part of the cannabis plant that has been harvested, dried, and cured. Nothing beats the simple pleasure of breaking apart a beautiful, fragrant flower, ready to be enjoyed.
Ganja
The term ganja often stirs up images of reggae music and Rastafarian culture. But what is ganja exactly? In essence, ganja is a term used to refer to marijuana. It’s a word that has deep roots in the Hindi language and has been adopted by various cultures around the world. The term ganja is also often associated with reggae culture, leading to it being sometimes referred to as Reggae weed. The marijuana etymology is diverse, with terms like ganja providing evidence of the global influence of this plant.
Genotype
The genotype of a cannabis plant refers to its genetic makeup. This determines potential characteristics the plant could express, including its growth rate, disease resistance, and cannabinoid content. Genotype is like the blueprint of a cannabis plant, guiding its growth and development.
HHC
HHC stands for hexahydrocannabinol, a synthetic cannabinoid that’s similar to THC but is made from hemp-derived CBD. It’s known for producing psychoactive effects. The existence of cannabinoids like HHC highlights the incredible chemical diversity of cannabis.
Half Ounce of Weed
A half ounce of weed typically refers to 14 grams of dried cannabis flower. It’s a common quantity for cannabis sales. It’s also a perfect amount for a casual consumer, lasting a good while without overstocking.
Hemp
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is defined in the U.S. as having less than 0.3% THC. It’s one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. From smokeable hemp flower to textiles and biofuel, hemp’s versatility makes it a truly remarkable plant.
Hybrid
A hybrid refers to a cannabis plant that’s genetically a mix of both Indica and Sativa strains. Hybrids can occur naturally, but most are man-made and are bred for specific effects. The selection of hybrids today means there’s a strain out there for everyone.
Indica
Indica is one of the primary types of cannabis. Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. Perfect for a night in, Indica strains are like the comfort food of cannabis.
Kief
Kief is the term for the resinous trichomes of cannabis that fall off the buds. These trichomes contain high amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes, making kief very potent.
Kief Catcher
A kief catcher is a component of a grinder that collects the small, potent crystals that fall off cannabis flowers, known as kief. It’s like a treasure chest, collecting the precious kief for you to enjoy later.
Kief Grinder
A kief grinder is a type of grinder with a compartment to collect kief, the potent trichomes that fall off cannabis flowers during grinding. This added feature turns your grinder into a two-in-one tool, grinding your weed and saving your kief.
Kush
So you searched for, “What is kush?”, and you’re about to learn! Kush is a specific strain of cannabis that originates from the Hindu Kush mountains stretching across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The unique kush taste and effects of kush are what sets it apart from other strains. The name ‘Kush’ itself has become synonymous with quality, representing top-tier strains.
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate that’s made using a technique that takes freshly harvested cannabis and freezes it to subcritical temperatures before the extraction process. This method captures the plant’s original flavor and fragrance profiles, providing a full-bodied cannabis extract.
Marijuana
Marijuana is often referred to as cannabis, especially varieties of the plant cultivated for their high THC content and intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. Despite its controversial history, marijuana has inspired a vibrant culture and a passionate community of consumers and advocates.
Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana refers to the use of the cannabis plant or its basic extracts as a form of medicine. It’s often prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, nausea, and epilepsy. The growing acceptance of medical marijuana represents a significant shift in how society views cannabis.
Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene found in cannabis that’s known for its fruity scent and potential relaxation and anti-inflammatory effects. Next time you enjoy a strain high in myrcene, take a moment to appreciate its subtle fruity aromas.
PHC
PHC, or Hydrox4phc, is a synthetic derivative of THC. It has sparked a lot of interest in the hemp market recently because it can be synthesized from THC derived from hemp. Despite being discovered decades ago, PHC is still largely unexplored, adding an element of mystery to it. Its rarity within the portfolio of cannabinoids can make it a difficult find for cannabis connoisseurs.
PHO
Propane Hash Oil is a form of cannabis concentrate often referred to by its acronym PHO. The PHO meaning can be traced back to the method used in its creation: PHO extraction. This method utilizes propane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, terpenes, and other compounds from the cannabis plant. The result of this extraction method is a potent and pure product known as propane hash oil.
Phenotype
The phenotype of a cannabis plant refers to the physical characteristics that the plant expresses, which are determined by both its genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental influences. Much like humans, every cannabis plant is unique, each with its own set of characteristics.
Rosin
Rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate that’s made using heat and pressure to squeeze the resinous trichomes from the cannabis flower. It’s known for its potency and terpene content. Making rosin is like squeezing the best out of cannabis, literally!
RSO Oil
RSO oil, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a high-THC cannabis extract named after the medical marijuana activist who popularized it. It’s often consumed for medicinal purposes.
Sativa
Sativa is one of the primary types of cannabis. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energetic effects. Sativas are often compared to a cup of coffee, perfect for when you need a boost of energy and creativity.
Shake Weed
Shake weed refers to the small pieces of cannabis flower that break off of larger buds, often found at the bottom of a container of cannabis. While it may not look as appealing as full buds, shake weed can still provide a potent high and is often cheaper than full buds.
Solvent
In the context of cannabis, a solvent is a substance used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant in the production of concentrates. Common solvents include alcohol, propane, butane, and CO2, each resulting in different extraction outcomes.
Solventless
Solventless refers to a method of extracting cannabis concentrates without the use of a solvent. Examples of solventless concentrates include rosin, ice hash, and dry sift hash. Solventless techniques are praised for preserving the natural flavors and aromas of the cannabis plant.
Strain
A strain refers to a specific variety of cannabis, bred for particular characteristics such as potency, terpene profile, or growth pattern. Strains are like the different breeds of dogs, each with its own unique traits and personality.
THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s most responsible for the “high” that consumers experience. THC is usually considered the star player of the cannabis team, often stealing the spotlight with its potent effects, but other cannabinoids and terpenes also influence the effects of cannabis.
THCP
THCP, or tetrahydrocannabiphorol, is a cannabinoid that’s structurally similar to THC but has a longer alkyl side chain. This difference could potentially result in stronger effects. The discovery of THCP is a reminder that we’re still just scratching the surface of understanding cannabis.
Terpene
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute to the scent and flavor of different cannabis strains, and may also have therapeutic properties. Terpenes are like the spice rack of cannabis, adding depth and complexity to every cannabis strain.
Tincture
A tincture is a type of cannabis extract that’s intended for oral consumption. Tinctures are typically alcohol-based and are often administered under the tongue. They offer a discreet and precise way to consume cannabis, making them a great choice for both new and experienced consumers.
Trichome
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like appendages on the cannabis plant that produce and hold the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. Under a microscope, trichomes look like a forest of crystal mushrooms, a sight to behold!
Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device used to consume cannabis by heating it to a temperature that causes its cannabinoids and terpenes to evaporate into a vapor, which is then inhaled. Vaporizers offer a smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis, ideal for those who may not want to smoke.
Weed
Weed is a slang term for cannabis. It refers to the dried flowers of the cannabis plant, which are often smoked or vaporized for their psychoactive effects. Despite its humble nickname, weed is one of the most common slag phrases for cannabis.
Weed Eyes
Weed eyes is a phrase used to describe the redness and dryness that often occur in the eyes after consuming cannabis, due to its effect of reducing intraocular pressure. Don’t worry though, a few eye drops can easily remedy this side effect!