From A to THC: Your Essential Glossary of Cannabis Terminology
The cannabis industry has burgeoned into a multi-billion dollar enterprise over the past few decades. As legalization spreads across various states and countries, the conversation around cannabis has intensified, drawing in a range of audiences from medical patients seeking relief to recreational users exploring new horizons. However, the sheer volume of terminology associated with cannabis can be overwhelming. To simplify matters, we’ve compiled an essential glossary of cannabis terminology, covering everything from A to THC, ensuring you have a comprehensive reference guide at your disposal.
A
indica
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. Perfect for evening use, they help to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Grown in cooler climates, Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier, with broad leaves.
Sativa
Sativa strains, on the other hand, tend to have uplifting and energizing effects. They are ideal for daytime use, often enhancing creativity and focus. These plants are typically taller and slimmer, adapted to warmer climates.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains result from the crossbreeding of Indica and Sativa plants. Their effects vary based on which parent strain is dominant. Hybrids can be Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, or balanced, providing users with varying experiences.
B
Bud
In cannabis terminology, "bud" refers to the flowering part of the plant, which is harvested for its psychoactive properties. This is the part most often sought after by users for consumption in various forms.
Blunt
A blunt is a cannabis cigar made by rolling marijuana in a tobacco leaf or cigar paper. Blunts typically have a slower burn compared to joints and offer a unique flavor due to the tobacco casing.
Borosilicate Glass
This type of glass is frequently used for cannabis products, including bongs and pipes, due to its resistance to thermal shock and durability.
C
Concentrates
Concentrates are potent forms of cannabis that have had much of their plant material removed. Products such as oils, waxes, shatters, and tinctures fall into this category, offering enhanced potency and targeted effects.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Known for its therapeutic properties, CBD is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate anxiety without producing the "high" commonly associated with THC.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It is responsible for the euphoric effects experienced by users. In addition to recreational use, THC is often used medically to manage pain, nausea, and appetite loss.
D
Dabbing
Dabbing involves vaporizing a small amount of cannabis concentrate on a heated surface and inhaling the vapor. This method delivers a potent dose of THC quickly and has become popular due to the intense effects it produces.
Decarb
Decarboxylation, or "decarb," is the process of heating cannabis to activate its psychoactive properties. This is essential for making edibles and other infused products.
Delicacy
Cannabis delicacies refer to gourmet food products that are infused with cannabis. Common forms include chocolates, gummies, and baked goods.
E
Edibles
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis, allowing users to consume THC or CBD in a tasty form. They can take longer to take effect compared to smoking but often provide a more sustained high.
Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors in the human body that interacts with cannabinoids. This system plays a crucial role in regulating various functions, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation.
F
Flower
Flower refers to the raw, unprocessed buds of the cannabis plant. This is the most common form of cannabis sold in dispensaries, and it is typically smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs.
Fragrance
The fragrance of cannabis refers to its unique smell, which can vary greatly depending on the strain and its terpenes. A strain’s scent contributes to its market appeal and can indicate its flavor profile and effects.
G
Ganja
A colloquial term for cannabis, originating from Jamaica, where it is often associated with Rastafarian culture.
Grow Room
A grow room is a controlled environment for cultivating cannabis plants. These spaces often utilize artificial lighting, temperature control, and humidity management to optimize plant growth.
H
Hash
Hash is a concentrated form of cannabis made by collecting and compressing the trichomes (the tiny, resinous glands) from the plant. It is typically more potent than flower and can be smoked, vaporized, or used in edibles.
Hemp
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very low levels of THC (typically below 0.3%). It is used for various industrial purposes, including textiles, paper, and biodiesel production.
I
Infused
Infused refers to products that have been made by combining cannabis with another substance, often for the purpose of consumption. Examples include infused oils, butters, and drinks.
Isolate
Cannabis isolate is a pure form of a cannabinoid, typically devoid of other compounds. For instance, CBD isolate includes only CBD, without other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant materials.
J
Joint
A joint is a rolled cigarette containing cannabis flower. It is one of the most popular methods for consuming cannabis due to its simplicity and ease of use.
Jiggle
Used as slang in certain cannabis communities to describe the act of shaking a bag of buds, typically to assess the quality or to create keef (the sweet resin that falls off the buds).
K
Kief
Kief refers to the trichomes collected from the surface of cannabis buds. It can be enjoyed on its own or pressed to make hash and often enhances the potency of joints or bowls when sprinkled on top.
Kush
Kush is a term used to refer to a variety of cannabis strains that originated from the Hindu Kush mountain range. Known for their exceptional quality and unique flavors, Kush strains often provide a deeply relaxing experience.
L
Lifter
A lifter is slang for a Sativa strain known for its uplifting effects, making users feel invigorated and energized.
Loud
"Loud" is a term used to describe particularly pungent cannabis with a strong odor. It often indicates high-quality flower and is favored by connoisseurs.
M
Microdosing
Microdosing involves consuming a very small amount of cannabis to experience subtle effects without getting high. It is often practiced for therapeutic purposes, enabling users to enjoy the benefits without impairment.
Moon Rocks
Moon Rocks are a cannabis product created by dipping a nugget of flower in hash oil or cannabis concentrate and rolling it in kief. This offers exceptionally high THC content and potent effects.
N
Nug
A "nug" refers to a single bud of cannabis flower. Users often evaluate nugs based on size, appearance, and density.
Neuron
Cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system that bind with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These receptors are crucial in the endocannabinoid system’s regulation of various bodily functions.
O
Oil
Cannabis oil is an extract that often contains high levels of THC or CBD. It can be consumed directly, vaporized, or used in edibles. Oils can vary in their consistency and potency.
Ounces
Measuring cannabis by ounces is common in the industry. There are 28 grams in an ounce, and this is a standard quantity sold in dispensaries.
P
Potency
Potency refers to the strength of cannabis, often measured by its percentage of THC. Higher potency cannabis is typically sought after for stronger effects.
Pipeline
The "pipeline" is a term referring to the supply chain of cannabis from cultivation to retail. It helps in tracking the journey of the product and ensuring quality control.
Q
Quarantine
In the cannabis industry, quarantine can refer to the period when newly grown plants are separated to ensure they are free of pests or disease before joining the main crop.
R
RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a cannabis concentrate created to provide high levels of THC, often used for medicinal purposes, particularly cancer treatment.
Resin
Resin refers to the sticky substance produced by cannabis plants containing cannabinoids and terpenes. It can be collected and used for various forms of consumption.
S
Strain
A strain is a specific variety of cannabis, each with its unique chemical and genetic profile. Strains are often labelled Indica, Sativa, or hybrid and can have distinct flavors and effects.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and scent. They also hold therapeutic properties and can influence the effects of different strains.
T
Tincture
A tincture is a cannabis extract made by soaking the plant in alcohol or glycerin. Tinctures are typically consumed sublingually (under the tongue), allowing for quicker absorption.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused products, such as creams or balms, designed for external use. They provide localized relief without producing a psychoactive effect.
U
Uplifting
An uplifting effect refers to the energizing and mood-enhancing sensations often associated with Sativa strains or certain hybrids.
V
Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device that heats cannabis to a temperature where active compounds are released as vapor without combustion. This method is often considered healthier than smoking.
Vaping
Vaping is a method of consuming cannabis using a vaporizer. It allows for a safer inhalation method compared to traditional smoking.
W
Wax
Wax is a form of cannabis concentrate that is soft and waxy in texture. It contains high concentrations of THC and can be consumed through dabbing or vaporizing.
Weed
"Weed" is a common colloquial term used to refer to marijuana. This informal term permeates popular culture and is widely recognized beyond the cannabis community.
X
Xtract
Xtract is slang for a cannabis extract that includes oils, waxes, and other concentrated forms. This term is often used interchangeably with "concentrates."
Y
Yield
Yield refers to the amount of cannabis produced by a plant or a grow operation. This can be measured in grams, ounces, or pounds.
Z
Zoning Laws
Zoning laws refer to local regulations that dictate where cannabis can be cultivated, sold, or consumed. These rules vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and can affect access to cannabis.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Indica and Sativa?
Indica strains are typically associated with relaxing and sedative effects, making them ideal for nighttime use. Sativa strains are more energizing and uplifting, suitable for daytime consumption.
2. What does THC stand for?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the "high" effect.
3. What are edibles?
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis, allowing users to consume THC or CBD without smoking. They can include gummies, chocolates, and baked goods.
4. How do I know my cannabis strain’s potency?
Potency is typically measured by its THC content percentage, which is often available on packaging from dispensaries.
5. What is microdosing?
Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming small amounts of cannabis to achieve therapeutic effects without the psychoactive high.
6. What are concentrates?
Concentrates are potent forms of cannabis that have had much of their plant material removed. They include oils, waxes, and shatters.
7. How does the endocannabinoid system work?
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors in the body that interacts with cannabinoids, helping regulate various physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain.
In conclusion, understanding cannabis terminology is key to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of this plant. We hope this glossary helps you feel more informed as you explore the world of cannabis. Whether for medical purposes or recreational enjoyment, a solid grasp of cannabis terms will enhance your experience and connection with this powerful and versatile plant.
