Cannabis Glossary

Cannabis culture code. Originated from high schoolers meeting at 4:20 PM. April 20th is 'weed day.'

The most common connection type for vape cartridges and batteries. An industry standard.

Cannabis concentrate culture code. 710 upside down spells 'OIL.' July 10th is 'dab day.'

Cannabis plants that flower based on age rather than light cycle. Typically faster growing and easier for beginners.

A quartz, titanium, or ceramic dish on a dab rig where concentrates are vaporized.

A specific production lot of cannabis products, identified by a unique number for tracking and testing.

The percentage of cannabinoids that reach your bloodstream. Varies by consumption method.

Cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf or cigar wrap. Adds nicotine to the experience.

Physical sensations from cannabis—relaxation, heaviness, or tingling throughout the body.

A water pipe used for smoking cannabis. Water cools and filters the smoke.

The part of a pipe where cannabis is packed. Also slang for a single serving/session.

Products with multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but with THC removed. Middle ground between full spectrum and isolate.

Slang for cannabis flower. The smokeable part of the plant containing cannabinoids and terpenes.

A cannabis retail employee who helps customers select products. Like a bartender for cannabis.

Chemical compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Over 100 found in cannabis, including THC and CBD.

A genus of flowering plants including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Used for recreational, medicinal, and industrial purposes.

Pre-filled container of cannabis oil designed for vape pens. Most use standard 510 thread connection.

Spicy, peppery terpene. Unique in that it also binds to CB2 receptors like a cannabinoid.

Cannabinoid receptors primarily in the brain and nervous system. THC binds here to produce psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoid receptors primarily in immune system and peripheral tissues. Associated with anti-inflammatory effects.

Cannabichromene. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.

Cannabidiol. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential therapeutic benefits. Does not cause a 'high.'

Cannabidiolic acid. The raw, non-decarboxylated form of CBD found in fresh cannabis.

Cannabigerol. A minor cannabinoid that's the precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC. Sometimes called the 'mother cannabinoid.'

Cannabinol. A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed when THC ages. Often associated with sedative effects.

Slang for smoking cannabis, or taking multiple hits without passing.

A cutting taken from a mother plant. Genetically identical to the parent, ensuring consistent traits.

Certificate of Analysis. Lab test results showing cannabinoid content, terpenes, and safety screenings.

Potent cannabis extracts with high cannabinoid content (60-90%+). Includes wax, shatter, rosin, and oils.

Dry mouth caused by cannabinoids affecting salivary glands. Stay hydrated!

Slang for extreme physical relaxation making it difficult to move. Associated with high-THC indicas.

The technically correct term for cannabis varieties. Refers to plants cultivated for specific traits.

The process of slowly drying harvested cannabis to improve flavor, smoothness, and potency.

A dose of cannabis concentrate, or the act of vaporizing concentrates on a heated surface.

A water pipe designed for vaporizing concentrates. Uses a heated 'nail' or 'banger' instead of a bowl.

High-quality, potent cannabis. Originally meant 'unpleasantly damp' but now means excellent.

The process of applying heat to convert THCa to THC (and CBDa to CBD). Happens when smoking, vaping, or cooking.

A less potent THC variant occurring naturally in small amounts. Often synthesized from CBD. Legal status varies.

The most common and potent form of THC. This is what's typically meant when people say 'THC.'

A licensed retail location where cannabis products can be legally purchased.

Highly refined cannabis oil, often 90%+ THC or CBD. Terpenes typically removed during processing.

How long cannabis effects last. Ranges from 1-3 hours (smoking) to 4-8 hours (edibles).

Food or drink infused with cannabis. Effects take 30-90 minutes to onset and last 4-8 hours.

Body's internal system of receptors (CB1, CB2) that interact with cannabinoids. Regulates mood, pain, sleep, and more.

Theory that cannabis compounds work synergistically, producing effects greater than any single compound alone.

A feeling of intense happiness or well-being. A common positive effect of THC.

Slang for excellent, top-quality cannabis.

The dried, cured buds of the female cannabis plant. The most traditional form of cannabis consumption.

Products containing all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant. Maximizes entourage effect.

The genetic makeup of a cannabis plant. Determines potential traits, expressed through phenotype.

Overconsumption of cannabis causing nausea, anxiety, dizziness, or paranoia. Unpleasant but not dangerous.

Compressed cannabis resin (trichomes). Ancient form of concentrate, made without solvents.

Mental effects from cannabis—altered perception, creativity, euphoria, or cerebral stimulation.

Cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC. Legal federally in the US since 2018 Farm Bill. Used for CBD products, fiber, and seeds.

Cannabis bred from both indica and sativa genetics. Most modern strains are hybrids.

Historically, short, bushy cannabis plants from the Hindu Kush region. Associated with relaxing effects, though this is debated.

A pre-roll enhanced with concentrates like kief, wax, or distillate for higher potency.

Producing impairment. THC is intoxicating; CBD and most other cannabinoids are not.

Pure, isolated cannabinoid (usually CBD). 99%+ pure with no other compounds. No entourage effect.

Cannabis rolled in paper. The classic method of consumption.

Collected trichome heads, typically from a grinder's screen. Very potent and can be pressed into hash.

Citrus-scented terpene. Associated with uplifting, energizing effects. Also found in lemon rinds.

Floral, lavender-scented terpene. Associated with calming, anti-anxiety effects.

Concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, preserving more terpenes than dried flower extracts.

Slang for potent, aromatic cannabis that 'announces' itself through smell.

Common name for cannabis plants and products with psychoactive THC levels above 0.3%. Also spelled 'marihuana' in some legal contexts.

Cannabis used with a doctor's recommendation for treating medical conditions. Requires a medical card in most states.

Taking very small amounts (1-5mg THC) for subtle effects without significant impairment.

Medium-quality cannabis. Not top-shelf, but not schwag either.

Medical marijuana card. State-issued identification allowing purchase of medical cannabis products.

A cannabis plant kept in vegetative state indefinitely to produce clones.

Increased appetite caused by THC. One of the most common side effects of cannabis use.

The most common cannabis terpene. Earthy, musky aroma. Associated with relaxing, sedating effects.

A small, dense piece of cannabis flower. Quality nugs are typically well-trimmed and covered in trichomes.

The time it takes for cannabis effects to begin. Varies by consumption method.

The point of maximum effect intensity. Usually 15-30 min for inhalation, 2-4 hours for edibles.

A feature in bongs that further filters and cools smoke through additional water chambers.

Growing multiple seeds of a strain to find exceptional phenotypes for future cultivation.

Physical expression of genetics in a plant. Different phenotypes of the same strain can vary significantly.

Cannabis plants that flower in response to light cycle changes. Require 12 hours darkness to trigger flowering.

Pine-scented terpene. May promote alertness and memory retention. Found in pine needles.

Classic slang for cannabis, derived from 'potiguaya' (Mexican Spanish for cannabis).

A pre-made cannabis joint, ready to smoke. May contain flower alone or be infused with concentrates.

Affecting the mind. THC is psychoactive (produces a 'high'); CBD is non-psychoactive.

The etiquette of taking two hits then passing to the next person in rotation.

Adult-use cannabis, purchased without a medical recommendation. Legal for 21+ in many US states.

Bloodshot eyes caused by THC lowering blood pressure and dilating blood vessels.

Solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. No chemicals used.

Rick Simpson Oil. A full-extract cannabis oil, typically very potent. Named after its creator.

A cannabis subspecies known for auto-flowering trait. Low THC but used in breeding autoflower varieties.

Historically, tall cannabis plants from equatorial regions. Associated with energizing effects, though this is debated.

Tracking systems that follow cannabis from cultivation through retail, required in legal markets for compliance.

A cannabis smoking session, often social.

A hard, glass-like cannabis concentrate. Known for its translucent appearance and high potency.

A specific variety of cannabis with distinct characteristics. More accurately called 'cultivar' or 'chemovar.'

Administration method placing product under the tongue. Faster absorption than swallowing.

Tolerance break. A period of abstaining from cannabis to reset tolerance and restore receptor sensitivity.

Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Responsible for distinctive smells and may influence effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the 'high' feeling.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. The non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. Converts to THC when heated.

Liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol or oil-based. Taken sublingually (under tongue) for faster absorption.

Reduced response to cannabis with regular use. CB1 receptors downregulate with repeated THC exposure.

The highest quality cannabis available, typically displayed on the top shelf in dispensaries.

Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, or patches applied to skin. Provides localized relief without psychoactive effects.

Products (usually patches) that deliver cannabinoids through skin into bloodstream. Can produce systemic effects.

Tiny, crystal-like glands on cannabis flowers containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Key indicator of potency.

The small leaves trimmed from cannabis buds after harvest. Contains cannabinoids and is often used for extracts.

Device that heats cannabis (flower or oil) to vaporization point without combustion. Considered less harsh than smoking.

A soft, opaque cannabis concentrate with a waxy texture. Made through various extraction methods.

Common slang for cannabis. One of the most widely used terms.