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Welcome to the world of cannabis—where there’s always something new to discover, whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around a dispensary! This glossary is your guide to unlocking the language of cannabis, filled with essential terms, surprising facts, and insider knowledge that even seasoned fans might not know.
Curious about the difference between indica and sativa? Wondering how to get the best experience with concentrates like dabs or vape? Or maybe you’ve heard people throw around words like “420” and “kush” and want the story behind them. Whatever you’re looking to learn, this guide will make navigating the cannabis world feel effortless and exciting.
Key Cannabis Plant Terms
Cannabis
The overarching plant species that includes both hemp and marijuana. Cannabis contains numerous cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which contribute to its diverse effects and applications.
Hemp
The non-euphoric variety of cannabis that contains little or no THC. By legal definition in the United States and Canada, hemp may contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. Unlike cannabis, which is derived from the female plant, hemp is typically grown from male plants.
Marijuana
The term given to cannabis in the early 20th century by prohibitionist forces within the United States government and big business that was intent on outlawing the plant. The term was derived from the Mexican “marihuana” (either accidentally or purposely misspelled) and was used to deceive the public, which was already very familiar with the term “cannabis.”
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for creating a euphoric effect or “high.” It is responsible for many of the psychological effects associated with cannabis use.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
This cannabinoid is known to effectively treat inflammation, pain, and anxiety—but delivers no euphoric “high” like THC. CBD has value in treating conditions such as epilepsy, where it significantly reduces and sometimes even eliminates seizures.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its distinctive smell and may also affect its therapeutic effects. Each strain has a unique terpene profile, which can influence the overall experience.
Flavonoids
Compounds that contribute to the color and flavor of cannabis. Some research suggests they may also offer health benefits, potentially enhancing the effects of cannabinoids.
Consumption Methods
Smoking
The traditional method of inhaling cannabis by burning it, typically in a joint, blunt, or pipe. Smoking provides quick effects due to the rapid absorption of cannabinoids through the lungs.
Vaping
Inhaling vaporized cannabis using a vaporizer. This method is often considered smoother and potentially less harmful than smoking due to lower temperatures, which may reduce exposure to harmful byproducts.
Dabbing
Inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates (e.g., wax or shatter) using a dab rig. Known for providing potent effects quickly, dabbing is favored by experienced consumers.
Edibles
Foods and beverages infused with cannabis. Edibles take longer to produce effects as they are digested, but are known for their potency and duration, often providing a stronger, longer-lasting effect.
Tinctures
Liquid cannabis extracts taken under the tongue (sublingually) for faster absorption into the bloodstream. Tinctures offer a discreet and controlled way to consume cannabis.
Topicals
Cannabis-infused creams, balms, and lotions applied to the skin for localized relief without psychoactive effects. Commonly used for pain relief and inflammation in targeted areas.
Pre-roll
A cannabis cigarette, or “joint,” that is sold by many dispensaries and compassion clubs (typically for patients and customers who do not know how to roll joints or prefer not to).
Popular Cannabis Strains
Sativa
The common reference for cannabis sativa, one of the three species of cannabis. This variety is characterized by an energetic, euphoric “head high” that is more cerebral than body-oriented. Sativa strains are well suited for helping patients deal with depression and fatigue and suppress appetite (the opposite of “the munchies” that are experienced by indica users).
Indica
The common reference for cannabis indica, one of the three species of cannabis. This species delivers a relaxing body high and is effective in treating pain and providing relaxation and relief from stress or anxiety. Indica strains are often known for their sedative effects (“couchlock”), especially when a large quantity is consumed.
Hybrid
A cannabis plant that is a cross of two or more different strains. Hybrids are created to combine the best traits of two or more strains to create a more effective medicine or a more potent, pleasant, or long-lasting high.
Famous Strains
OG
A label used to describe a family of cannabis strains originating in Southern California. “OG” stands for “ocean grown.” Most OG strains available today are variations of the original OG Kush, which helped make the West Coast a mecca for medical and recreational cannabis.
Blue Dream
A sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a mellow, creative boost, popular among daytime users for its smooth and enjoyable effects.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
A hybrid strain loved for its balanced euphoric and relaxing effects, making it suitable for both recreational and therapeutic use.
Dosage and Effects
Microdosing
Consuming small, controlled amounts of cannabis to achieve subtle effects without getting high. Often used for therapeutic purposes to enhance focus or reduce anxiety.
Macrodosing
Ingesting larger amounts of cannabis, often used by experienced consumers or for therapeutic purposes that require a more intense effect.
Psychoactive
Compounds, such as THC, that affect mood, perception, and cognition, resulting in a “high.” Psychoactive effects vary depending on the strain and individual tolerance.
Non-Psychoactive
Compounds like CBD that may offer therapeutic effects without altering one’s mental state, making them popular for medicinal purposes.
Common Cannabis Accessories
Bongs
Water pipes used for smoking cannabis. They filter the smoke through water, which can create a smoother inhalation experience, often reducing harshness.
Pipes
Small, portable devices for smoking cannabis without water filtration. Often made of glass, metal, or wood, they are convenient for on-the-go use.
Grinders
Tools used to break down cannabis buds into smaller pieces, making them easier to roll or pack in smoking devices. Grinders can enhance the consistency and burn quality of cannabis.
Rolling Papers
Thin papers used to roll cannabis into a joint. They come in various materials like hemp, rice, or even cellulose, catering to different preferences.
Vaporizers
Devices that heat cannabis at lower temperatures, releasing vapor instead of smoke. Vaporizers are popular for their smoother inhalation and reduced harshness, offering a more controlled experience.
Legal and Industry Terms
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis prescribed by a doctor for health conditions, often with stricter regulations and a focus on therapeutic benefits for patients.
Recreational Cannabis
Cannabis used for enjoyment or relaxation, available to adults in states and countries where it is legal.
Dispensary
A business or non-profit retail location where patients (and sometimes recreational users) can gain consultation from an expert (called a budtender), select, and purchase cannabis.
Budtender
A dispensary employee knowledgeable about cannabis products and ready to help customers find what they need based on their preferences and desired effects.
Collective
A cooperative group focused on providing medical cannabis to its members, often with a focus on affordability and accessibility.
Cultivation
The process of growing cannabis plants, whether indoors or outdoors, using various techniques to maximize yield and quality.
Extraction
Techniques used to isolate specific compounds from cannabis, such as THC or CBD, to create concentrates, oils, and edibles for different uses.
Cannabis Culture Terms
420
A widely recognized code for cannabis culture, often associated with April 20th, a day celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts around the world.
710
Refers to cannabis oils and extracts. The numbers spell “OIL” upside down, symbolizing the concentrate community and its emphasis on oil-based products.
Dank
Slang for high-quality, potent cannabis, typically used to describe strains with a strong aroma and desirable effects.
Flower
The dried, harvested bud of the cannabis plant that is ready for use, whether smoked, vaporized, or made into edibles.
Kush
Cannabis plants from the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush varieties are indicas and are most effective for fighting pain, appetite stimulation, and use as a sedative. Many kush strains feature an earthy or citrus aroma.
Bud
Another term for cannabis flower, the part of the plant containing the most cannabinoids and terpenes, prized for its potency and effects. The bud of the plant is most desired and provides the greatest value to medical and recreational users alike.
Pot
Slang for “marijuana” or “cannabis.” Possibly the most common reference for the recreational variety of the plant in the United States. In the U.K. and Europe, “cannabis” is the most common label.
Weed
Slang term for “cannabis” or “marijuana.” Low-quality examples are labeled “dirtweed” or “brickweed.”
Cannabis Concentrates
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
An extraction, or concentrate, created by immersing cannabis in a solvent (in this case, butane), resulting in a very potent oil that contains high levels of THC. Also known as a “dab,” different varieties of BHO include “honey oil,” “earwax,” and “shatter.”
Hash
Short for hashish, this is a form of cannabis concentrate that is significantly more potent than regular marijuana flowers and has been employed by humans for thousands of years.
Kief
Resinous trichomes that have been extracted, or collected, from a female cannabis plant. Unlike hash, kief is not pressed, but rather loose (a powder). In this respect, hash and kief are nearly identical. Kief is one of the most easily created extracts of cannabis and can be created by gently rubbing cannabis flowers over a screen that features a collection plate below to capture the trichomes. Like hash, kief is much more potent than raw cannabis flowers.
Rosin
Rosin is concentrated cannabis oil extracted without the use of solvents. Heat and pressure are applied until the oil is extracted from the cannabis plant.
Shatter
A specialized form of BHO (Butane Hash Oil) that is characterized by a rigid, stiff form and is similar to wax (another form of BHO). Some manufacturers and gardeners prefer sativa strains for the creation of shatter.
