Cannabis Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to cannabis terminology. From basic slang to scientific terms, learn the language of the cannabis world.
Showing 84 of 84 terms
4
420
Universal code for cannabis culture, celebrated on April 20th. Originated in California in 1971 when a group of high school students would meet at 4:20 PM.
7
710
Cannabis concentrate day, celebrated on July 10th. "710" spells "OIL" upside down. Similar to 420 but focused on extracts and dabs.
A
Aeroponics
A cultivation method where plant roots hang in air and are misted with nutrient-rich water. Promotes faster growth and larger yields.
B
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
Cannabis concentrate made using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Must be properly purged of residual solvents.
Blunt
Cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf wrap or cigar paper. Larger than joints and burns slower. The tobacco adds a buzz.
Bong
Water pipe used for smoking cannabis. Water filters and cools the smoke for smoother hits.
Broad Spectrum
Cannabis extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC completely removed. Provides entourage effect without THC.
Budder
Cannabis concentrate with a creamy, butter-like consistency. Made by whipping extract during purging process.
Budtender
Dispensary employee who helps customers select products, provides information, and makes recommendations.
C
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Includes THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and 100+ others.
Cannabis
The plant genus that includes marijuana and hemp. Contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
Carb Cap
Tool used when dabbing to cover the banger/nail, restricting airflow and lowering the vaporization temperature for better flavor.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for potential therapeutic benefits including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and pain relief properties.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
The "mother cannabinoid" from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Non-intoxicating with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Cannabinoid formed when THC ages/oxidizes. Mildly psychoactive with sedative properties. Often marketed for sleep.
Clone
A cutting taken from a mother cannabis plant that will grow into a genetically identical copy. Ensures consistent traits.
CO2 Extraction
Method of extracting cannabinoids using pressurized carbon dioxide. Considered cleaner than solvent-based methods.
Cola
The flowering top of a female cannabis plant where buds cluster together. The main cola is at the top of the plant.
Concentrate
Potent cannabis extract with high cannabinoid content (50-90%+). Includes wax, shatter, rosin, live resin, etc.
Cottonmouth
Dry mouth caused by cannabis use. THC affects saliva production. Stay hydrated!
Cross/Crossbreed
A new cannabis strain created by breeding two different parent strains together.
Cultivar
The proper botanical term for what is commonly called a "strain." A cultivated variety of cannabis.
Curing
The process of slowly drying harvested cannabis in controlled conditions to preserve cannabinoids, terpenes, and improve smoothness.
D
Dabbing
Method of consuming concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface (usually quartz, titanium, or ceramic) and inhaling.
Dab Rig
Specialized water pipe designed for consuming concentrates. Uses a nail or banger heated with a torch.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids. Converts THCA to THC and CBDA to CBD. Essential for edibles.
Dispensary
Licensed retail location where cannabis products are legally sold to consumers.
Distillate
Highly refined cannabis oil that has been purified to contain mostly THC or CBD. Often 90%+ purity. Flavorless.
Doobie
Slang term for a cannabis joint.
E
Edibles
Cannabis-infused food and beverages. Effects take longer to onset (30-120 min) but last longer (4-8+ hours).
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Biological system in humans and animals that interacts with cannabinoids. Regulates sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and more.
Entourage Effect
Theory that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation. Cannabinoids and terpenes synergize for enhanced effects.
Extraction
The process of separating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material to create concentrates.
F
Feminized Seeds
Cannabis seeds bred to produce only female plants, which are the ones that produce smokable flowers.
Flower
The dried, cured buds of the female cannabis plant. The most common form of cannabis consumed.
Flowering Stage
The phase of cannabis growth when the plant produces buds. Triggered by light cycle changes (12/12 hours light/dark).
Full Spectrum
Extract containing the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant, including THC.
G
Ganja
Slang term for cannabis, derived from the Hindi word for hemp. Commonly used in Jamaican culture.
Grinder
Tool used to break down cannabis flower into smaller pieces for easier consumption. Many have kief catchers.
H
Hash/Hashish
Traditional concentrate made by collecting and pressing trichomes (kief) into a solid block. One of the oldest forms of concentrate.
Hemp
Cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC. Used for CBD products, fiber, seeds, and industrial purposes. Federally legal in the US.
Hybrid
Cannabis strain that is a genetic cross between indica and sativa varieties. Most modern strains are hybrids.
Hydroponics
Method of growing cannabis in water with dissolved nutrients instead of soil. Allows precise nutrient control.
I
Indica
Cannabis variety traditionally associated with relaxing, sedating effects. Typically shorter plants with broader leaves. Effects vary by strain.
Isolate
Pure, single cannabinoid extract (usually CBD or THC) with all other compounds removed. Typically 99%+ purity.
J
Joint
Cannabis rolled in thin paper, often with a filter/crutch. The most iconic way to consume cannabis.
K
Kief
The collection of loose trichomes that fall off cannabis flower. Powdery and potent. Collected in grinder screens.
Kush
Family of cannabis strains originating from the Hindu Kush mountain region. Known for earthy, piney flavors and potent effects.
L
Landrace
Original, pure cannabis strains that developed naturally in specific geographic regions. Examples: Afghan, Thai, Durban Poison.
Live Resin
Concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants (not dried). Preserves full terpene profile for exceptional flavor.
Live Rosin
Solventless concentrate made by pressing fresh-frozen cannabis with heat and pressure. Premium product combining live resin quality with rosin purity.
M
Marijuana
Common term for cannabis, particularly THC-rich varieties. Derived from Mexican Spanish.
Microdosing
Consuming very small amounts of cannabis (typically 1-5mg THC) to achieve subtle effects without significant impairment.
Mother Plant
A cannabis plant kept in vegetative state to provide cuttings (clones) for propagation.
N
Nug
Slang for a piece of cannabis flower/bud.
O
OG
Originally meant "Ocean Grown" referring to strains from coastal California. Now often interpreted as "Original Gangster" or simply implies quality.
One-Hitter
Small pipe designed for a single inhalation. Discreet and good for microdosing.
P
Phenotype
The physical expression of a strain's genetics. Different phenotypes of the same strain can have varying appearances and effects.
Pre-Roll
A pre-made joint sold ready to smoke. Convenient but quality varies.
Psychoactive
Describes substances that affect mental state. THC is psychoactive (causes a "high"); CBD is not.
Purging
The process of removing residual solvents from concentrates using heat and/or vacuum.
R
Resin
The sticky, trichome-rich substance on cannabis flowers containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Also refers to residue in pipes.
Rosin
Solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. No chemicals used in extraction.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)
Full-spectrum, highly concentrated cannabis extract named after its creator. Often used for medical purposes.
Ruderalis
Cannabis variety native to Russia and Central Asia. Auto-flowering and low-THC. Used in breeding autoflower strains.
S
Sativa
Cannabis variety traditionally associated with uplifting, energetic effects. Typically taller plants with narrow leaves. Effects vary by strain.
Shake
Loose cannabis material that falls off larger buds. Lower quality but more affordable.
Shatter
Cannabis concentrate with glass-like, translucent appearance that "shatters" when broken. Very stable and potent.
Spliff
Joint that contains a mixture of cannabis and tobacco.
Strain
A specific variety of cannabis with distinct genetics, appearance, aroma, and effects. Technically should be called "cultivar."
Sugar
Cannabis concentrate with a granular, sugar-like consistency. Good balance of potency and terpene preservation.
T
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that contribute to smell, taste, and potentially effects. Examples: myrcene, limonene, pinene.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Responsible for the "high" and many therapeutic effects.
THCA
The raw, non-psychoactive form of THC found in fresh cannabis. Converts to THC when heated (decarboxylation).
Tincture
Liquid cannabis extract typically administered under the tongue using a dropper. Faster onset than edibles.
Tolerance
Reduced response to cannabis with regular use. May require increased amounts for same effect. Can be reset with "tolerance breaks."
Topical
Cannabis-infused products applied to the skin for localized relief. Most don't cause psychoactive effects.
Trichomes
Tiny, crystal-like glands on cannabis flowers that produce and contain cannabinoids and terpenes. What makes buds "frosty."
Trim
The leaves trimmed from cannabis buds during harvesting. Can be used to make edibles or concentrates.
V
Vaporizer/Vape
Device that heats cannabis to release cannabinoids as vapor without combustion. Less harmful than smoking.
Vegetative Stage
The growth phase before flowering when cannabis plants develop stems and leaves. Requires 18+ hours of light.
W
Wax
Cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy consistency. Easy to handle and dab.
Weed
Common slang term for cannabis.
Z
Zip
Slang for an ounce (28 grams) of cannabis. Term comes from ounces fitting in a zip-lock bag.