Cannabis Glossary

Cannabis terminology spans botany, chemistry, cultivation, consumption methods, medical use, and recreational slang. Traditional indica/sativa labels describe plant morphology and anecdotal effects (indica often linked to body relaxation, sativa to cerebral energy), but chemotype, the specific mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, predicts effects more reliably. Hemp is legally defined in many places (including U.S. federal law) as cannabis with ≤0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight; higher-THC material is often called marijuana or cannabis.

This glossary is educational and not medical advice; laws and product safety vary widely by jurisdiction.

Plant, Botany, and Basic Forms

Cannabis: Genus of flowering plants including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Bud / Flower / Nug: Dried female flowers, the primary smokable or processable part, covered in trichomes.
Cola: Dense cluster of buds at the top of a branch; the main cola is the largest apical one.
Trichomes: Resin glands on flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes; appear as crystal-like structures.
Pistils: Hair-like structures on female flowers that change color (white to orange/brown) as the plant matures.
Calyx: Small cup-like structure at the base of the flower that holds developing seeds if pollinated.
Sinsemilla: Seedless female cannabis (from Spanish “without seed”), typically higher in potency because energy goes to resin rather than seeds.
Hemp: Low-THC cannabis (commonly ≤0.3% delta-9 THC) grown for fiber, seed, or CBD extraction.
Marijuana: Common term for higher-THC cannabis flower and products intended for intoxicating or medical use.
Landrace: Regionally adapted, relatively unhybridized varieties that evolved in specific environments (e.g., Afghan, Thai).
Cultivar / Strain: A cultivated variety selected for particular traits; “strain” is the everyday industry term.
Phenotype: Observable traits of a plant (height, aroma, bud structure) resulting from genetics plus environment.
Genotype: Underlying genetic makeup.
Clone: Cutting taken from a mother plant that is genetically identical.
Ruderalis: Subspecies or genetic lineage that flowers based on age rather than light cycle; used to create autoflowers.

Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids): Compounds produced by the plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. More than 100 have been identified.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS): Network of receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands (anandamide, 2-AG), and enzymes that helps regulate mood, pain, sleep, appetite, and immune function.
CB1 receptors: Concentrated in the brain and central nervous system; primary site of THC’s psychoactive effects.
CB2 receptors: More associated with the immune system and peripheral tissues; linked to inflammation pathways.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): Primary intoxicating cannabinoid responsible for the classic “high.”
THCA: Non-intoxicating acidic precursor to THC found in raw flower; converts to THC via heat (decarboxylation).
CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating cannabinoid studied for potential effects on anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and pain; does not produce a classic high and can modulate THC effects.
CBDA: Acidic precursor to CBD.
CBG (cannabigerol): Non-intoxicating “mother” cannabinoid; its acidic form (CBGA) is a precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Studied for anti-inflammatory properties.
CBN (cannabinol): Mildly psychoactive degradation product of THC that forms as cannabis ages; often associated with sedation.
CBC (cannabichromene): Non-intoxicating cannabinoid under study for potential anti-inflammatory effects.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin): Cannabinoid that may have appetite-suppressing effects at certain doses and a shorter, clearer high in some reports.
Delta-8 THC: Isomer of delta-9 THC that occurs in trace amounts; commercially often produced by converting hemp-derived CBD. Generally described as milder than delta-9; regulatory status and product purity vary.
Delta-10 THC: Another THC isomer with limited natural occurrence and variable legality.
THCP: Rare cannabinoid reported to bind more strongly to CB1 receptors than delta-9 THC.
Full-spectrum: Extract retaining a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds (including trace THC in hemp products).
Broad-spectrum: Similar to full-spectrum but with THC removed or reduced below detectable levels.
Isolate: Highly purified single cannabinoid (often 99%+ CBD or THC) with other compounds removed.
Entourage effect: Proposed synergistic interaction among cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that may produce effects different from any single compound alone.
Decarboxylation (decarb): Heating process that converts acidic cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) into their active forms (THC, CBD).
Bioavailability: Proportion of a compound that reaches circulation; generally higher with inhalation than oral ingestion.

Read the Cannabis Cannabinoid Guide for detailed cannabinoid profiles and research.

Terpenes and Aroma Compounds

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to scent, flavor, and may modulate effects.

Myrcene: Earthy, musky, herbal; often linked to relaxation.
Limonene: Citrus; frequently associated with uplifting mood.
Pinene: Pine; may support alertness.
Linalool: Floral, lavender-like; commonly linked to calming effects.
Caryophyllene (beta-caryophyllene): Spicy, peppery; unique among common terpenes for interacting with CB2 receptors.
Humulene: Woody, earthy.
Terpinolene: Complex floral/herbal/citrus profile.
Flavonoids: Plant compounds that contribute color, flavor, and potential antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity; cannabis-specific ones are called cannaflavins.

Read the Cannabis Terpene Guide for detailed terpene profiles.

Consumption Methods and Products

Joint: Cannabis rolled in paper.
Blunt: Cannabis rolled in a tobacco-leaf or cigar wrap (contains nicotine).
Spliff: Mix of cannabis and tobacco in a paper.
Pre-roll: Factory- or dispensary-rolled joint.
Pipe / Bowl: Handheld device for smoking flower.
Bong: Water pipe that cools and filters smoke.
Percolator (perc): Additional chamber in a bong that further diffuses smoke.
Dab / Dabbing: Vaporizing a concentrate on a heated surface (nail or banger).
Dab rig: Water pipe designed for concentrates.
Banger: Quartz, ceramic, or titanium dish used for dabbing.
Carb cap: Cover that regulates airflow and temperature during a dab.
E-nail: Electrically heated nail for consistent dab temperatures.
Vaporizer (dry herb): Device that heats flower below combustion temperature to produce vapor.
Vape cartridge (cart): Pre-filled oil container, commonly 510-threaded, used with a battery.
510 thread: Standard screw connection for many vape batteries and cartridges.
Edible: Food or beverage infused with cannabis; effects are delayed (often 30–120+ minutes) and longer-lasting because THC is metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC.
Tincture: Liquid extract (alcohol- or oil-based) typically taken sublingually.
Topical: Cream, balm, or patch applied to skin; generally non-intoxicating because cannabinoids do not reach the bloodstream in significant amounts.
Transdermal: Patch designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin into circulation.
Concentrate: Extracted product with high cannabinoid content (often 60–90%+).
Hash / Hashish: Compressed or collected trichomes.
Kief: Loose trichomes collected by sifting or grinding.
Bubble hash / Water hash: Solventless concentrate made with ice water and agitation, then filtered through micron bags.
Rosin: Solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure.
Live rosin: Rosin pressed from fresh-frozen material or bubble hash to preserve terpenes.
BHO (butane hash oil): Solvent-extracted concentrate; textures include shatter, wax, budder/badder, and crumble.
Shatter: Brittle, glass-like concentrate.
Wax / Budder / Badder: Softer, opaque or batter-like concentrates.
Live resin: Solvent extract made from flash-frozen fresh plant material to retain more terpenes.
Diamonds: THCA crystalline structures, often paired with high-terpene “sauce.”
Distillate: Highly refined oil, often nearly pure single cannabinoid and relatively flavorless.
Moon rocks: Flower coated in oil and rolled in kief; very high potency.
ABV / AVB (already been vaped / already vaped bud): Decarboxylated leftover flower that can be used in edibles.

Effects, Dosing, and Experience

High / Stoned: Intoxicated state primarily driven by THC.
Couch-lock: Heavy physical sedation and immobility, often associated with certain high-myrcene or indica-leaning products.
Munchies: Increased appetite commonly linked to THC.
Green out: Uncomfortable overconsumption (nausea, anxiety, dizziness, rapid heart rate).
Microdosing: Very small doses (often 1–2.5 mg THC) intended to produce subtle effects without strong intoxication.
Tolerance: Reduced response after repeated use; can develop with regular THC exposure.
Onset: Time until effects begin (minutes for inhalation; longer for edibles).
Duration: How long effects last (typically shorter for inhalation, longer for edibles).
1:1 (or other ratios): Product with balanced or specified THC:CBD content.

Cultivation and Processing

Vegetative stage: Growth phase under longer light periods (commonly 18/6 light/dark).
Flowering stage: Reproductive phase triggered in photoperiod plants by shorter days (commonly 12/12).
Autoflower: Plant that flowers automatically with age due to ruderalis genetics.
Photoperiod: Plant whose flowering is controlled by light schedule.
Hydroponics: Soilless growing in nutrient solution.
Aeroponics: Roots suspended in air and misted with nutrients.
Living soil: Organic soil ecosystem rich in microbes.
SCROG (screen of green): Training method using a screen to spread canopy and increase yield.
Lollipopping: Removing lower growth so energy focuses on upper buds.
Pheno-hunt: Selecting desirable plants from a seed population.
Curing: Controlled drying and aging of harvested flower to improve flavor, smoothness, and stability.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): Third-party lab report listing potency, terpenes, and contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, microbes, residual solvents).

Medical, Regulatory, and Industry Terms

Medical cannabis: Cannabis recommended or authorized by a clinician for specific conditions under a regulated program.
Adult-use / Recreational: Legal cannabis for adults (commonly 21+) without a medical recommendation.
Medical card / MMJ card: Government-issued identification verifying medical-patient status.
Dispensary: Licensed retail outlet for cannabis products.
Budtender: Retail staff who advise on products.
Qualifying condition: Diagnosis that meets a jurisdiction’s criteria for medical access (examples historically include chronic pain, epilepsy, nausea, PTSD; lists differ by location).
Epidiolex: FDA-approved CBD medication for certain seizure disorders.
Dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros): Synthetic THC approved for chemotherapy-related nausea and AIDS-related appetite loss.
Nabilone (Cesamet): Synthetic cannabinoid approved for nausea and vomiting.
Sativex (nabiximols): Oromucosal spray with roughly 1:1 THC:CBD approved in some countries for spasticity.
Track-and-trace: Regulatory system that monitors cannabis from cultivation through sale.

Slang, Culture, and Measurements

420: Cultural reference to cannabis consumption; also April 20 and 4:20.
710: Reference to concentrates (“OIL” upside down); July 10 is sometimes celebrated.
Eighth: 3.5 grams (1/8 ounce).
Quarter: 7 grams.
Ounce: 28 grams.
Dank / Fire / Gas / Loud: Descriptors for high-quality, aromatic, or potent flower.
Brick weed / Bammer: Lower-quality compressed or outdoor cannabis (older or regional slang).
Mary Jane / MJ: Classic nickname derived from “marijuana.”
Herb / Ganja / Pot / Weed / Reefer: Common alternative names (some older or regionally specific).
Sesh: Smoking session.
Toke: A single inhalation.
Blaze / Chief: To smoke.
Puff-puff-pass: Informal etiquette of taking two hits before passing.
Headshop: Store selling pipes, papers, and accessories (not cannabis itself in many jurisdictions).
OG: Often denotes an “original” or potent lineage (e.g., OG Kush).
Kush: Broad reference to indica-leaning genetics originating from the Hindu Kush region, or to earthy, relaxing profiles.

Product labels in regulated markets typically list total THC (or THCA converted), CBD, other cannabinoids, terpene percentages, net weight, and batch information tied to a COA. Potency of flower commonly ranges from the mid-teens to the mid-20s percent THC in many commercial markets, while concentrates are substantially higher. Individual responses vary with dose, tolerance, set, setting, and product chemistry.