The Ultimate Cannabis Glossary: Essential Terms Every Enthusiast Should Know

Cannabis has evolved from a niche plant into a widely recognized phenomenon that spans industries from medicine to recreation and wellness. As the cannabis world grows and diversifies, understanding the terminology that surrounds it becomes essential for both newcomers and seasoned users. This cannabis glossary provides clear, concise, and educational definitions of key cannabis-related terms. Whether you’re diving into the chemical makeup of cannabis, exploring various consumption methods, or learning about the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and terpenes, this guide has you covered.

A

Adaptogens: Natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Cannabinoids like CBD are considered adaptogens due to their ability to regulate mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.

Autoflowering: A type of cannabis plant that automatically transitions from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage after a set period, regardless of light cycles. Autoflowering strains are favored by growers for their quicker harvest times and easier cultivation process.

Atomizer: An atomizer is a key component in vaporizers or electronic dab rigs. It acts as the heating element, turning cannabis concentrates into vapor for inhalation. This helps ensure efficient consumption without combustion.

B

BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A potent cannabis concentrate made by using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. BHO is often found in forms such as shatter, wax, and crumble and is consumed primarily via dabbing.

Bud: The harvested, flower-bearing part of the cannabis plant that contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. Buds are the most popular form of cannabis and are typically smoked, vaporized, or processed into extracts and edibles.

Budtender: A cannabis dispensary employee who guides customers in selecting the right products based on their needs, preferences, and desired effects. A knowledgeable budtender will provide insights into strains, potency, consumption methods, and therapeutic benefits.

Biomass: The non-flowering portions of the cannabis plant, including leaves, stems, and seeds. Biomass is typically used to create extracts, oils, or even industrial products like hemp-based textiles and biodegradable materials.

C

Cannabinoids: These active chemical compounds in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various physiological and psychological effects. Key cannabinoids include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBN (cannabinol), each contributing uniquely to the cannabis experience.

Cannabis: A highly versatile plant, cannabis includes both marijuana (high THC content) and hemp (low THC content). It contains a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, making it valuable for medicinal, recreational, and industrial applications alike.

CBD (Cannabidiol): Known for its therapeutic properties, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that helps reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and promote relaxation. As it doesn’t induce a “high,” it is a popular choice for users seeking medicinal benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC.

CBG (Cannabigerol): Often called the “mother” cannabinoid, CBG is the precursor from which other cannabinoids like THC and CBD are derived. CBG is believed to offer therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotection.

CBN (Cannabinol): CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC degrades over time. Known for its sedative properties, CBN is often used by individuals looking to improve their sleep quality.

Cannabis Terpenes: Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis, contributing to its distinctive flavor and fragrance. These compounds possess therapeutic properties and work synergistically with cannabinoids, enhancing or modifying cannabis effects through the “entourage effect.”

Concentrates: Concentrates are potent cannabis products created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. They come in various forms, including oils, wax, shatter, and rosin, and are typically consumed by dabbing or vaporizing for a more intense experience.

Clones: A clone is a cutting taken from a mother cannabis plant to propagate a new plant with the same genetics. Once the cutting roots, it can be nurtured to maturity, offering growers a reliable way to replicate a desired plant.

Crumble: Crumble is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a dry, crumbly texture, making it easy to handle. It’s often used as a topping for flower due to its low stickiness, allowing users to apply it with their fingers or dab tools.

D

Dabbing: Dabbing is a popular method of consuming cannabis concentrates, where a small amount of the extract is applied to a hot surface and inhaled as vapor. This method allows users to experience the potent effects of concentrates almost immediately due to their high potency.

Delta-8-THC: Delta-8-THC is a cannabinoid similar to Delta-9-THC but with slightly milder effects. Often described as less psychoactive, Delta-8 provides a gentler high, making it a favorite for those seeking the benefits of THC without feeling overwhelmed by its intense effects.

Delta-9-THC: As the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, Delta-9-THC is responsible for the characteristic “high” that users experience when consuming marijuana. It is known for inducing euphoria, increasing appetite, and providing pain relief.

Decarboxylation: Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its cannabinoids, such as converting THCA (the non-psychoactive precursor of THC) into THC. This process is essential for making edibles and tinctures that produce psychoactive effects.

Diamonds: In cannabis, “diamonds” refer to THCA, a crystalline cannabinoid that forms clear, gem-like structures. These diamonds are often paired with terpene-rich sauces to enhance both flavor and potency. When consumed alone, THCA diamonds provide a clear-headed focus.

Distillate: Distillate is a cannabis concentrate refined to isolate a single cannabinoid, typically THC or CBD. This extraction process removes other plant compounds, resulting in a high-potency, pure oil that can be vaporized, dabbed, or used in edibles and topicals.

Dissolvables: Dissolvable cannabis products come in powder or tablet form and quickly dissolve in your mouth, delivering fast-acting effects similar to cannabis beverages. These products are ideal for users seeking a rapid and more immediate cannabis experience.

E

Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A biological system that helps regulate many physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, pain perception, and immune response. The ECS interacts with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to help maintain balance within the body.

Entourage Effect: A theory suggesting that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to enhance the plant’s effects. This effect is believed to make full-spectrum cannabis products more effective than isolates or products with a single cannabinoid.

Edibles: Food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts, such as THC or CBD. Edibles can take longer to take effect compared to smoking or vaping, but their effects typically last much longer. Common examples include brownies, gummies, and beverages.

F

Full-Spectrum Extract: An extract that contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in cannabis. Full-spectrum extracts are favored by users who want to experience the entourage effect and benefit from the synergy of all the plant’s constituents.

Flower: The part of the cannabis plant that is harvested for consumption. Flower contains the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes, making it the most commonly used part of the plant. It can be smoked, vaporized, or processed into various products.

G

Ganja: A colloquial term for cannabis, commonly used in Caribbean culture, particularly in Jamaica. Ganja typically refers to the flowering buds of the cannabis plant, which are consumed for recreational or medicinal purposes.

H

Hemp: Hemp is a variety of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC. It is primarily cultivated for industrial purposes, such as producing textiles, biodegradable plastics, and CBD products. Unlike its psychoactive counterparts, hemp is valued for its versatile uses rather than its mind-altering effects.

Hashish (Hash): Hash is a concentrated form of cannabis created by compressing the resin glands, or trichomes, from the plant. Users typically smoke or vaporize hash to experience its potent effects. This concentrated form offers a more intense cannabis experience compared to regular flower.

Hybrid: A hybrid cannabis plant is bred from both indica and sativa strains. By combining the effects of these two types, hybrids deliver a balanced experience that blends the relaxing qualities of indicas with the uplifting effects of sativas. This versatility makes hybrid strains particularly popular among cannabis users seeking a well-rounded experience.

Hydroponics: Hydroponics is an innovative, soil-free growing method that utilizes a nutrient-rich solution to feed cannabis plants. This technique promotes faster growth and provides better control over oxygen levels, nutrients, and environmental factors, making it ideal for efficient cannabis cultivation.

Humulene: Humulene is a terpene found in cannabis, hops, and ginseng, and is known for its earthy, woody aroma. This terpene is valued not only for its pleasant scent but also for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, humulene may help promote a sense of well-being, making it beneficial in both cannabis and holistic remedies.

I

Indica: A species of cannabis that is typically associated with relaxing, sedative effects. Indica strains are often used for stress relief, pain management, and sleep aid, thanks to their calming properties.

Isolate: A cannabis product that contains a single cannabinoid in its purest form, such as CBD or THC. Isolates do not contain terpenes or other cannabinoids, and they are often used by individuals seeking the specific effects of one cannabinoid without any other interactions.

Infused: Refers to products that have been enhanced with cannabis extracts or concentrates, such as edibles, topicals, and beverages. Infused products allow for a variety of consumption methods and are ideal for those who prefer non-smoking options.

J

Joint: A cannabis cigarette made by rolling ground cannabis flower into paper. Joints are a classic method of consumption and are widely popular for their simplicity and portability.

K

Kief: A potent powdery substance that consists of trichomes (resin glands) collected from cannabis buds. Kief is often sprinkled on top of flower or compressed into hash, increasing potency and effects.

L

Live Resin: A type of cannabis concentrate made from freshly frozen cannabis rather than dried material. Live resin preserves a more vibrant terpene profile, resulting in concentrates with a more aromatic and flavorful experience.

Limonene: A terpene found in cannabis and citrus fruits that has a zesty, citrus scent. Limonene is believed to have uplifting and mood-boosting effects and is often used to combat stress and anxiety.

Linalool: A floral-scented terpene found in cannabis and lavender. Linalool is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects, making it an ideal terpene for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.

M

Myrcene: The most abundant terpene in cannabis, myrcene has an earthy, musky aroma similar to cloves. Known for its sedative and relaxing properties, myrcene is believed to enhance the effects of THC, often contributing to the “couch-lock” experience.

Microdosing: The practice of consuming small amounts of cannabis to experience subtle effects, usually to alleviate anxiety, boost creativity, or improve focus, without triggering a strong psychoactive high.

Moon Rocks: Moon rocks are a unique cannabis product created by coating flower buds with cannabis oil and then rolling them in kief. The result is a potent, double-infused flower that’s as powerful as it is beautiful, often providing a deeply relaxing effect.

N

Nanoemulsion: A technique used to break down cannabis extracts into smaller particles, improving bioavailability and allowing cannabinoids to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. Nanoemulsions are commonly found in fast-acting edibles and beverages.

O

Oil: Cannabis oil is a concentrated extract that contains high levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Cannabis oils are commonly used for vaporizing, as well as in tinctures and edibles.

Oral Consumption: Refers to ingesting cannabis via edibles, capsules, or tinctures. Unlike smoking or vaping, which deliver cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream, oral consumption is processed through the digestive system, resulting in a delayed but longer-lasting effect.

P

Pre-roll: A cannabis joint that has already been rolled and is ready to smoke. Pre-rolls are sold at dispensaries and provide convenience for users who do not want to roll their own cannabis.

Pressurized Extraction: A method of cannabis extraction that uses heat and pressure to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis material. This method produces solvent-free concentrates like rosin, which are popular for their purity and potency.

Pinene: Pinene, a terpene with a pine-like aroma, is known for its cognitive benefits like improved focus and memory, along with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.

PHO (Propane Hash Oil): PHO is a type of cannabis concentrate made using propane as the extraction solvent. Known for its potency, this method of extraction creates an oil that maintains a rich terpene profile, providing a robust, flavorful experience.

R

Recreational Cannabis: Cannabis consumed primarily for its psychoactive effects, such as euphoria and relaxation. Recreational cannabis is legal in certain regions and is typically enjoyed by adults.

Rosin: A solvent-free cannabis concentrate that is created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. Rosin is prized for its clean extraction process and high-quality, terpene-rich effects.

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): Named after the cannabis activist, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract. Typically extracted with ethanol, RSO is decarboxylated, meaning it doesn’t require additional heat to activate. It’s often used for medicinal purposes due to its strength and effectiveness.

S

Sativa: A species of cannabis known for its energizing, uplifting effects. Sativa strains are typically used during the day to improve focus, creativity, and mood.

Shatter: A cannabis concentrate with a brittle, glass-like texture. Shatter is often consumed through dabbing and is known for its high potency and strong effects.

Shake: Shake is the loose cannabis flower material that falls off the buds during handling or packaging. It is often used to make pre-rolls or concentrates and can be a more affordable option for consumers looking for a budget-friendly product.

Smalls (B-buds): Smalls, also known as B-buds or popcorn buds, are smaller, less mature cannabis buds that grow at the lower parts of the plant. These buds tend to have a lower price point but can still offer excellent quality and potency, especially when used for concentrates.

T

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high.” THC has therapeutic properties, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-nausea effects, but its primary effect is its euphoric, intoxicating high.

Terpenes: Organic compounds found in cannabis that give the plant its distinct aroma and flavor. Terpenes have medicinal properties and can influence the effects of cannabis, such as promoting relaxation, reducing stress, or boosting energy.

Tinctures: Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts infused with cannabinoids. They come in various bases, including alcohol, glycerin, or oil, and are typically taken sublingually for quick absorption. Tinctures offer a faster-acting alternative to edibles and are a discreet method of consumption.

Topicals: Cannabis-infused topicals include lotions, balms, bath bombs, and oils that are applied directly to the skin. While topicals don’t usually enter the bloodstream, they are popular for their localized relief of pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.

Transdermal Patches: Transdermal patches are designed to slowly release cannabinoids through the skin over an extended period. Unlike traditional topicals, these patches deliver cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream for consistent dosing, typically lasting between 8 to 12 hours.

Terpinolene: Terpinolene is a floral-scented terpene found in cannabis and other plants, offering antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits while adding a refreshing touch to cannabis products.

V

Vaping: The process of heating cannabis to release its cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of vapor, which is then inhaled. Vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking, as it avoids the harmful byproducts of combustion.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

• https://groweriq.ca/2018/06/19/groweriqs-glossary-of-cannabis-terms-and-terminology/
• https://business.dutchie.com/content-hub/article/dispensary-glossary