The legalization of recreational marijuana in New York state has sparked a renewed interest in understanding the various terms and nicknames associated with the cannabis plant. With the signing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act by Governor Andrew Cuomo on March 31, 2021, adults aged 21 and older can now legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana or 24 grams of marijuana concentrate in the Empire State1.
The Many Names of Cannabis
Marijuana, weed, marihuana, pot, cannabis, and numerous other terms all refer to the same plant species: Cannabis sativa. This plant contains naturally occurring, complex cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBN, which have various effects on the human body2.
The use of code words and nicknames for marijuana stems from its long history of illegality. As David Bienenstock, author of “How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High,” explains, “Any underground culture develops a coded language. Each word has a slightly different shading.”3
The Difference Between THC, CBD, and CBN
The cannabis plant contains several key compounds, each with unique properties:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” sensation. It can cause hallucinations and affect a person’s memory, mood, movements, concentration, and sensory and time perception[2]. THC is often available in oils, edibles, tinctures, and capsules, and medical marijuana containing THC can help with conditions such as PTSD, glaucoma, cancer, ADHD, anorexia, and HIV/AIDS.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD, which has been legal in New York state for a longer period, does not produce the psychoactive “high” associated with THC. Instead, it helps with anxiety, depression, and seizures4. Common CBD products include gels, gummies, oils, supplements, and extracts, and it is sometimes used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, PTSD, insomnia, AIDS, arthritis, depression, eating disorders, epilepsy, migraines, and MS.
CBN (Cannabinol)
CBN is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is an antioxidant and a non-narcotic analgesic that works between CBD and THC. Mildly psychoactive and calming, CBN is a stronger pain killer than aspirin and can help alleviate pain and inflammation without harming the kidneys5.
The Legalization of Marijuana in New York
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act allows adults to cultivate up to six plants (three mature and three immature) or 12 (six and six) for a household with more than one adult. It also establishes the Office of Cannabis Management to regulate the cannabis market under the New York State Liquor Authority and sets up taxes for retailers (9% state tax, 4% local, plus taxes for distributors)[1].
However, not all aspects of the law take effect immediately. Recreational users will likely have to wait at least a year before they can legally purchase marijuana from a licensed retailer or receive home delivery. Additionally, it remains illegal to bring marijuana into New York from another state, as it is still prohibited under federal law, despite 17 states having legalized marijuana since 2012[1].
The Origins of 420 and Weed Day
April 20, or 4/20, has become an unofficial marijuana holiday known as Weed Day. The term “420” originated from a group of California teens in the 1970s who would meet outside their school at 4:20 p.m. to smoke together. They used “420” as a code to discuss marijuana without teachers or parents knowing6.
The Future of the Marijuana Industry
As the marijuana retail industry grows, consumers will encounter various cannabis products, some of which are endorsed by celebrities. Notable figures with their own marijuana lines include Snoop Dogg (Leafs By Snoop), Seth Rogen (Houseplant), Ice Cube (Fryday Kush), Mickey Hart (Mind Your Head), Jay-Z (Monogram), and Jaleel White (Purple Urkl)7.
References:
- Governor.NY.gov. (2021, March 31). Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/adult-use-cannabis-legalization_0_1.pdf ↩︎
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 13). Marijuana DrugFacts. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana ↩︎
- CBC Radio. (2018, April 19). 420 and the many names of marijuana. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-20-2018-1.4627196/where-does-420-come-from-meet-the-men-who-coined-the-phrase-and-lit-up-a-movement-1.4627276 ↩︎
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020, April 15). CBD: What we know and what we don’t. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 ↩︎
- Berkeley Patients Group. (2019, January 14). What is CBN and How is it Different from CBD? https://www.mybpg.com/blog/cbd-thc-cbn/ ↩︎
- History.com. (2020, April 20). 4/20: How April 20 became ‘Weed Day’. https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/health/420-weed-day-origin-trnd/index.html ↩︎
- Insider. (2021, April 20). 8 celebrities who have launched their own cannabis brands. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_celebrities_who_own_cannabis_businesses ↩︎
