Master the language of cannabis. From cannabinoids and terpenes to cultivation and consumption, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to navigate the modern dispensary experience with confidence.
Why Learn Cannabis Terminology?
The cannabis industry has evolved from slang-heavy street culture to a sophisticated medical and recreational market. Understanding these terms helps you:
- Decode Product Labels:Â Know exactly what you are putting into your body.
- Customize Your Experience:Â Find the specific effects (sleep, energy, pain relief) you want.
- Save Money:Â Avoid buying low-quality products or consumption methods that don't suit your lifestyle.
- Communicate with Budtenders:Â Ask the right questions to get the best recommendations.
Cannabis 101: Core Concepts
The "Chemovar" Revolution
While most people know Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid, modern science is moving toward Chemovars (chemical varieties). Instead of relying on plant shape (short vs. tall), experts look at the specific profile of Cannabinoids (potency) and Terpenes (flavor/effect) to predict how a product will make you feel.
The Big Three Categories
- Type I (High THC):Â The standard "recreational" cannabis that produces a strong psychoactive high.
- Type II (Balanced THC/CBD):Â Offers a milder high with increased therapeutic benefits; often 1:1 ratios.
- Type III (High CBD):Â Non-intoxicating, primarily used for wellness, anxiety, and inflammation.
The Complete A-Z Glossary
A
- Accessory
Any device used to consume cannabis, such as a pipe, bong, vape battery, or dab rig. - Adult-Use
The legal designation for cannabis sold to adults (usually 21+) without a medical recommendation. Often used interchangeably with "Recreational." - Aeroponics
A cultivation method where plant roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrients and water, rather than growing in soil. - Aroma
The olfactory profile of cannabis, determined by its terpene content. Common descriptors include "gassy," "fruity," "earthy," or "floral." - Auto-flowering
Plants that switch from the vegetative to flowering stage based on age rather than light cycles. Popular for home growers due to their speed and ease of maintenance.
B
- Backcross (BX)
A breeding technique where a hybrid plant is bred with one of its parents to reinforce specific desirable genetic traits. - Banger
A type of dish, usually made of quartz, attached to a dab rig. It is heated up to vaporize concentrates. - Batch
A specific harvest or production run of cannabis. Testing results (COAs) are specific to each batch. - BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
A potent concentrate extracted using butane. Depending on the finish, it can be textured as Shatter, Wax, or Budder. - Bioavailability
The degree and rate at which a substance (like THC) is absorbed into the bloodstream. Vaping has high bioavailability (immediate), while edibles have lower bioavailability (processed by the liver). - Blunt
Cannabis flower rolled inside a tobacco leaf or hemp wrap. It burns slower than a joint and adds a tobacco buzz (unless a hemp wrap is used). - Broad-Spectrum
An extract containing various cannabinoids and terpenes but with zero THC. Common in CBD products for users avoiding psychoactive effects. - Bud
The actual flower of the cannabis plant, which is dried, cured, and consumed. - Budtender
A retail associate at a dispensary who guides customers through product selection.
C
- Calyx
The part of the flower that protects the seed (if pollinated) and contains the highest density of trichomes (resin glands). - Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds that interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System. Major ones include THC and CBD; minor ones include CBG, CBN, and THCV. - Cannagar
A "cannabis cigar." A core of compressed cannabis flower wrapped in fan leaves, often designed to burn for hours. - Carb Cap
A tool used in dabbing to cover the banger, restricting airflow to vaporize concentrates at lower temperatures for better flavor. - CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and seizure-reducing properties. - CBN (Cannabinol)
A cannabinoid created as THC ages/degrades. It is mildly psychoactive and heavily marketed as a sleep aid. - Ceramic Coil
A heating element in vape cartridges known for preserving flavor better than metal coils and reducing the risk of burning. - Chemovar
(See Cannabis 101). A more scientifically accurate way to classify cannabis based on its chemical fingerprint rather than plant morphology. - CO2 Extraction
A method using pressurized carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids from the plant. It leaves no toxic residue and is often used for vape cartridges. - Cola
The primary site of flower growth on the plant. The "main cola" is at the very top. - Concentrates
Potent extracts (60-99% potency) made by removing plant material to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes. Includes wax, shatter, rosin, and resin. - Couch-lock
A slang term for the physical sensation of being too sedated or relaxed to move, often associated with heavy Indica strains or high doses of THC. - Cross
The result of breeding two different strains together (e.g., Blue Dream is a cross of Blueberry and Haze). - Curing
The process of slowly drying harvested cannabis in controlled environments to break down chlorophyll and develop flavor/potency. Poor curing results in "hay-smelling" weed.
D
- Dabbing
The act of flash-vaporizing concentrates on a hot surface (nail/banger) and inhaling the vapor. - Decarboxylation
The application of heat to raw cannabis to activate it. This turns non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC. This happens instantly when smoking, but must be done manually before making edibles. - Delta-8 THC
A minor cannabinoid usually synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. It produces a milder high than standard Delta-9 THC and exists in a legal gray area in some regions. - Delta-9 THC
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis; what is legally defined as "marijuana" in federal law. - Diamonds
A concentrate texture featuring crystalline structures of THCA (the diamonds) swimming in a high-terpene "sauce." - Dispensary
A licensed retail store for cannabis. - Distillate
A highly refined oil containing only a specific cannabinoid (usually THC or CBD). It is tasteless and odorless unless terpenes are re-added. Commonly used in vape carts and edibles.
E
- Edibles
Food or drink infused with cannabis. Because they are processed by the liver (converting THC to 11-Hydroxy-THC), the effects are often stronger and longer-lasting than smoking. - Eighth
The most common weight for purchasing flower: 1/8th of an ounce (approx. 3.5 grams). - Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout the human body that regulates balance (homeostasis), including mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. Cannabis works by binding to these receptors. - Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation. (e.g., THC + CBD + Terpenes = a more complete medical effect than THC alone). - Ethanol Extraction
Using high-grade alcohol to extract cannabinoids. Common for making tinctures and RSO. - Extract
A specific type of concentrate made using a solvent (like butane, propane, or CO2). Note: All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts (e.g., Rosin is solventless).
F
- Feminized Seeds
Seeds bred to produce only female plants (which grow the buds), eliminating the need to identify and remove male plants. - Flower
The smokeable part of the cannabis plant; "bud." - Fresh Frozen
Plant material that is frozen immediately after harvest (not dried or cured) to preserve peak terpene content. Used to make Live Resin or Live Rosin. - Full-Spectrum
An extract that maintains the full profile of the original plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
G
- Genetics
The heritage or lineage of a plant. - Glass
Slang for pipes, bongs, and dab rigs made of borosilicate glass. - Grinder
A tool used to break flower into small, uniform pieces for rolling or packing in bowls. - Green Out
A temporary condition caused by consuming too much THC, characterized by dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. Best treated with hydration, CBD, and rest.
H
- Hash (Hashish)
The oldest form of concentrate, made by compressing the plant's resin glands (trichomes) into a brick or ball. - Heirloom
A strain that has been cultivated by a specific community or region for generations but may not be a wild "Landrace." - Hemp
Cannabis Sativa L. plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Legally distinct from marijuana. - Hybrid
A strain created by crossbreeding two different strains (Indica and Sativa) to combine their traits. Most modern strains are hybrids. - Hydroponics
Growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil.
I
- Ice Water Hash (Bubble Hash)
A solventless concentrate made by agitating cannabis in ice water to break off trichomes, which are then filtered through micron bags. - Indica
Historically refers to short, bushy plants from the Hindu Kush region. Culturally associated with sedative, "body high" effects (though science suggests terpenes play a bigger role). - Infused Pre-roll
A joint that has been enhanced with concentrates (like kief, wax, or distillate) for higher potency. - Isolate
The purest form of a cannabinoid (e.g., 99.9% CBD powder), with all other compounds removed.
J
- Joint
Cannabis flower rolled in a thin paper (usually hemp, rice, or wood pulp). Contains no tobacco.
K
- Kief
The powdery, crystal-like resin glands (trichomes) that fall off the cannabis flower. It accumulates in the bottom of a grinder and is very potent. - Kush
Refers to a lineage of plants originating from the Hindu Kush mountains (Afghanistan/Pakistan). Known for earthy, piney, and sedative traits (e.g., OG Kush).
L
- Landrace
An original, indigenous strain of cannabis that evolved naturally in a specific region (e.g., Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold) without human crossbreeding. - Live Resin
A solvent-based concentrate made from fresh frozen plant material to capture the aroma of the living plant. - Live Rosin
A solventless concentrate made by pressing bubble hash (made from fresh frozen plants) under heat and pressure. Considered the "gold standard" of concentrates. - Low-Temp Dab
Vaporizing concentrates at a lower temperature (350°F-450°F) to maximize flavor and minimize harshness.
M
- Marijuana
The legal term for cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC. - MCT Oil
Medium-Chain Triglyceride oil (usually coconut derived). A common carrier oil for tinctures because it helps the body absorb cannabinoids. - Microdosing
Consuming very small amounts of cannabis (e.g., 2.5mg) to achieve therapeutic benefits (focus, anxiety relief) without feeling intoxicated. - Moon Rocks
Nugs of flower dipped in hash oil and rolled in kief. Extremely potent. - Myrcene
The most common terpene in commercial cannabis. Known for its earthy scent and sedating, "couch-lock" effects.
N
- Nail
The surface of a dab rig (titanium, ceramic, or quartz) that is heated to vaporize concentrates. - Nug-Run
Concentrates made exclusively from cannabis buds (nugs) rather than trim or shake. Indicates higher quality.
O
- Oil
A liquid concentrate. Can refer to vape cartridge oil, RSO, or tincture oil. - One-Hitter
A small pipe (often resembling a cigarette) designed for a single inhalation. - Ounce
28 grams of cannabis. Often the legal possession limit in recreational states.
P
- Phenotype (Pheno)
The physical expression of a plant's genetics. Seeds from the same parents can produce different "phenos"—one might be tall and purple, the other short and green. - Pinene
A terpene smelling of pine needles. Known for promoting alertness and potentially counteracting THC-induced memory loss. - Pistil
The reproductive organ of the female plant, appearing as hair-like strands (stigmas) that turn from white to orange/red as the plant matures. - Potency
The strength of a product, usually measured by the percentage of THC or CBD. - Pre-roll
A ready-to-smoke joint purchased from a dispensary.
Q
- QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl)
A home-extraction method using isopropyl alcohol to strip cannabinoids from the plant. - Quality Control (QC)
Testing procedures (for mold, pesticides, potency) mandated by state regulations to ensure product safety.
R
- Reclaim
The sticky, residual resin that collects in a dab rig or vape. It can be re-smoked but tastes poor and has lower potency. - Rosin
A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. - RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)
A full-spectrum, thick, tar-like oil typically consumed orally or topically. Famous for its high potency and medical applications for cancer patients. - Ruderalis
A wild species of cannabis from Russia that flowers automatically. It is low in THC but used to breed "Autoflowering" strains.
S
- Sativa
Historically refers to tall, narrow-leaf plants from equatorial regions. Culturally associated with uplifting, energetic effects. - Sauce
A concentrate texture characterized by high terpene content and a liquid consistency, often containing THCA crystals (diamonds). - Shake
Small bits of flower and leaves that fall off buds to the bottom of the jar. Sold cheaply and good for cooking or rolling joints. - Shatter
A BHO concentrate that is hard and glass-like. It shatters when struck. - Solvent
A substance (butane, CO2, ethanol) used to strip cannabinoids from the plant material during extraction. - Solventless
Concentrates made without chemicals, using only ice, water, heat, and pressure (e.g., Rosin, Hash). - Strain
A specific variety of cannabis (e.g., Sour Diesel). - Sublingual
Absorption under the tongue. Tinctures are used this way for faster onset than edibles.
T
- Terpenes (Terps)
Aromatic oils found in cannabis (and all plants) that give strains their smell and flavor. They also modulate the effects of THC (e.g., Limonene is uplifting, Linalool is calming). - THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The chemical responsible for the euphoric "high" of cannabis. - THCA
The raw, non-psychoactive acid form of THC found in the live plant. It must be heated (decarboxylated) to turn into THC. - Tincture
A liquid extract (usually alcohol or oil-based) utilizing a dropper for dosing. - Topical
Lotions, balms, or patches infused with cannabis. Applied to the skin for localized pain relief without psychoactive effects (transdermal patches are the exception). - Trichomes
The microscopic, mushroom-shaped glands on the bud that produce the resin containing cannabinoids and terpenes. They give weed its "frosty" look. - Trim
Leaves trimmed off the bud after harvest. Low potency, usually used for making butter or oil.
V
- Vape Pen / Cartridge
A portable battery device attached to a cartridge filled with cannabis distillate or live resin oil. - Vaporizer
A device that heats flower or oil to a temperature that releases active compounds without burning the plant material (combustion).
W
- Wax
A soft, opaque concentrate that is easy to handle. - Whole Plant Extract
An extraction method that utilizes the entire cannabis plant to preserve the full profile of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Z
- Zero-Zero
A term for high-quality Moroccan hash, indicating the finest sieve was used to collect the resin.
Quick Reference Charts
Concentrate Consistency Guide
New to dabbing? Here is what the names mean.
| Texture | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shatter | Hard, glass-like, brittle. | Easy handling by hand. |
| Wax/Budder | Soft, creamy, butter-like. | Easy to scoop with a tool. |
| Crumble | Dry, honeycomb-like, falls apart. | Topping bowls or dabbing. |
| Sauce | Liquid with crystals (diamonds). | High flavor (terpenes). |
| Rosin | Sticky, sap-like or creamy (solventless). | Health-conscious connoisseurs. |
| Distillate | Thick, honey-like liquid. | Vape cartridges and edibles. |
Top 5 Terpenes & Effects
| Terpene | Aroma Profile | Potential Effects | Also Found In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, Musky, Clove | Sedating, Relaxing, "Couch-lock" | Mangoes, Hops |
| Limonene | Citrus, Lemon, Orange | Mood-elevating, Stress relief | Fruit Rinds |
| Caryophyllene | Spicy, Pepper, Diesel | Anti-inflammatory, Pain relief | Black Pepper |
| Pinene | Pine, Woody | Alertness, Memory retention | Pine Trees |
| Linalool | Floral, Lavender | Calming, Anti-anxiety | Lavender |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between Live Resin and Live Rosin?
A: Both are made from fresh-frozen plants to preserve flavor. However, Live Resin uses solvents (like butane) to extract the oil, while Live Rosin is solventless, using only heat and pressure. Rosin is generally more expensive due to the labor-intensive process.
Q: Will CBD make me high?
A: No. CBD is non-intoxicating. However, it is psychoactive in the sense that it affects the brain (reducing anxiety), but it does not produce the euphoric impairment associated with THC.
Q: How long does weed stay in your system?
A: It varies by usage frequency and body type. For a one-time user, it may clear in 3-5 days. For daily heavy users, THC metabolites can remain detectable in urine for 30+ days.
Q: What is "Shake" and is it worth buying?
A: Shake consists of the small pieces of flower that fall off larger buds. It is significantly cheaper than premium buds. It is excellent for rolling joints or making homemade edibles, but usually smokes harsher than full nugs.
Q: Can I overdose on cannabis?
A: A fatal overdose from cannabis alone is virtually impossible. However, you can experience "Greening Out" (overconsumption), which leads to panic, nausea, and dizziness. The remedy is hydration, rest, and time.
