Cannabis terminology

420: a slang term that refers to cannabis culture and the act of consuming cannabis, particularly at 4:20 PM or on April 20th (4/20). It originated in the 1970's and has since become widely recognized as a symbol of cannabis advocacy and celebration.

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710: Similar to "420," "710" has become a symbol for concentrate enthusiasts and is celebrated on July 10th (7/10). It's a term used in cannabis culture to represent the celebration and consumption of cannabis concentrates, particularly oils, waxes, and extracts. It is derived from the word "OIL" flipped upside down, which resembles "710" numerically.

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Badder/Budder: refers to a type of cannabis concentrate known for its creamy, butter-like consistency. It is produced through extraction methods such as butane extraction or CO2 extraction, resulting in a concentrate with high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. Budder typically has a smooth texture and can range in color from light yellow to amber, depending on factors such as strain and processing techniques. It is commonly consumed by vaporizing, dabbing, or adding to joints or bowls for enhanced potency and flavor.

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Cannabinoids: chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.

• Examples: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), etc.

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Cannabidiol (CBD): a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. It is known for its therapeutic properties and is often used for its potential health benefits, such as reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures, without causing intoxication.

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Cannabinol (CBN): a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is known for its mild psychoactive effects and potential sedative properties. CBN is often present in aged cannabis or as a result of THC degradation over time.

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Clone: a genetically identical copy of a plant, typically produced through a process called vegetative propagation. In the context of cannabis cultivation, a clone is a cutting taken from a mature cannabis plant that is then rooted and grown to produce a genetically identical plant. This method ensures consistency in traits such as potency, flavor, and growth characteristics.

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Concentrate: a potent form of cannabis extract that contains high levels of cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, and often terpenes. It is produced through extraction methods that isolate and concentrate the desired compounds from the cannabis plant material. Concentrates come in various forms, including oils, waxes, shatter, budder, and tinctures, and are typically consumed by vaporizing, dabbing, or adding to edibles.

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Consumption Methods: various ways of using cannabis products.

• Examples: Smoking, vaporizing, edibles, topicals, tinctures, etc.

• Slang Terms: "Blasting," "Dabbing," "Eating an edible," "Vaping," etc.

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Dosing and Potency: measurement of the strength or concentration of cannabinoids in cannabis products.

• Examples: THC potency, CBD potency, milligrams per serving, etc.

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Edible: a food or beverage product infused with cannabis extract, typically containing cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. When consumed, edibles can produce psychoactive effects or provide therapeutic benefits, depending on the cannabinoid content and dosage. Edibles come in various forms, including cookies, brownies, gummies, chocolates, beverages, and more, offering an alternative method of cannabis consumption compared to smoking or vaping.

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Eighth: an eighth of an ounce of cannabis, which is approximately 3.5 grams. It is a common unit of measurement used in the cannabis industry for purchasing and selling dried flower products.

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Entourage Effect: the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis, enhancing therapeutic effects.

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Extract: a concentrated form of cannabis that contains high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, typically obtained through extraction methods such as solvent-based extraction (e.g., butane extraction) or solventless extraction (e.g., rosin pressing). Extracts come in various forms, including oils, waxes, shatter, and budder, and are often consumed through vaporization, dabbing, or adding to edibles.

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Flower: also known as bud or nugget, refers to the harvested and dried consumable portion of the cannabis plant. It contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, as well as aromatic compounds called terpenes. Flower is commonly smoked, vaporized, or used to make edibles, providing psychoactive and therapeutic effects when consumed.

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Hemp: refers to a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial purposes. It is cultivated for its fibers, seeds, and oil, and contains low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Hemp is used in a wide range of products, including textiles, paper, biofuels, food, supplements, and construction materials. It is known for its versatility, sustainability, and potential economic and environmental benefits.

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Hybrid: a cannabis strain that is a cross between two or more different cannabis varieties, typically between indica and sativa strains. Hybrids are bred to combine the desirable traits of both parent strains, such as potency, flavor, and growth characteristics. They can be further categorized as indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced hybrids, depending on the traits inherited from the parent plants. Hybrids offer a diverse range of effects and are popular among cannabis users for their versatility.

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Hydroponics: a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions.

• Slang Terms: "Hydro," "Hydro weed," etc.

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Indica: a subspecies of the Cannabis plant known for its relaxing and sedative effects. Indica strains are typically characterized by their shorter, bushier stature and broader leaves. They are commonly associated with feelings of deep relaxation, euphoria, and "couch-lock," making them popular choices for nighttime or relaxation use. Indica strains are often used medicinally to relieve symptoms such as pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, and anxiety.

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Kief: also spelled keef or kif, refers to the trichome-rich resinous glands that contain the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found on the surface of cannabis flowers. It appears as a fine, powdery substance and is often collected through a process of grinding or sifting dried cannabis buds. Kief is highly potent and can be sprinkled on top of cannabis flower or used to enhance the potency of edibles, concentrates, or tinctures. It is prized for its strong flavor and effects and is commonly used by cannabis enthusiasts to elevate their cannabis experience.

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Live Resin: a type of cannabis concentrate known for its high terpene content and fresh flavor profile. It is made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from freshly harvested cannabis plants that have not been dried or cured. This process preserves the plant's natural flavors and aromas, resulting in a product with a more robust and aromatic profile compared to other concentrates. Live resin is typically consumed by vaporizing or dabbing and is favored by cannabis enthusiasts for its potent effects and rich flavor experience.

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Pre-roll: a ready-made cannabis joint (or cigarette) that has been filled with ground cannabis flower and rolled in rolling paper. They are available in various sizes and strains, offering users a convenient and portable way to consume cannabis without the need for preparation or equipment.

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Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): a concentrated cannabis oil named after Rick Simpson, who popularized its use as a potential treatment for various medical conditions, including cancer. It is typically made using a solvent extraction method, such as using ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, to extract cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds from cannabis plants. RSO is known for its high THC content and is often consumed orally or topically. 

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Rosin: a solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. This process squeezes out a sticky resinous substance that solidifies into a translucent, amber-colored product. Rosin is valued for its purity and potency, as it does not require the use of solvents like butane or CO2 in its production. It can be consumed through vaporization, dabbing, or adding to joints or bowls, offering a clean and flavorful cannabis experience.

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Sativa: a subspecies of the Cannabis plant known for its energizing and uplifting effects. Sativa strains are typically characterized by their tall, thin stature and narrow leaves. They are commonly associated with feelings of creativity, euphoria, and mental stimulation, making them popular choices for daytime use or social activities. Sativa strains are often used medicinally to combat symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and lack of appetite.

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Shake: the small pieces of cannabis flower that accumulate at the bottom of a storage container or bag. It typically consists of broken-off bits, small nugs, and loose plant material. While shake may not have the aesthetic appeal of larger, intact buds, it still contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis. Shake is often used to make edibles, concentrates, or pre-rolled joints, offering a cost-effective option for cannabis consumption.

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Shatter: a type of cannabis concentrate known for its glass-like consistency and high potency. It is produced through a process called extraction, typically using solvents like butane or CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. Shatter is characterized by its translucent appearance and brittle texture, which can shatter like glass when broken. It is commonly consumed by vaporizing or dabbing, offering users a fast-acting and potent cannabis experience.

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Strains: different varieties or cultivars of cannabis with distinct characteristics, including appearance, smell, taste, and effects.

• Examples: Sativa, indica, hybrid, Blue Dream, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, etc.

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Terpenes: aromatic oils responsible for the distinct smells and flavors of different cannabis strains.

• Examples: Myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, etc.​​​

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THC: also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is responsible for the euphoric "high" or intoxicating effects associated with cannabis consumption. THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, altering neurotransmitter release and producing various effects such as relaxation, altered perception of time and space, increased appetite, and euphoria. In addition to its psychoactive effects, THC also has potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation.

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THCa: also known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in raw, unheated cannabis plants. THCA does not produce psychoactive effects like THC, but it has potential therapeutic properties. When exposed to heat through processes such as smoking, vaporizing, or cooking (decarboxylation), THCA converts into THC, which then produces the intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis consumption. However, some believe that THCA itself may offer medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiemetic properties, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential.

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Tincture: a liquid cannabis extract made by soaking cannabis in alcohol or glycerin. It's consumed by placing drops under the tongue or adding to food/drinks for fast-acting effects.

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Topical: a cannabis-infused product, such as a cream, lotion, or balm, that is applied directly to the skin. These products are designed to provide localized relief from pain, inflammation, soreness, or skin conditions without producing psychoactive effects. Topicals work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, muscles, and tissues, offering targeted relief to the area of application. They are popular among medical cannabis users seeking relief from localized discomfort or skin issues, offering a convenient and non-intoxicating alternative to traditional forms of cannabis consumption.

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Trichomes: small, resinous glands on the surface of cannabis flowers and leaves, containing cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Slang Terms: "Frost," "Crystals," "Trich," etc.​

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Vape: refers to inhaling vaporized cannabis or cannabis extracts using a vaporizer device, offering a discreet and smoother alternative to smoking. Vaporizers heat cannabis or cannabis concentrates at a controlled temperature, converting them into vapor without combustion, which reduces the production of harmful toxins associated with smoking.

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Wax: a type of cannabis concentrate known for its sticky, wax-like consistency. It is produced through extraction methods that involve solvents like butane or CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. Wax is typically consumed by vaporizing or dabbing, offering users a potent and flavorful cannabis experience.

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