Here is a quick and simple glossary for a variety of cannabis-related terms to further your weed education!
Aroma
“Aroma” is a term used for describing the smell of a certain plant or flower. These descriptions are typically meant as a general guideline as individual consumers will have varying definitions of aroma. Common examples of cannabis aromas include skunky, earthy, and citrusy.
Blunt
Cannabis that is wrapped in cigarillo paper or tobacco leaf cigar. Coined from the popularity of the brand Phillies Blunt Cigars. Blunts are often found in larger social gatherings as they often burn longer than joints.
Bud
This refers to the actual flower of a marijuana plant. They are harvested for recreational and medicinal purposes as they carry the highest concentrations of active cannabinoids.
Budtender
Budtenders are your go-to person when you have questions about cannabis. They work in your local dispensaries and are very well versed in strains and products and are also able to make recommendations after a quick chat.
Cannabinoids
These are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that affect the human body’s cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids produce various effects including pain relief and other medically beneficial effects. Marijuana’s most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but there are over 85 known cannabinoids all with varying effects.
Cannabis
Refers to a group of three species of flowering plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are used to produce both recreational and medical marijuana. Cannabis ruderalis is typically not farmed due to its lower THC content.
CBD
CBD is short for cannabidiol. While this cannabinoid is second to THC in terms of industry popularity, it has recently gained interest for its medical treatment properties as it has been effective in combating pain, inflammation, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Concentrates
Concentrates are a common product category seen in cannabis dispensaries. They are a potent consolidation of cannabinoids created by breaking down marijuana plants into a solvent. These concentrated products have very high THC levels. Concentrates come in a variety of products that range from thick sticky oils to resinous glass-like bits.
Dab/Dabbing
The term dabbing is a slang term that refers to the inhalation of vapours derived from marijuana-based oils, concentrates, and extracts. Consumers “dab” a concentrated dose onto a hot surface and inhale the released vapours.
Dank
This word is used to describe sticky, high-quality cannabis that, more often than not, has a strong aroma.
Dispensary
This is a general term used to refer to a location or business where a consumer can access and purchase cannabis.
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-based food products. With a wide variety of products, including gummies, brownies, chocolate, and cookies, these THC or CBD-packed products are taking the industry by storm.
Flower
When it comes to cannabis, “flower” refers to the bud or the smokable, trichome-covered part of a female cannabis plant.
Hash
This is short for hashish, which is an extract of the cannabis plant. It is created by collecting marijuana trichomes through filtering or sieving. Once collected, these trichomes are pressed and ready for use.
Hybrid
Hybrid refers to a plant that is genetically a cross between one or more separate strains of cannabis. This term is also used to define flower that has both indica and sativa properties or effects.
Indica
Indica is the informal term used for Cannabis indica species of cannabis. Cannabis plants that tend to produce more relaxing and sedated effects are said to produce indica products.
Kush
Kush refers to a line of marijuana plants that have origins in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush strains are typically indicas and have a unique aroma with a large fan base. Kush strains commonly have earth, piney aromas with notes of citrus and sweetness.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a general term for the psychoactive product created from the leaves and flowering tops of a cannabis plant.
OG
Currently used to describe many strains, though the term originally was used to describe Southern California’s Ocean Grown Kush (shortened to OG Kush). OG Kush has quite the fame and reputation, but most OGs are different variations of the original OG Kush genetics.
Pot
Pot is a slang term for marijuana.
Pre-roll
This is a common term used to describe pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes. They are also known as “joints”. Many dispensaries have pre-rolls for sale or may even give away pre-rolls for events or holidays.
Sativa
Sativa is the informal term for Cannabis sativa species of the cannabis plant. These strains tend to have a lighter colour and when consumed, they tend to produce more cerebral effects as opposed to physical and sedative ones.
Shatter
Shatter is a form of cannabis concentrate that is produced using a combination of plant matter and solvents. The product itself is hard, and translucent, with a similar appearance to glass.
Strain
A strain is essentially a different breed of a cannabis plant species. Strain names often reflect the plant’s appearance, effects, flavour profile, or place of origin.
THC
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the most well-known and prominent cannabinoid in the cannabis industry. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects, otherwise known as the “high.” Research has shown it to be an effective medication for many conditions.
Weed
Weed is yet another slang term for marijuana.