Bud, Terpenes, pre-rolls, and dabs—what does it all mean?!
If cannabis terminology has you feeling lost, this beginner’s guide will clear the smoke.
We’ve listed the most common cannabis terms and their meanings in this brief guide.
Bookmark this list to refer to the next time you hear a term you’re not familiar with.
Keep in mind this is NOT an exhaustive list of all the possible cannabis terms. This brief guide is a beginner’s starting point in cannabis education.
Aspects of the Cannabis Plant
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids make up the chemical compounds in cannabis, such as CBD and THC.
THC
THC, AKA delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical compound in cannabis responsible for the psychoactive effect users experience.
CBD
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that offers a variety of therapeutic effects.
CBN
CBD is the shorthand of Cannabinol. It is yet another cannabinoid in cannabis that could potentially serve as a sleep aid.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds in cannabis that give the plant particular tastes and smells. They can also shape your experience.
Trichome
Trichomes are tiny, crystal-looking structures found on cannabis flower. Most of the cannabinoid and terpene content of cannabis is contained in trichomes.
Flower
Flower is the standard form of cannabis. Fresh cannabis flower is dried and cured before you buy it. Dried flower contains the highest concentrations of THC in the cannabis plant.
Cannabis Types
Strain
A strain is a cannabis variety given a unique name, like Obama Runtz or GSC or Sour Diesel. Cannabis farmers breed various strains together to create new plants. This is done to develop specific characteristics of a cannabis strain, such as its flavor, smell, or overall chemical profile. Each strain has its own characteristics and offers something unique to your experience.
Cultivar
Cultivar is another name for a cannabis strain.
Sativa
A sativa cannabis plant is stalky and tall. Sativas originate from around Asia and have evolved naturally with humans for thousands of years. Few “true” sativas still exist.
Indica
An indica cannabis plant is shorter and squatter than its sativa siblings. They originate from around the world, including regions around the Middle East and Asia. They’ve also evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Few “true” indicas still exist.
Hybrid
Hybrid cannabis contains genetics from two or more cannabis plants. Indica, sativa, or hybrid genetics may make up a part of the hybrid plant. Most strains you’ll find on dispensary shelves today are hybrids.
Hemp
Hemp is cannabis bred to contain very low levels of THC. In modern times, hemp is distinct from cannabis by law, as the law classifies hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. Many hemp strains are bred to contain high levels of CBD.
Consumption Methods
Flower
Flower is the dried and cured part of the cannabis plant that you grind up for use in a bong, bowl, pipe, vaporizer, or other consumption device. (See a bit later in this blog for those details.)
Edibles
Edible cannabis is any food or beverage that’s been infused with an extract that contains THC and/or other cannabinoids.
Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device that heats cannabis without combustion. You’ll find them in stationary and portable versions.
Dabbing
Dabbing is used to inhale vaporized cannabis concentrates. This is done with a dab rig or a portable electronic dabbing device.
Concentrates
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis extracts.
Shatter
Shatter is a specific type of cannabis concentrate. It looks thin and glass-like, hence the name “shatter.”
Hash
Shorthand for hashish, hash is the concentrated, sticky resin glands of cannabis that have been collected and separated by hand via screens.
Kief
Kief is a grouping of the cannabis plant’s resin glands, aka trichomes. Kief falls off the plant when handled and ground, which is why grinders feature a kief screen.
Tincture
Tinctures are cannabis extract mixed into a carrier oil that may be consumed orally or mixed into drinks and food.
Topical
A cannabis topical is a cream or lotion infused with cannabis that can be applied directly to your skin.
Terminology for Smoking Cannabis
Joints
Joints contain cannabis rolled in a paper for smoking. They often have a filter called a “crutch” at the end to make the joint easier to hold onto. Joints are available with just flower or infused with a concentrate like diamonds or kief for a more powerful experience.
Blunt
In the U.S., blunts contain cannabis rolled in a cigar wrap, hemp wrap, or similar leaf. Similar to joints, they are rolled with only flower but may contain concentrate alongside the flower.
Bong
A bong is a water pipe leveraged for smoking cannabis flower. Bongs are known for their intricate glass, but you’ll also find stainless steel or similar options.
Pipe
A pipe is a handheld smoking device used for cannabis flower. They’re typically made of glass, but you’ll find metal and silicone versions, too.
Bowls
Bowls can refer to a type of pipe, or the bowl piece needed to smoke out of a bong.
Pre-Rolls
This is another term for a joint or blunt (blunts are not sold in New Jersey dispensaries).
One-Hitters
Also known as a one-hitter pipe, one-hitters are a smaller, more discreet smoking device for cannabis. They typically look like cigarette-sized containers.
Pinner
A pinner is another term used in cannabis culture that refers to a small cannabis joint. It is so small it resembles a pin. It contains a lower amount of cannabis than other smoking devices.
Vape
Cannabis vapes are devices used for inhalation of cannabis vapor. In contrast with other smoking methods, vapes heat cannabis to a temperature where cannabinoids and terpenes may evaporate into vapor without combusting
Cannabis Effects—Terminology
Cottonmouth
Cottonmouth is a term used by cannabis users to describe the common side effect of cannabis called dry mouth. Users describe it as a dry, sticky sensation in your mouth that reduces saliva production.
Couch Lock
Couch lock is a term used to describe an intense physical sensation of relaxation, similar to being locked into a couch, unable to move quickly. Couch lock is a common side effect of consuming cannabis.
Munchies
A term used to describe an increased desire for food after consuming cannabis.
Entourage Effect
The entourage effect encompasses the synergistic interaction of various compounds found in the cannabis plant. Different compounds in different combinations result in varying effects.
This effect primarily involves the cannabinoids and terpenes. This phenomenon suggests that the combined effect of these compounds is greater than the sum of their individual effects. The idea is that the entourage effect provides a more compelling experience than isolated compounds alone.
Types of Highs
Body High
A body high is typically a physical or sedative high that creates relaxing bodily sensations. An experience of relaxation, relief from physical tension, and a feeling of tranquility are the expected effects of a body high. I
Head High
A head high is also referred to as a cerebral high. This high primarily affects your mental and cognitive state. Sensations such as increased creativity, altered perception, and heightened sensory awareness all fall under a head high.
Cannabis Dosing
Dosage schedule
The cannabis dosage schedule varies widely, and it is typically based on individual tolerance, the method of consumption, the strain, and the desired effects. Keep in mind cannabis affects each person differently, so finding the proper dosage schedule for you requires some experimentation.
Microdosing
Microdosing is the practice of consuming small doses of any substance, including cannabis. The goal is to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing the intensity of side effects. Starting low and going slow is the best way to isolate the appropriate dosage.
Grams
Cannabis grams are a unit of measurement that is used to quantify the weight or quantity of cannabis. An ounce of cannabis contains 28 grams.
Ounce
Cannabis is often sold in ounce measurements. Quarter-ounce, eighth-ounce, half-ounce, and one-ounce quantities are typical in a dispensary.
Potency
Cannabis potency is measured by the concentration of cannabinoids, like THC, inside a cannabis product.
Effective Dosage
Effective dosage in cannabis is the amount required to achieve the desired therapeutic or psychoactive effects while reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
Threshold Dose
The threshold dose for cannabis is the minimum amount of cannabis required to produce a subtle psychological or physiological effect. This is typically the starting point for users to gauge their tolerance and desired experience.
Peak Effect
Peak effect refers to the point of maximum intensity during the cannabis experience, denoted by the highest concentration of psychoactive effects.
Legal Status and Regulatory Terminology
Recreational
Recreational cannabis is the nonmedical and leisure use of cannabis products, such as for relaxation, enjoyment, and socializing, where it is legal.
Decriminalization
Decriminalization refers to the reduction or removal of criminal penalties for the possession, use, or small-scale cultivation of cannabis, often shifting towards civil fines or other non-criminal sanctions.
Legalization
Cannabis legalization is the process by which governments formally permit and regulate the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis.
Scheduling
Cannabis scheduling refers to the classification of cannabis under a regulatory system that categorizes drugs based on their perceived risks and medical benefits.
Adult-Use
“Adult-use” refers to the legal consumption and availability of products for adults, defined as those aged 21 and older in most jurisdictions. This distinguishes recreational use from medical use.
Medical use
This refers to legal cannabis programs and dispensaries that only serve medical cannabis patients with authorization cards issued by the state. Only medical cannabis patients aged 18 and older, or a minor’s authorized caregiver, can buy medical cannabis. Medical cannabis can buy products from adult-use dispensaries, but adult-use customers cannot shop at medical cannabis dispensaries.
Licensing
Cannabis licensing requires the issuance of permits or approvals by regulatory authorities, allowing businesses and individuals to legally process, cultivate, distribute, or sell cannabis products within legal jurisdictions. Blue Oak is a licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary.
Testing Standards
Testing standards involve specific criteria and procedures that cannabis products must undergo to assess their safety, potency, and quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Safety Protocols
Cannabis safety protocols encompass rigorous measures and guidelines implemented throughout the cultivation, processing, and distribution phases to ensure the production of safe and uncontaminated cannabis products.
COA
Short for Certificate Of Analysis, this document provides detailed information about the composition and safety of a cannabis product, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles and the absence of contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.
Cannabis FAQs
What Is The Difference Between CBD and THC?
Cannabis contains cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound that induces a high. Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating and is more known for its therapeutic benefits.
When sourced from low-THC industrial hemp, CBD is legal in nearly all states and available in many stores. THC products can only be purchased from licensed, legal dispensaries. Put simply: THC is associated with a high, whereas CBD provides benefits without intoxication.
What Is The Difference Between Sativa And Indica In Cannabis?
Cannabis products are generally characterized by three main types: sativa, indica, and hybrids. Each type typically affects consumers differently.
Sativa strains are associated with an uplifting and energizing experience, while Indica strains are associated with relaxation and relief. Hybrid products are believed to blend both the qualities of sativa and indica.
It’s worth noting that products vary from these general descriptions. It is not universally true that sativa, indica, and hybrid products create these effects. It’s wise to ask a budtender for help choosing the right product.
Why Do Cannabis Products Have Different Names?
Cannabis products originate from sativa, indica, or hybrid subspecies, each with numerous genetic variations referred to as “strains.” These strains are named and categorized based on their effects. There are hundreds upon hundreds of strains available, and each one offers its own experience and benefits.
What Methods Of Consumption Are There?
In addition to traditional smoking, cannabis concentrates are commonly vaporized or dabbed using special tools such as vaporizers or dab rigs. Tinctures offer a discreet way to consume cannabis orally, while edibles have become a popular choice for quiet consumption as well. For localized relief without intoxicating effects, topicals are applied directly to the skin.
Read Blue Oaks’s full FAQ page here.
Stay Tuned to Improve Your Cannabis Education
This is just the start of the possible terms surrounding the cannabis industry.
The more familiar you become with the cannabis industry, the more these terms will become second nature to you. By staying informed, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of cannabis terminology and trends to empower you to make more informed decisions.
Keep exploring with us and stay tuned to the Blue Oak blog to improve your cannabis education!
