Cannabis glossary

Every term in the Cannabis Vocabulary — cultivation, science, law, products and culture.

• 2-AG — 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid in the body, acting as a full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• 420 — 420 is a popular cultural term and time associated with cannabis consumption and celebration.
• Adult-Use — Adult-use refers to the legal, non-medical sale and consumption of cannabis by adults, typically defined as individuals 21 or older.
• Anandamide — Anandamide is an endocannabinoid produced naturally by the human body, often called the 'bliss molecule,' that activates the same receptors as THC.
• Autoflowering — Autoflowering cannabis plants begin to flower based on age rather than changes in light cycle, derived from Cannabis ruderalis genetics.
• Bioavailability — Bioavailability is the proportion of a consumed dose of a cannabinoid that reaches systemic circulation and is available to exert its effects.
• Biomass — Cannabis biomass refers to the bulk harvested plant material, including stems, leaves, and small buds, used primarily as feedstock for extraction.
• Blunt — A blunt is a hollowed-out cigar filled with cannabis, often wrapped in tobacco leaves.
• Bong — A bong is a water pipe used for smoking cannabis, providing a smoother inhalation experience.
• Broad-Spectrum — Broad-spectrum cannabis extract retains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has THC removed or reduced to non-detectable levels.
• Budtender — A budtender is a staff member at a cannabis dispensary who assists customers in choosing products.
• Cannabichromene — Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-psychoactive minor cannabinoid studied for potential anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and neurogenesis-promoting effects.
• Cannabidiol — Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis noted for its therapeutic properties.
• Cannabidiol Isolate — CBD isolate is a pure, crystalline form of cannabidiol containing 99%+ CBD with all other plant compounds removed.
• Cannabinoid — Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system, found naturally in cannabis or produced synthetically.
• Cannabinoid Ratio — Cannabinoid ratio refers to the proportion of different cannabinoids (particularly THC to CBD) in a cannabis product, used to characterize its effect profile and therapeutic potential.
• Cannabis Advocacy — Cannabis advocacy refers to efforts aimed at promoting legalization and responsible cannabis use.
• Cannabis Advocacy Groups — Cannabis advocacy groups are organizations that promote awareness and support for cannabis legalization and reform.
• Cannabis Advocacy Technology — Digital tools and platforms supporting cannabis policy advocacy.
• Cannabis B2B — Business transactions that occur between cannabis companies rather than between a company and consumers.
• Cannabis Blockchain Solutions — Using blockchain technology for transparency in cannabis supply chains.
• Cannabis Brand Positioning — The strategy used by cannabis companies to differentiate their brand in the market.
• Cannabis Branding — Strategies to create a distinct identity for cannabis products.
• Cannabis Branding Strategies — Approaches used to create a unique identity for cannabis products and businesses.
• Cannabis Bud — Cannabis buds are the flowering parts of the cannabis plant harvested for use.
• Cannabis Compliance — Adhering to laws and regulations governing cannabis operations.
• Cannabis Compliance Software — Software tools designed to help cannabis businesses adhere to regulatory requirements.
• Cannabis Consumer Education — Programs aimed at informing cannabis consumers about products and risks.
• Cannabis Consumer Insights — Data and analysis related to consumer preferences and behaviors in the cannabis market.
• Cannabis Crisis Management — Strategies for addressing issues and risks in the cannabis industry.
• Cannabis Cultivation Techniques — Methods employed for growing cannabis plants effectively.
• Cannabis Data Analytics — The use of data to inform cannabis business decisions.
• Cannabis Delivery — Cannabis delivery is the licensed transport of cannabis products directly to consumers or between businesses, subject to strict rules on driver vetting, manifests, vehicle security, and delivery zones.
• Cannabis Digital Marketing — Online strategies used to promote cannabis brands and products.
• Cannabis Direct Sales — A business model where cannabis products are sold directly to consumers without intermediaries.
• Cannabis Distribution Models — Frameworks for delivering cannabis to consumers and retailers.
• Cannabis Distributorship — An independent business that handles the distribution of cannabis products to retailers.
• Cannabis E-Commerce — The online buying and selling of cannabis products.
• Cannabis Economic Impact Studies — Research assessing the economic effects of cannabis legalization.
• Cannabis Education Programs — Programs aimed at educating consumers and professionals about cannabis products and regulations.
• Cannabis Entrepreneur — An individual who starts and runs a business in the cannabis industry.
• Cannabis Equity — Policies aimed at ensuring fair participation in the cannabis industry.
• Cannabis Ethical Sourcing — Acquiring cannabis from responsible and sustainable sources.
• Cannabis Events and Activations — Live events aimed at promoting cannabis brands and engaging with consumers.
• Cannabis Exportation — The sale and distribution of cannabis products across international borders.
• Cannabis Extracts — Cannabis extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that contain high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Cannabis Financial Compliance — The adherence to financial regulations governing cannabis businesses.
• Cannabis Financial Models — Frameworks for analyzing financial performance in cannabis businesses.
• Cannabis Industry Networking — Building professional relationships within the cannabis sector.
• Cannabis Influencer Marketing — Using social media influencers to promote cannabis brands and products.
• Cannabis Intellectual Property — Legal rights related to cannabis innovation and branding.
• Cannabis Inventory Management — Cannabis inventory management is the tracking of product from seed to sale through state-mandated systems (such as Metrc), reconciling physical stock with regulatory records to prevent diversion and stay compliant.
• Cannabis Investment Strategies — Approaches for investing in the cannabis industry.
• Cannabis Legislative Advocacy — Efforts to influence cannabis-related laws and regulations.
• Cannabis License — A cannabis license is a legal authorization required to cultivate, distribute, or sell cannabis products.
• Cannabis Licensing — Cannabis licensing involves regulatory approval for companies to legally cultivate or sell cannabis.
• Cannabis Loyalty Program — A rewards program designed to encourage repeat purchases from cannabis consumers.
• Cannabis Manufacturing — Cannabis manufacturing is the licensed production of infused and processed products — concentrates, edibles, vapes, tinctures, and topicals — from extracted cannabinoids under regulated quality standards.
• Cannabis Market — The cannabis market refers to the economic landscape related to the sale and consumption of cannabis products.
• Cannabis Market Research — The systematic gathering and analysis of data related to the cannabis market.
• Cannabis Market Segmentation — Dividing the cannabis market into distinct groups of consumers with similar needs.
• Cannabis Microbusiness — Small-scale cannabis businesses permitted to engage in multiple operations.
• Cannabis Oil — Cannabis oil is an extract from the cannabis plant that can be high in cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Cannabis Packaging — Cannabis packaging is the compliant containment and labeling of products, typically requiring child-resistant, tamper-evident, often opaque packaging plus mandated warnings, potency, and tracking information.
• Cannabis Processing — Cannabis processing covers the post-harvest steps — drying, curing, trimming, extraction, and formulation — that turn raw plant material into finished products.
• Cannabis Product Development — The process of designing and creating new cannabis products.
• Cannabis Product Serialization — Unique identifiers for cannabis products throughout the supply chain.
• Cannabis Production Efficiency — The optimization of cannabis cultivation and production processes to enhance output.
• Cannabis Quality Assurance — Standards and processes ensuring cannabis product quality and safety.
• Cannabis Regulation — Cannabis regulation refers to laws and policies governing the legality, distribution, and use of cannabis products.
• Cannabis Research — Cannabis research includes studies exploring cannabis' effects, benefits, and applications in medicine.
• Cannabis Retail Strategy — Approaches for maximizing sales in cannabis retail environments.
• Cannabis Risk Management — The identification and mitigation of potential risks in cannabis business operations.
• Cannabis Ruderalis — Cannabis ruderalis is a subspecies of cannabis native to Central Asia, characterized by automatic flowering based on age rather than photoperiod.
• Cannabis Seeds — Cannabis seeds are the reproductive part of the cannabis plant, used for breeding or cultivation.
• Cannabis Social Equity Programs — Initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices related to cannabis prohibition.
• Cannabis Supply Chain — The cannabis supply chain encompasses all processes involved in producing and delivering cannabis products to consumers.
• Cannabis Supply Chain Management — Overseeing the production and delivery of cannabis products.
• Cannabis Supply Forecasting — The process of estimating the future supply of cannabis products in the market.
• Cannabis Sustainability Practices — Strategies promoting environmental stewardship in cannabis operations.
• Cannabis Testing — Cannabis testing is the process of analyzing cannabis products for quality, potency, and safety.
• Cannabis User Experience — The overall experience consumers have with cannabis products.
• Caryophyllene — Caryophyllene is a cannabis terpene with a spicy, peppery aroma that uniquely acts as a CB2 receptor agonist, making it both a terpene and a functional cannabinoid.
• CBD — Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp, widely used in medical research and consumer wellness products.
• CBDA — Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is the acidic precursor to CBD found in raw cannabis and hemp, which converts to CBD upon decarboxylation.
• CBDV (Cannabidivarin) — Cannabidivarin (CBDV) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid being studied for its potential benefits.
• CBG — Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid often called the 'mother cannabinoid' because CBGA is the precursor from which other major cannabinoids are synthesized.
• CBN (Cannabinol) — Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that forms when THC is oxidized, known for its sedative effects.
• CO2 Extraction — CO2 extraction is a method of producing cannabis concentrates using supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide as a solvent, resulting in clean, pharmaceutical-grade extracts.
• COA — A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document from an accredited laboratory confirming the composition, potency, and safety of a cannabis product.
• COA Verification — COA verification is the process of confirming the authenticity and accuracy of a cannabis Certificate of Analysis from an accredited laboratory.
• Compassionate Use — Compassionate use refers to state programs that allow medical cannabis access for qualifying patients.
• Compliance — Cannabis compliance refers to adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing the production, testing, distribution, and sale of cannabis.
• Concentrates — Cannabis concentrates are products produced by extracting and concentrating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material into a more potent form.
• Controlled Substance — A controlled substance is a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by law due to potential for abuse or harm.
• Cultivar — A cultivar is a plant variety that has been selectively bred and maintained to exhibit consistent, reproducible characteristics.
• Curing — Curing is the post-harvest process of slowly drying cannabis in controlled conditions to develop flavor, enhance potency, and extend shelf life.
• Cushion Effect — The cushion effect refers to the enhanced effects of cannabis when combined with different cannabinoids.
• Dab — A dab refers to a small amount of cannabis concentrate used for vaporization, or the act of consuming concentrate via a dab rig.
• Dabbing — Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing a small amount on a heated surface (nail or banger) and inhaling the resulting vapor.
• DEA — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the US federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing controlled substances laws and regulations.
• Decarboxylation — Decarboxylation is the chemical process by which THCA is converted to THC through the application of heat, activating the psychoactive properties of cannabis.
• Dispensary — A dispensary is a licensed facility authorized to sell cannabis and cannabis products to consumers.
• Dispensary Menu — A dispensary menu is the curated catalogue of cannabis products available for sale at a licensed retail outlet, typically displayed digitally or in print.
• Distillate — Cannabis distillate is a highly refined extract produced through molecular distillation, typically containing 90%+ cannabinoid purity.
• Edibles — Cannabis edibles are food and beverage products infused with cannabinoids (primarily THC or CBD) designed for oral consumption.
• Endocannabinoid System — The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling network in the human body that regulates a broad range of physiological processes including mood, pain, appetite, and immune function.
• Entourage Effect — The entourage effect is the proposed synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds that may enhance overall therapeutic effects.
• Epidiolex — Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved prescription pharmaceutical containing purified CBD, indicated for rare childhood epilepsy syndromes.
• Extraction — Cannabis extraction is the process of isolating cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from plant material using solvents or mechanical methods.
• Extraction Equipment — Extraction equipment is used to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants for concentrates.
• Flower — Cannabis flower refers to the harvested, dried, and cured reproductive structures of the female cannabis plant, the primary form sold in dispensaries.
• Flush — Flushing is a cultivation practice of watering cannabis plants with plain water during the final weeks before harvest to clear nutrient residues from the substrate.
• Full-Spectrum — Full-spectrum cannabis extract contains all naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds, including trace amounts of THC.
• Ganja — Ganja is a colloquial term used in various cultures to refer to marijuana.
• Genotype — Genotype refers to the complete genetic makeup of a cannabis plant, which determines its potential traits and characteristics.
• GMP — Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a quality assurance framework mandated by regulatory agencies for the production of pharmaceutical, food, and cannabis products.
• Green Rush — The green rush refers to the rapid growth of the cannabis industry following legalization movements.
• Grow Room — A grow room is an indoor space purpose-designed for cannabis cultivation under controlled environmental conditions.
• Harvest — Harvest is the stage of cannabis cultivation when mature plants are cut for drying and curing, timed by trichome ripeness to maximize cannabinoid and terpene content.
• Hash — Hash (hashish) is one of the oldest cannabis concentrates, made by collecting and compressing trichome resin from the cannabis plant.
• Hash Oil — Hash oil is a cannabis concentrate in liquid or viscous form produced through solvent extraction, containing high concentrations of cannabinoids.
• Hemp — Hemp refers to Cannabis sativa L. varieties cultivated for industrial, nutritional, and CBD purposes, legally defined by low THC content (typically below 0.3%).
• Hemp-Derived CBD — Hemp-derived CBD is CBD extracted from hemp plants, low in THC and often used for wellness.
• High — A 'high' is the colloquial term for the psychoactive state experienced after consuming THC-containing cannabis products.
• Home Cultivation — Home cultivation refers to the practice of growing cannabis plants for personal use.
• Hybrid — A hybrid cannabis strain is a cultivar bred from crossbreeding indica and sativa genetics to combine specific traits from each.
• Hydroponics — Hydroponics is a method of growing cannabis in nutrient-rich water solutions without soil, enabling precise nutrient control and faster growth rates.
• Indica — Indica is a strain of cannabis commonly associated with relaxing effects and sedation.
• Indica-Dominant — Indica-dominant describes a hybrid cannabis cultivar where indica genetics predominate, typically associated with more physically relaxing effect profiles.
• Inhalation — Inhalation is a cannabis administration route involving breathing in smoke or vapor, producing rapid onset of effects within minutes.
• Isolate — A cannabis isolate is a purified extract containing a single cannabinoid, typically CBD or THC, at 99%+ purity.
• Joint — A joint is a rolled cannabis cigarette commonly used for consumption.
• Kief — Kief refers to the loose, powdery trichome crystals that separate from cannabis flower, high in cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Landrace — A landrace cannabis strain is a naturally evolved variety originating from a specific geographic region, genetically distinct from commercial cultivars.
• Legalization — Cannabis legalization refers to the process of removing criminal prohibitions on cannabis cultivation, possession, sale, or use and establishing a regulated legal market.
• Licensed Producer — A licensed producer is a company or individual authorized by a government regulatory body to cultivate, process, and distribute cannabis.
• Limonene — Limonene is a cannabis terpene with a citrus aroma, studied for potential anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and anti-cancer properties.
• Linalool — Linalool is a floral cannabis terpene also abundant in lavender, studied for sedative, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Live Resin — Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from freshly harvested, flash-frozen plant material to preserve the full terpene and cannabinoid profile.
• Marijuana — Marijuana is a common name for cannabis, particularly when referring to its psychoactive properties.
• Marijuana Tax Act — The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 imposed heavy regulations and taxes on cannabis in the U.S.
• Medical Cannabis — Medical cannabis refers to cannabis or cannabis-derived products prescribed or recommended by a licensed healthcare professional for therapeutic purposes.
• Mediweed — Mediweed is a colloquial term for medicinal cannabis, typically prescribed to patients.
• Microdosing — Microdosing refers to the practice of consuming very small, sub-perceptual doses of cannabis to achieve therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects.
• Myrcene — Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in commercial cannabis cultivars, producing earthy and musky aromas, and studied for sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nerolidol — Nerolidol is a secondary cannabis terpene with woody and floral aromas, studied for potential sedative, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties.
• Novel Food — Novel Food is an EU regulatory classification applied to CBD products, requiring authorization before they can be marketed as food supplements.
• Nug — Nug is a slang term for a dense, high-quality cannabis flower bud.
• Pharmaceutical Cannabis — Pharmaceutical cannabis refers to cannabis-derived medicines that meet pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and are prescribed through formal medical channels.
• Phenotype — Phenotype refers to the observable physical and chemical characteristics of a cannabis plant that result from the interaction of its genetics (genotype) with the environment.
• Photoperiod — Photoperiod refers to the duration of light and dark periods in a 24-hour cycle that triggers cannabis plants to transition from vegetative growth to flowering.
• Pinene — Pinene is a cannabis terpene with a fresh pine aroma, studied for potential bronchodilating, anti-inflammatory, and memory-enhancing properties.
• Potency — Potency in cannabis refers to the concentration of cannabinoids, particularly THC, typically expressed as a percentage of dry weight.
• Pre-Roll — A pre-roll is a commercially prepared cannabis cigarette, filled with ground flower or other cannabis material and ready to smoke.
• Prohibition — The term refers to the historical ban on cannabis, impacting its legal status and use.
• Prop 215 — Proposition 215, enacted in California in 1996, was the first law in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis.
• Psychoactive — A psychoactive substance affects brain function, resulting in alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, or behavior. THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
• Qualitative Analysis — Qualitative analysis in cannabis studies focuses on identifying compounds' presence rather than quantity.
• Resin — Cannabis resin is a sticky, glandular secretion produced by trichomes on the cannabis plant, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Rosin — Rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief.
• Safe Access — Safe access refers to the legal framework allowing patients to obtain medical cannabis without fear of legal repercussions.
• Sativa — Cannabis sativa is a subspecies of cannabis traditionally associated with taller plants and effects described as energizing or cerebral.
• Sativa-Dominant — Sativa-dominant describes a hybrid cannabis cultivar where sativa genetics predominate, typically associated with more cerebral or energizing effect profiles.
• Schedule I — Schedule I is the most restrictive classification under the US Controlled Substances Act, applied to substances deemed to have high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, including cannabis.
• Seed-to-Sale — Seed-to-sale refers to the track-and-trace regulatory framework that monitors cannabis from cultivation through to retail sale to ensure compliance and prevent diversion.
• Seed-to-Sale Software — Software tools designed to track cannabis products from cultivation to final sale.
• Shatter — Shatter is a brittle, glass-like cannabis concentrate produced through BHO extraction, known for high cannabinoid purity and stable consistency.
• Stoner — A stoner is a colloquial term for a person who regularly consumes cannabis, often carrying cultural connotations.
• Terp Sauce — Terp sauce is a cannabis concentrate with high terpene content and a liquid or semi-liquid consistency, often containing THCA crystals suspended in aromatic oils.
• Terpene — Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants, responsible for distinct flavors and scents, and potentially contributing to therapeutic effects.
• Terpene Profile — A terpene profile is the specific combination and concentration of terpenes present in a cannabis cultivar, used to characterize its aroma, flavor, and potential effects.
• Terpene Testing — Terpene testing involves analyzing cannabis products to determine their terpene content and profiles.
• Terpenoid — Terpenoids are modified terpenes that contain additional functional groups, often used interchangeably with 'terpenes' in cannabis discussions.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol — THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the euphoric effects.
• THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with its use.
• THC Tolerance — THC tolerance refers to the body's decreased response to THC after repeated exposure.
• THCA — Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the non-psychoactive acidic precursor to THC found in raw, unheated cannabis.
• Tincture — A cannabis tincture is a liquid extract typically made with alcohol or glycerin, administered orally or sublingually (under the tongue) for precise dosing.
• Tolerance — Cannabis tolerance refers to the progressive reduction in response to a given dose of cannabis with repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
• Topical — Cannabis topicals are products applied directly to the skin, including creams, balms, and transdermal patches, used for localized therapeutic effects.
• Trichome — Trichomes are microscopic, hair-like glands on the cannabis plant's surface that produce and store cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
• Trim — Trim refers to the leaf and small bud material removed from cannabis flower during the manicuring process, often used for extracts or edibles.
• Vaporization — Vaporization is a method of cannabis consumption that heats cannabis to temperatures that release cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion.
• Vaporizer — A vaporizer is a device that heats cannabis to a temperature that vaporizes the active compounds without combustion.
• Vertically Integrated — A vertically integrated cannabis company owns and operates multiple stages of the supply chain, from cultivation through to retail.
• Wax — Wax is a cannabis concentrate with a soft, opaque consistency produced through butane hash oil extraction and whipping or agitation during the purging process.
• Winterization — Winterization is a post-extraction purification process using cold temperatures and ethanol to remove fats, waxes, and lipids from cannabis extracts.