Cannabis Glossary
Cannabis Terminology
Understand the language of cannabis science. Browse by category or search across all terms.
🧬 Cannabis Science
26 termsCannabinoid
A class of chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in cells. Found naturally in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids), produced by the body (endocannabinoids), or synthesized in a laboratory. Over 150 phytocannabinoids have been identified in cannabis.
Terpene
Aromatic organic compounds produced in cannabis trichomes responsible for scent, flavor, and biological activity. Over 200 terpenes identified in cannabis — myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, linalool, and pinene are the most prevalent and well-researched.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A complex cell-signaling system present in all vertebrates involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. Regulates mood, pain, appetite, memory, sleep, immune function, and overall homeostasis.
CB1 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 1, primarily found in the brain and central nervous system — especially in areas governing memory, pain, mood, and motor control. THC binds here to produce psychoactive effects. Anandamide is its primary endogenous ligand.
CB2 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 2, primarily found in the immune system, gut, and peripheral tissues. Governs inflammation and immune modulation. CBD, caryophyllene (a terpene), CBG, and CBN are all CB2-active compounds.
Entourage Effect
The synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabis compounds that produces effects greater than any isolated single compound. First formally described by Dr. Ethan Russo in 2011. The core scientific argument for whole-plant medicine over isolates.
Decarboxylation
The chemical process of applying heat to convert inactive cannabinoid acids (THCA, CBDA) into active cannabinoids (THC, CBD). Occurs at approximately 105°C (220°F) for THC. Happens automatically when smoking or vaporizing.
Trichome
Tiny hair-like glandular structures on cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. The primary site of cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid synthesis and storage. Appear as frosty white crystals on mature cannabis.
Phytocannabinoid
Cannabinoids that originate from the cannabis plant. The primary ones: THC, CBD, CBG (the 'mother cannabinoid' precursor), CBC (anti-inflammatory), CBN (sedative), THCV (appetite suppressant), THCP (ultra-potent), and Delta-8 THC (milder psychoactive).
Endocannabinoid
Cannabinoid-like molecules naturally synthesized by the human body on demand. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They bind CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate homeostasis throughout the body.
Anandamide (AEA)
The 'bliss molecule' — the body's primary endocannabinoid and a natural THC analog. Named from the Sanskrit word 'ananda' (bliss). Regulates mood, memory, pain, and appetite. Rapidly broken down by the enzyme FAAH.
2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol)
The most abundant endocannabinoid in the body — present at 170× higher concentrations than anandamide. Activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors at full agonist strength. Plays a key role in pain, inflammation, appetite, and immune regulation.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)
The 'mother of all cannabinoids.' The first cannabinoid acid synthesized by the cannabis plant, from which THCA, CBDA, CBCA, and all other cannabinoid acids are produced.
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid — the non-psychoactive acid precursor to THC found in raw, unheated cannabis. Must be decarboxylated (heated) to become psychoactive.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic Acid — the acid precursor to CBD found in raw cannabis. Research suggests CBDA may be more bioavailable than CBD and shows promise for nausea, anxiety, and inflammation.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a cannabinoid that enters the bloodstream and produces an active effect. By route: inhalation ~25–35%, sublingual ~20–35%, oral/edibles ~6–15%, transdermal ~variable.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
A highly selective membrane separating brain circulation from the body's bloodstream. Myrcene and certain other terpenes can temporarily increase BBB permeability, enhancing cannabinoid uptake into the brain.
Flavonoid
Plant pigments found in cannabis contributing to color, flavor, and biological activity. Cannabis-specific flavonoids (cannaflavins A and B) were found to be 30× more effective as anti-inflammatories than aspirin in vitro.
FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase)
The enzyme responsible for breaking down anandamide in the body. Inhibiting FAAH increases anandamide levels and reduces anxiety — one mechanism by which CBD may produce its anxiolytic effects.
Homeostasis
The body's tendency to maintain internal stability and balance across all systems. The endocannabinoid system is a master regulator of homeostasis — influencing body temperature, inflammation, mood, sleep, appetite, memory, and immune function.
Terpene Synergy
The amplifying effect when multiple terpenes are present together. Myrcene + linalool produces greater sedation than either alone; limonene + pinene produces clearer cognitive effects together than separately.
Monoterpene
The simplest class of terpenes, made of two isoprene units (10 carbons). Responsible for most cannabis aromas — limonene, linalool, myrcene, pinene, terpinolene, ocimene, and geraniol are all monoterpenes.
Sesquiterpene
A larger terpene class made of three isoprene units (15 carbons). Caryophyllene and humulene are sesquiterpenes — they survive decarboxylation better and have systemic anti-inflammatory activity when ingested.
Terpenoid
A modified terpene — the same basic terpene skeleton but altered by oxidation or other chemical changes, often during curing and drying. The terms terpene and terpenoid are commonly used interchangeably in consumer contexts.
Chemotype
A cannabis plant variety distinguished by its chemical composition rather than its physical appearance. Chemotypes are defined by their dominant cannabinoid (THC-type, CBD-type, balanced) or their unique terpene fingerprint.
Terpene Entourage
A subset of the entourage effect focusing specifically on terpene contributions. Research shows terpenes modulate cannabinoid receptor activity and independently activate neurotransmitter systems.
🌿 Genetics & Plant Types
11 termsIndica
Cannabis subspecies (Cannabis indica) associated with shorter, broader-leafed plants from the Hindu Kush mountain region. Traditionally associated with sedating, body-centered effects — though modern research shows effects are more accurately predicted by terpene profile.
Sativa
Cannabis subspecies (Cannabis sativa) associated with taller, narrow-leafed plants from equatorial regions. Traditionally associated with uplifting, cerebral effects — though the indica/sativa distinction is now considered an oversimplification by the scientific community.
Hybrid
Cannabis strains bred from both indica and sativa genetics. The vast majority of modern cannabis is hybrid — developed through intentional crossing to combine desired effects, yield characteristics, and terpene profiles from multiple lineages.
Landrace Strain
A pure cannabis strain that evolved in geographic isolation without human crossbreeding — such as Hindu Kush, Durban Poison, Thai, Colombian Gold, or Afghani. The original genetic foundation for most modern cannabis cultivars.
Landrace vs. Heritage Strain
A landrace strain evolved in geographic isolation (Hindu Kush, Thai, Colombian Gold). A heritage strain is a historical hybrid predating the modern seed market (Skunk #1, Northern Lights, Haze) — bred by humans but preserved as a genetic baseline.
Cultivar
The technically correct term for what is colloquially called a 'strain.' A cannabis cultivar is a plant variety developed and cultivated for specific chemical and physical characteristics through intentional breeding.
Phenotype
The physical and chemical expression of a plant's genetic code. Two plants with identical genetics can produce different phenotypes depending on environment, growing conditions, light spectrum, and which genes are expressed.
Clone
A cutting taken from a cannabis plant and rooted to create a genetically identical copy. The only way to preserve a specific phenotype exactly — most legendary strain cuts (OG Kush, Sour Diesel, GSC original) are clone-only.
IBL (Inbred Line)
A cannabis variety stabilized through multiple generations of self-pollination or sibling crosses to 'fix' specific traits. IBLs produce consistent, predictable offspring. Blueberry, Northern Lights, and Afghani IBLs formed the backbone of 1980s–90s Dutch seed catalogs.
F1 / F2 Hybrid
F1 (First Filial Generation) = offspring of two distinct parent lines. F1s display hybrid vigor — often more potent and productive than parents. F2 = offspring of two F1 plants, showing trait separation and a wider variety of phenotypes.
Terpene Profile
The complete collection of terpenes present in a cannabis cultivar and their relative concentrations. A strain's terpene profile is its 'fingerprint' — far more predictive of therapeutic effect than cannabinoid percentages alone.
💎 Extracts & Concentrates
18 termsFull-Spectrum Extract
A cannabis extract containing all naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant compounds in their original ratios. Preserves the entourage effect. Research consistently shows greater efficacy at lower doses than isolates.
Broad-Spectrum Extract
A cannabis extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes with THC removed or reduced below detectable levels (<0.01%). Attempts to provide entourage-like benefits for THC-sensitive users or those in regulated environments.
Isolate
A purified, single-compound extract (e.g., CBD isolate) with all other plant compounds removed. Research shows isolates typically require higher doses and show a narrower therapeutic window compared to full-spectrum preparations.
Live Resin
A cannabis concentrate made from fresh-frozen (never dried) plant material using hydrocarbon solvents. Preserves the full terpene profile of the living plant, producing a more aromatically complex and flavorful concentrate.
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, kief, or hash. No chemical solvents required — considered the purest concentrate form by many consumers.
Live Rosin
Rosin made from fresh-frozen (live) cannabis processed through ice water extraction (bubble hash) as an intermediate step. The premium tier of solventless concentrates — captures the most complete living plant terpene and cannabinoid profile.
Bubble Hash (Ice Water Hash)
A solventless cannabis concentrate made by agitating cannabis trichomes in ice water, then filtering through progressively finer mesh screens. Rated 1–6 stars based on purity.
Resin
The sticky, waxy substance produced by cannabis trichomes containing cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and waxes. 'Live resin' uses fresh-frozen material; 'cured resin' uses dried cannabis. Resin content is a primary indicator of quality and potency.
Hash
One of the oldest cannabis concentrates — made by mechanically separating trichomes from cannabis plant material and pressing them together. Methods include dry sieving, ice water extraction (bubble hash), and hand-rolling (charas).
Kief
Loose, powdery trichomes collected by sifting dried cannabis through fine mesh screens. The most basic form of cannabis concentrate. Contains 20–60% THC depending on purity. Collected in the bottom chamber of three-part grinders.
Wax / Budder
A class of cannabis extracts with a waxy, opaque consistency produced through hydrocarbon extraction followed by agitation during purging. THC content typically 60–90%.
Sauce (HTFSE)
High-Terpene Full-Spectrum Extract — a runny, crystalline cannabis concentrate with the highest terpene concentration of any extract type (20–40%). Prized by connoisseurs for flavor and entourage effect.
Shatter
A glass-like, brittle cannabis concentrate made through BHO (butane hash oil) extraction. High cannabinoid content (70–90% THC) with lower terpene preservation than live resin or sauce. Translucent amber to golden in color.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
A full-spectrum, high-potency cannabis extract made by dissolving plant material in alcohol solvent, then evaporating the solvent. Named for Rick Simpson who claimed it treated his cancer. THC content typically 60–90%.
THCA Diamonds
THCA crystalline structures (often resembling diamonds) that form when cannabis extracts with high THCA content are purged slowly at low temperatures. Often 95–99% THCA — one of the highest-purity cannabis concentrates available.
Distillate
Highly refined cannabis oil with most terpenes removed — very high THC, less flavor.
Terpsolate
A product made by reintroducing terpenes back into a cannabinoid isolate (CBD or THC). Attempts to recreate entourage-like effects — though true full-spectrum extracts are generally considered superior by researchers.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A lab report from an accredited testing facility documenting a cannabis product's cannabinoid percentages, terpene profile, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants.
🌸 Flower & Smoking
16 termsNug / Bud
A single cluster of cannabis flower harvested from the plant.
Bowl
The rounded chamber of a pipe where flower is packed and lit.
Joint
Cannabis rolled in thin rolling paper, similar to a cigarette.
Blunt
Cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf or cigar wrap — larger than a joint.
Spliff
A mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled together in paper.
Grinder
A device used to break flower into smaller, more even pieces for rolling or packing.
Pipe / Spoon
A handheld device with a bowl and mouthpiece for smoking flower.
Bong / Water Pipe
A device using water to cool and filter smoke before inhalation.
Chillum
A straight, narrow pipe used for a quick, direct hit.
Carb
A small hole on a pipe that controls airflow and clears the chamber.
Cherry
The glowing ember at the tip of a lit joint or bowl — keeping the 'cherry' means it stays lit.
Cashed / Spent
When all usable material in a bowl has been consumed — it's ash.
Snap
A small bowl-sized amount meant to be fully inhaled in one hit.
Roach
The end of a joint when it becomes too small to hold comfortably.
Shake
Loose leaf and small pieces that collect at the bottom of a bag — less potent than full buds.
Combustion
The burning of cannabis at 300°C+, producing over 100 combustion byproducts alongside cannabinoids and terpenes. Destroys a significant proportion of terpenes before they can be inhaled.
💨 Vaporizers
12 termsVaporization
A consumption method heating cannabis below combustion temperature (typically 160–230°C) to convert cannabinoids and terpenes into vapor without producing smoke or significant toxic byproducts.
Vape Pen
A slim, portable device that vaporizes cannabis oil cartridges.
Cartridge / Cart
A pre-filled container of cannabis oil attached to a vape battery.
510 Thread
The most common battery connector standard for vape cartridges.
Pod System
Proprietary cartridges and batteries from brands like PAX or JUUL-style cannabis systems.
Dry Herb Vaporizer
A device that vaporizes actual ground flower rather than oil.
Convection
Heating method where hot air passes through the herb — more even, better flavor.
Conduction
Heating method where the herb touches a hot surface directly — faster but can be uneven.
Temperature Control
Adjusting the heat setting to target different cannabinoids and terpenes at their vaporization points.
Draw-Activated
A vape that activates when you inhale — no button needed.
Live Resin Cart
A cartridge made from fresh-frozen cannabis, preserving more terpenes than standard oil.
Cut / Cutting Agents
Additives like PG or MCT oil sometimes added to thin vape oil — look for pure products.
🔥 Dabbing
9 termsDabbing
The act of vaporizing a concentrate on a heated surface (nail/banger) and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig.
Dab Rig
A water pipe designed specifically for concentrates, with a nail or banger instead of a bowl.
Banger / Nail
The heat-resistant surface (usually quartz or titanium) on which concentrate is vaporized.
Torch
A butane torch used to heat the banger to the correct temperature before dabbing.
Low-Temp Dab
Dabbing at lower temperatures (400–500°F) to preserve terpenes and achieve a more flavorful hit.
E-Nail / E-Rig
Electronic devices that maintain a precise, consistent dabbing temperature without a torch.
Carb Cap
A cover placed over the banger after dropping concentrate to trap vapor and lower air pressure for more efficient vaporization.
Terp Pearls
Small balls placed inside the banger that spin with airflow to distribute heat and improve vaporization.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
A hydrocarbon extraction method using butane solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes, used to make shatter, wax, and live resin.
🍪 Edibles
11 termsEdibles
Cannabis-infused foods and beverages. THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver — a more potent metabolite that produces longer-lasting (4–8 hour) effects. Onset delayed 30–120 minutes.
11-Hydroxy-THC
The metabolite produced when the liver processes THC from edibles — crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently and produces a stronger, more sedative effect.
Infusion
The process of extracting cannabinoids into a fat (butter, oil) or liquid for cooking.
Cannabutter
Butter infused with cannabis — the base for most homemade edibles.
Dosage (mg)
Edibles are measured in milligrams (mg) of THC/CBD. 2.5–5mg is a beginner dose; 10mg is standard.
Onset Window
The time between consumption and when effects are felt — typically 30 min to 2 hours.
Peak
The point of maximum effect — usually 2–4 hours after consumption.
Fast-Acting Edibles
Nano-emulsified or sublingual edibles designed to onset in 15–30 minutes.
Tolerance
Regular consumers may need higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Microdosing
Consuming very small amounts of cannabis — typically 1–3mg THC — to achieve therapeutic benefits while avoiding or minimizing psychoactive effects.
Titration
The process of gradually adjusting cannabis dose upward in small increments to find the minimum effective dose. Standard practice in clinical cannabis medicine — 'start low, go slow.'
💧 Tinctures
6 termsSublingual
Administration method involving placing cannabis tincture or oil under the tongue where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Onset faster than oral (15–30 min) with higher bioavailability (20–35%) and bypasses first-pass liver metabolism.
MCT Oil
Medium-chain triglyceride oil (often coconut-derived) used as a carrier for cannabis extracts — improves absorption.
Alcohol Tincture
Cannabis extracted using food-grade alcohol (ethanol). Strong, fast-acting, and long shelf life.
Dropper / Pipette
The measuring tool used to dispense tincture drops precisely.
mg/mL
The concentration of cannabinoids per milliliter — used to calculate precise doses.
1:1 Ratio
A tincture with equal parts THC and CBD — commonly used for balanced medicinal effects.
🧴 Topicals
7 termsTopical
Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to skin for localized relief. Most topicals don't reach the bloodstream — they act locally through CB2 receptors in skin and peripheral nerve endings. Non-intoxicating even with high THC content.
Transdermal
Topical cannabis application through skin patches designed to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream (not just locally). Unlike topical creams, transdermal patches can produce systemic effects.
Salve
A thick, wax-based balm applied to skin for targeted relief.
Lotion / Cream
Water-based topical with lighter consistency — absorbs quickly.
Patch
An adhesive patch worn on the skin that delivers cannabinoids over an extended period.
Roll-On
A ball-tip applicator for targeted, mess-free application.
Carrier Oil
The oil base (coconut, jojoba, arnica) that delivers cannabinoids into the skin.
💊 Capsules & Pills
5 termsSoftgel
A gelatin capsule filled with cannabis oil — faster to absorb than hard capsules.
Hard-Shell Capsule
A two-piece capsule filled with powder or oil — common for CBD or multi-cannabinoid blends.
Nano-Emulsion Capsule
Uses nano-technology to reduce particle size for faster onset (sometimes 20–30 min).
Suppository
A rectal or vaginal delivery method for cannabis — very high bioavailability, no psychoactive high in most cases.
Time-Release
Capsules designed to release cannabinoids slowly over several hours.
121 terms across 10 categories