Cannabis Glossary

Slang for cannabis or consuming it. Originated from students in 1971 who met at 4:20 PM to search for an abandoned cannabis crop.

Cannabis plants that flower based on age rather than light cycle changes. Derived from Cannabis ruderalis genetics. Ideal for beginners.

Breeding a hybrid strain back with one of its parent strains to reinforce specific traits. Written as BX1, BX2, etc.

A cannabis concentrate made using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Produces shatter, wax, and budder.

Cannabis rolled in a cigar wrap or tobacco leaf. Larger than joints, the tobacco adds a nicotine buzz.

A water pipe used to smoke cannabis. Water filters and cools the smoke for a smoother hit. Also called a water pipe.

A gray mold that attacks cannabis buds from the inside out. Caused by high humidity. Can destroy entire crops if not caught early.

The flower of the cannabis plant harvested and consumed. Contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

A cannabis concentrate with a creamy, butter-like consistency. Made through whipping during the purging process of BHO extraction.

An employee at a cannabis dispensary who helps customers choose products. The cannabis equivalent of a bartender.

The small, tear-shaped nodules that form the actual flower. Calyxes contain the highest concentration of trichomes on the plant.

Chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors. Includes phytocannabinoids (from plants) and endocannabinoids (produced by the body). Over 100 identified.

A genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. Three species: C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis. Used for medicine, recreation, and fiber.

A tool placed over a heated nail or banger when dabbing to restrict airflow and lower the temperature for better flavor.

The second most abundant cannabinoid. Non-psychoactive with therapeutic properties. FDA-approved as Epidiolex for epilepsy.

The 'mother cannabinoid' from which all other cannabinoids are synthesized. Non-psychoactive with anti-inflammatory properties.

Created when THC ages and oxidizes. Mildly psychoactive. Researched primarily for sedative and sleep-promoting properties.

A cutting taken from a mother plant that will grow into a genetically identical copy. Ensures consistent genetics and sex.

A method of extracting cannabinoids using supercritical carbon dioxide. Produces clean, solvent-free concentrates. Industry standard.

A cluster of buds growing tightly together at the top of the main stem or branches. The main cola forms at the very top.

The process of burning cannabis to release smoke. Occurs above 450°F (232°C). Less efficient and less healthy than vaporization.

Any cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Includes wax, shatter, rosin, oil, and hash.

The first pair of round leaves that emerge from a germinating cannabis seed. Not true cannabis leaves but stored food for the seedling.

The process of slowly drying harvested cannabis in jars over 2-8 weeks. Improves flavor, smoothness, and potency while reducing harshness.

A concentrated form of cannabis consumed by flash vaporization on a heated surface. Known for extremely high potency (60-90% THC).

A specialized water pipe designed for consuming cannabis concentrates. Features a nail or banger instead of a bowl.

Heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids. Raw cannabis contains THCA (non-psychoactive) which converts to THC through heat at 220-240°F.

A licensed retail store where cannabis products are legally sold. May be medical-only or recreational depending on local laws.

A highly refined cannabis extract that isolates specific cannabinoids (usually THC or CBD) to 90%+ purity. Clear, odorless liquid.

Food products infused with cannabis. Effects take 30-120 minutes to onset and last 4-8 hours. Start with 5mg THC.

A biological system with endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1, CB2), and enzymes. Regulates mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and immune function.

The theory that cannabis compounds work synergistically. Terpenes and cannabinoids together produce effects greater than isolated compounds.

Large, iconic cannabis leaves with 5-9 fingers. Primary site of photosynthesis. Low in cannabinoids but used for juicing and edibles.

Seeds bred to produce only female plants. Created through selective breeding or colloidal silver treatment. 99%+ female rate.

A topping technique where you remove 75% of the new growth instead of 100%. Can produce 4-8 new tops instead of 2.

The smokeable part of the cannabis plant. Also called bud or nug. Contains trichomes loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes.

Watering plants with plain water 1-2 weeks before harvest to remove nutrient buildup. Results in smoother, cleaner-tasting buds.

A cannabis extract containing the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the original plant. Maximizes entourage effect.

The genetic blueprint of a cannabis plant. Determines potential traits like potency, aroma, and growth patterns.

A device used to break up cannabis flower into smaller, uniform pieces for rolling or packing. Often includes a kief catcher.

A cannabis concentrate made by separating trichomes from plant material. One of the oldest forms of concentration, dating back centuries.

Cannabis sativa plants containing less than 0.3% THC. Grown for fiber, seeds, and CBD extraction. Legal federally in the US since 2018.

A cannabis plant that develops both male and female reproductive organs. Can pollinate itself and nearby females, producing seeded buds.

A cannabis strain from crossbreeding indica and sativa. Most modern strains are hybrids with varying ratios. Can lean indica or sativa.

Growing cannabis in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. Allows precise nutrient control. Can significantly increase growth rate and yields.

A cannabis subspecies. Traditionally associated with relaxing, full-body effects. Short, bushy plants with broad leaves and shorter flowering times.

A 99%+ pure form of a single cannabinoid (usually CBD or THC). All other compounds are removed. No entourage effect.

Cannabis rolled in thin rolling paper. The most classic method of consumption. Can include a filter/crutch at one end.

Loose trichomes that fall off cannabis buds. Very potent. Can be pressed into hash, sprinkled on bowls, or used in edibles.

A pure cannabis strain that evolved naturally in a specific geographic region. Examples: Afghani, Thai, Colombian, Durban Poison.

A concentrate made from fresh-frozen plant material, preserving the full terpene profile. Superior flavor compared to other extracts.

A solventless concentrate made by pressing fresh-frozen hash. Considered the pinnacle of concentrate quality. Premium price.

Removing lower branches and bud sites that don't receive adequate light. Redirects energy to top colas for larger, denser buds.

Gently bending and tying branches to create an even canopy. Increases light exposure and yields without cutting.

A term for cannabis, historically used in US prohibition-era propaganda. Many in the industry prefer 'cannabis' as more neutral.

Consuming very small amounts of cannabis (1-2.5mg THC) for subtle effects without impairment. Growing trend for wellness use.

A cannabis plant kept in vegetative state specifically for taking clones. A single mother can produce hundreds of genetically identical clones.

A trimmed and cured cannabis bud ready for consumption. Quality nugs are dense, trichome-covered, and aromatic.

The physical expression of a plant's genetics influenced by environment. Two seeds from the same strain can produce different phenotypes.

Plants that require a change in light schedule (12/12 hours) to trigger flowering. Unlike autoflowers, they need light cycle management.

Hair-like structures on cannabis flowers that start white and turn amber/red as the plant matures. Used as a harvest readiness indicator.

A pre-made cannabis joint sold at dispensaries. Available in various sizes and may include concentrates (infused pre-rolls).

The process of removing residual solvents from cannabis concentrates. Done through vacuum ovens or whipping. Essential for safety.

The sticky substance produced by trichomes containing cannabinoids and terpenes. Also refers to the tar-like buildup in pipes.

A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. Cleanest concentrate as no chemicals are used.

Third cannabis subspecies from Central Asia/Russia. Small, auto-flowering. Low THC but valuable for breeding autoflowering varieties.

A cannabis subspecies associated with uplifting, cerebral effects. Tall, narrow plants with thin leaves and longer flowering times.

A training technique using a horizontal screen to create an even canopy. Branches are woven through the screen for maximum light exposure.

A glass-like cannabis concentrate that 'shatters' when broken. Very high potency (70-90% THC). Made through BHO extraction.

A joint rolled with a mixture of cannabis and tobacco. More common in Europe. The tobacco provides an initial head rush.

The V-shaped hair-like strands on cannabis pistils. They capture pollen for reproduction. Their color indicates maturity.

Small leaves that grow from within the buds, coated in trichomes. Trimmed during harvest but saved for making extracts or edibles.

Aromatic compounds giving each strain its unique smell and taste. Over 200 identified in cannabis. May influence effects via the entourage effect.

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Binds to CB1 receptors producing euphoria, altered perception, and pain relief.

The acidic precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. Non-psychoactive. Converts to THC through decarboxylation (heat). Has its own therapeutic properties.

A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol-based. Administered sublingually for faster absorption than edibles (15-45 minutes).

The body's decreased response to cannabis with regular use. CB1 receptors downregulate over time. A tolerance break (T-break) can reset it.

Cutting the main stem above a node to split growth into two main branches. Creates a bushier plant with more colas and higher yield.

Tiny crystal-like glands on flower and leaf surfaces that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. Color indicates harvest readiness.

The leaves trimmed from harvested buds during manicuring. Contains moderate levels of trichomes and is used for extracts and edibles.

A device that heats cannabis to release cannabinoids as vapor without combustion. Temperatures typically 315-440°F. Considered healthier than smoking.

A measure of the drying power of air in a grow room. Optimal VPD ensures proper transpiration. Key for advanced indoor growing.

A cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy texture. Made through solvent-based extraction. Very potent at 60-90% THC.