Cannabis 101: A Guide to Cannabis Lingo

Navigating the world of cannabis can be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of terms and slang that accompany it. Whether you are a newcomer or looking to deepen your understanding, this comprehensive guide will demystify the essential cannabis terminology, providing clarity and confidence in your cannabis journey.

Understanding Cannabis: The Basics

• Cannabis: A genus of flowering plants that includes three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These plants are cultivated for their psychoactive and medicinal properties.​

• Marijuana: A colloquial term for the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, commonly used for recreational or medicinal purposes.​

• Hemp: A variety of Cannabis sativa characterised by low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and high levels of CBD (cannabidiol). Hemp is utilised in various industries, including textiles, construction, and nutrition.

Cannabinoids: The Active Compounds

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing various physiological processes.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” sensation.​

• CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anxiety relief and anti-inflammatory properties.​

• CBN (Cannabinol): A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that results from the degradation of THC, often associated with sedative effects.​

• CBG (Cannabigerol): Often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG is a precursor to other cannabinoids and is being studied for its potential health benefits.

• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): A cannabinoid that may help suppress appetite and support focus and energy, currently under research.

Terpenes: The Aromatic Compounds

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute to the plant’s aroma, flavour, and potential effects.

• Myrcene: Offers earthy and musky notes; believed to have relaxing effects.​

• Limonene: Provides a citrusy aroma; associated with elevated mood and stress relief.​

• Pinene: Smells like pine; may promote alertness and memory retention.​

• Linalool: Has a floral scent; thought to have calming and anti-anxiety properties.​

• Caryophyllene: Spicy and peppery aroma; unique for its ability to bind to CB2 receptors, potentially offering anti-inflammatory benefits.​

• Humulene: Earthy and woody, may have appetite-suppressing properties.

Consumption Methods

Understanding the various ways to consume cannabis can help tailor the experience to individual preferences and needs.

• Smoking: Inhaling combusted cannabis flower through joints, pipes, or bongs.​

• Vaping: Heating cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion, often considered a less harmful alternative to smoking.​

• Edibles: Cannabis-infused food or beverages that are ingested, leading to delayed but prolonged effects.​

• Tinctures: Alcohol-based cannabis extracts administered sublingually (under the tongue) for rapid absorption.​

• Topicals: Cannabis-infused creams or balms applied to the skin for localised relief without psychoactive effects.​

• Dabbing: Inhaling vaporised cannabis concentrates using a dab rig, offering potent and immediate effects.

• Capsules and pills: Pre-measured doses of cannabis oil or powder encased in capsules for easy, discreet ingestion.

Cannabis Products And Forms

The cannabis market offers a diverse range of products to suit various preferences and therapeutic needs.

• Flower: The dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant, typically smoked or vaporised.​

• Concentrates: Highly potent extracts like shatter, wax, and oils that contain high levels of cannabinoids.​

• Hash: A concentrate made by compressing the plant’s resin glands, known for its potency.​

• Kief: The collection of trichomes (resin glands) sifted from cannabis flowers, often sprinkled on top of flower for added potency.​

• Rosin: A solventless concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash.​

• Distillate: A refined cannabis oil that contains nearly pure cannabinoids, used in vape cartridges and edibles.

• Live resin: A concentrate made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants, preserving more terpenes and flavour.

Cultivation And Plant Anatomy

A basic understanding of cannabis cultivation and plant anatomy can enhance appreciation and knowledge.

• Trichomes: Tiny, crystal-like structures on cannabis flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.​

• Cola: The main cluster of buds at the top of a cannabis plant.​

• Node: The point on a stem where leaves and branches originate.​

• Fan leaves: Large leaves that absorb light but contain minimal cannabinoids.​

• Sugar leaves: Smaller leaves coated with trichomes, often trimmed from buds but can be used to make concentrates.​

• Pistils: Hair-like structures on the flower that collect pollen from male plants.

• Calyxes: The protective outer parts of the flower that house the pistils and trichomes.

Cannabis Strains And Classifications

Cannabis strains are often categorised based on their effects, lineage, and chemical profiles.

• Indica: Typically associated with relaxing and sedative effects; often recommended for nighttime use.​

• Sativa: Known for uplifting and energising effects; commonly used during the day.​

• Hybrid: A crossbreed of indica and sativa strains, aiming to combine desired traits from both.​

• Landrace: Original cannabis strains that have adapted to specific geographic regions without crossbreeding.​

• Phenotype: The observable characteristics of a cannabis plant, influenced by both genetics and environment.​

Legal And Industry Terms

As cannabis becomes more mainstream, understanding industry-specific terminology is beneficial.

• Dispensary: A licensed retail location where consumers can purchase cannabis products.​

• Budtender: A knowledgeable staff member at a dispensary who assists customers in selecting products.​

• Cultivator: An individual or entity licensed to grow cannabis.

• Processor: A company or individual responsible for turning raw cannabis into edibles, oils, or concentrates.

• Licensee: A person or business that holds a government-issued permit to operate legally in the cannabis industry.

• Compliance: Adherence to local, state, and national laws governing cannabis cultivation, sale, and consumption.

Slang And Colloquial Cannabis Terms

Cannabis culture has birthed a rich vocabulary of slang terms, often used casually among enthusiasts.

• Weed, Pot, Ganja, Mary Jane: Common informal names for cannabis.

• Dank: High-quality, potent cannabis.

• Nugs: Slang for cannabis buds.

• Zip: An ounce of cannabis (28 grams).

• Eighth: An eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams).

• Blunt: Cannabis rolled in a cigar wrapper.

• Joint: Cannabis rolled in a paper, similar to a cigarette.

• Spliff: A joint mixed with tobacco.

• Hotbox: Smoking in an enclosed space to trap the smoke.

• Couch-lock: A term describing the sedative effect of strong indica strains that may leave users feeling stuck to the couch.

With cannabis legalisation expanding globally and new products entering the market regularly, having a solid grasp of cannabis lingo empowers you to make informed decisions. Whether you are talking to a budtender, shopping online, or exploring your ideal strain and method of consumption, this vocabulary gives you the tools to engage confidently in any cannabis setting.

Remember, cannabis is a personal journey. As you continue exploring the plant and its culture, keep learning, stay curious, and prioritise safe and responsible use. Understanding the language is just the beginning – enjoy the ride!