A–Z Terms
Bong
A water pipe used for smoking cannabis. Water filters and cools the smoke.
Bud
The flower of the cannabis plant — the part that contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoid
Chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the most well-known.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Used for relaxation, anxiety relief, and pain.
Concentrate
Extracted cannabis product with high cannabinoid content — wax, shatter, oil, etc.
Decarboxylation
Heating cannabis to activate THC and CBD. Required for edibles to work.
Dispensary
A licensed retail location where cannabis is sold (where legal).
Edible
Food or drink infused with cannabis. Effects take longer but last longer than smoking.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically.
Flower
The dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant. The traditional form for smoking.
Hybrid
A strain bred from both sativa and indica genetics.
Indica
One of the main cannabis types. Traditionally associated with relaxing, body-focused effects.
Joint
Cannabis rolled in paper, similar to a cigarette.
Kief
Resin glands (trichomes) collected from cannabis. High in cannabinoids.
Landrace
A strain that originated in a specific geographic region, not bred from other strains.
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene. Associated with mood lift.
Myrcene
The most common cannabis terpene. Earthy, musky. Associated with sedating effects.
Pipe
A device for smoking cannabis. Can be glass, metal, or other materials.
Sativa
One of the main cannabis types. Traditionally associated with uplifting, cerebral effects.
Strain
A specific variety of cannabis with distinct genetics, effects, and characteristics.
Terpene
Aromatic compounds in cannabis that affect flavor and may influence effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid. Produces the "high."
Tincture
Liquid cannabis extract. Usually taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Topical
Cannabis-based cream, lotion, or balm applied to the skin.
Trichome
Tiny resin glands on cannabis flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
Vaporizer
Device that heats cannabis without burning it. Produces vapor instead of smoke.
11-OH-THC
Metabolite of THC created when cannabis is eaten. Passes through the liver and may produce stronger effects than inhaled THC.
Bioavailability
How much of a substance reaches the bloodstream. Different consumption methods have different bioavailability rates.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Minor cannabinoid, precursor to THC and CBD. Often called the "stem cell" of cannabinoids.
CBN (Cannabinol)
Minor cannabinoid formed when THC degrades. Associated with sedative effects.
Dabbing
Consuming cannabis concentrates by heating them on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor.
Endocannabinoid System
Body system that cannabinoids interact with. Regulates mood, pain, appetite, and more.
Full Spectrum
Product containing all cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, not just isolated compounds.
Hash
Compressed cannabis resin (trichomes). High in cannabinoids.
Linalool
Terpene with lavender scent. Associated with calming effects.
Pinene
Terpene with pine aroma. May support alertness and memory.
Caryophyllene
Peppery terpene. May interact with cannabinoid receptors.
Sublingual
Under the tongue. Tinctures and oils absorbed sublingually are often faster-acting than edibles.
Tolerance
Reduced response to cannabis over time with repeated use. Can be reset with a break.