GLOSSARY OF MARIJUANA TERMS
AROMA-
Is a term used to describe the smell of a particular element (in this case it would be referring to a cannabis flower). Many users rely on certain smells in order to determine if the flower is something they would like to smoke. Terms often used to describe cannabis are earthy, skunky, citrus or piney. Terpenes are the compounds which give off various aromas in cannabis flowers.
BHO-
Stands for butane hash oil which is a process some cannabis extractors use in order to produce an extremely potent THC rich concentrate. Butane is a solvent commonly used in labs as it separates cannabis compounds from the plant, leaving out the undesirable components. It is then further refined which removes the butane. BHO concentrates are known by many names; wax, shatter, badder and budder to name a few. Some consumers question whether it is safe to smoke a BHO concentrate. If you are purchasing your BHO concentrates from a dispensary, your concentrate is safe to consume. All of the items in your local dispensary are thoroughly tested at labs before they are on the shelves for sale.
BONG-
A water pipe usually made of glass. Bongs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The smoke is filtered and cooled through water giving consumers the smooth icy hits they have become accustomed.
BLUNT-
Cannabis rolled into a tobacco leaf cigar or a cigarillo. Smoke shops and dispensaries carry wraps and cones in a variety of flavors. If you are feeling savvy, you can buy and hollow out a cigar to wrap around your cannabis. Blunts are larger than joints which makes them perfect to share with a group of friends.
BUD-
Refers to the flower of the cannabis plant which is harvested and used for medicinal and recreational purposes.
CANNABINOIDS-
Are the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids are used in perfect symphony with the body’s Endocannabinoid System in order to maintain or achieve homeostasis. Cannabinoids are the compounds most helpful in aiding the body’s ability to fight pain, anxiety, issues in the gut, issues with sleep patterns and a wide variety of other health concerns. Research has shown there are between 80-100 different cannabinoids. Individual cannabis strains will have their own menu of cannabinoids to offer their consumers. The most commonly known cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
CANNABIS-
Is a delightful plant genus whose claim to fame is its medicinal and psychoactive properties. The cannabis plants produce three species of flowering plants. Cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis. Most farms are growing cannabis indica or cannabis sativa species. Cannabis ruderalis is not largely grown due to its low THC content. However, they are unique in their ability to auto flower, which makes them popular amongst some home growers. Cannabis can be grown in any environment but is native to Asia.
CBD-
Which is the abbreviation for cannabidiol is one of the various cannabinoids found in the has risen in popularity due to its healing properties without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD is commonly used for anxiety, pain and inflammation. Many patients take a combination of THC and CBD, as research is showing they work better together; a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect suggests CBD works better with THC and vice versa. CBD is also known to also help lessen the psychoactive effects of THC.
CO2 OIL-
Another method extractors have concocted to separate cannabis compounds is by using carbon dioxide which is sometimes combined with subcritical and supercritical fluids; pressure and temperature will vary but the end result is the same, a cannabis extract. The most common concentrates birthed from this process are hash oils, but any concentrate made in this manner is referred to as CO2 oil.
CONCENTRATES-
When a cannabis plant is dissolved by the use of solvents what is left is an extremely potent substance referred to as a concentrate (which is the broad term). The products produced in this manner will be rich in THC and will come in a variety of textures and colors which generally determines the names they are given ie… wax, crumble, shatter, rosin, and hash to name a few.
DAB / DABBING-
Cannabis users ordinarily use this term in reference to consuming their concentrates. Dabbing is when a dose of concentrates is loaded onto a red hot surface and inhaled.
EDIBLES-
Are medicated goods which are infused or sprayed with cannabis extracts. Edibles have come a long way. What first began as cookies, caramels and brownies have grown into juices, gummies, chocolates, power bars, syrups, honeys to almost anything you can consume. Many consumers use infused butters and oils to make their own edibles. Noshing on edibles should be done with some caution, especially for the novice consumer. Edibles have to make their way through the digestive system, which means their effects will not be felt immediately. Generally, edibles will make their presence known 30 minutes to one hour after ingestion.
ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)-
A complex group of cell receptors possessed by all mammals, and found throughout the entire body, including the brain. ECS is active in your body regardless if you use cannabis. Its function is to use and produce cannabinoids in order to help the body achieve and maintain homeostasis. Once the body is done using the cannabinoids, it makes two enzymes which will break them down, helping to regulate the endocannabinoid system.
HASH / HASH OIL-
Which is short for hashish is a concentrate made by collecting a cannabis plant’s trichomes through the process of sifting or sieving. This creates a powder called kief which is then pressed and is then ready to be consumed. This THC rich substance has been a favorite amongst cannabis users since the 1st century. When a solvent is used to separate the kief from the plant, it becomes what is referred to hash oil or honey oil.
HEMP-
Female cannabis plants produce the buds we know, love and smoke. Male cannabis plants, however yields the fibrous products used to manufacture rope, paper, clothing, beauty products and vast array of other things we use in our daily lives.
HYBRID-
Refers to a cannabis plant which has been genetically crossed between two different strains. Hybrids are usually bred by growers attempting to capture the best traits of two plants. Cannabis consumers who are looking to enjoy both the benefits of indica and sativa will lean towards a hybrid option.
INDICA-
Shortened from the scientific name Cannabis indica. This cannabis species originated in Asia and the Middle East. The indica plant will be shorter and bushier than its sativa counterpart. Indica is known for its relaxing physical effects. This is an excellent choice for consumers who are looking to unwind, slow down a little or who may need help getting to or staying asleep.
KIEF-
Is the dusty material which comes off the leaves and flowers of a cannabis plant. Kief is crowd favorite as it contains the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, giving it that extra little punch.
KUSH-
Is a strain of indica plants originating in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush strains are sought after for their earthy and piney notes highlighted by shades of citrus and sweet.
LANDRACE-
Refers to a strain of cannabis which has adapted to its environment. These strains will carry the name of their birthplace such as Durban Poison, Thai and Acapulco Gold. Landrace strains are most times the elders of many strains seen throughout dispensaries in legal states today.
LIMONENE-
A prevalent terpene found in many sativa strains but also found in foods such as citrus and cardamom. Limonene is antifungal and antibacterial. This terpene is recommended as a mood elevator and an anxiety reducer.
MARIJUANA-
Is the generic term for the female cannabis plants or their dried flowers which possess the various cannabinoids cannabis users and medical patients seek.
MYRCENE-
This is thought to be the most abundant terpene found in cannabis however, it is also found in sweet basil, thyme, mango and hops. This mighty terpene is antibacterial and antifungal. It helps to induce sleep, reduce anxiety and lessens the effects of diabetes.
OG-
This term originated in Southern California with the production of their Ocean Grown Kush, which was snappily shortened to OG Kush. The term OG is now used to describe many strains, but most are variations of the original.
PINENE-
The most common terpene found in the wild. Pinene was given its name due to its piney woodsy scent. Pinene is helpful in aiding with memory concerns as well as respiratory issues. Many cannabis users enjoy pinene for its anti-inflammatory properties.
POT-
A slang term for marijuana or cannabis.
PRE-ROLL-
A fancy term for a marijuana cigarette or a joint. Most dispensaries have pre-rolls for sale. Consumers enjoy pre-rolls for their convenience and easy clean up.
SATIVA-
Scientifically referred to as Cannabis sativa is a species of cannabis originating outside of the Middle East and Asia. Sativas can also be found in South America, Thailand, the Caribbean and Africa. Sativas effects are more cerebral. Consumers looking for more of a “daytime” strain tend to opt for sativa which tastes can range from sweet to fruity to sour and citrusy.
SHATTER-
A BHO concentrate consumed by dabbing. Shatter is wafer thin and glassy.
STRAIN-
Refers to a specific variety of plant species. Strains are grown specifically to produce desired traits sought out by recreational and medical patients alike. Strains are often named by their breeders allowing them to be identified and utilized for their specific benefits.
TERPENE-
Aromatic oils produced from the resin glands of flowers. These are not specific to cannabis flowers, even the flowers in your local grocery store have terpenes. Cannabis consumers enjoy the various smells from terpenes, many of them determine the quality of cannabis by the smell of its “terps”. Receptors in the brain bind to terpenes which will garner different results.
THC-
Is the abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol. The most well known and ample cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and the cannabinoid most commonly sought after by both medical and recreational cannabis consumers. THC is the component in marijuana responsible for the psychoactive effects, or the “high”. There is no lethal dose of this compound in its natural form. As legalization continues making its way around the United States, the research is becoming more readily available. Multiple studies show the use of THC can alleviate a whole host of medical concerns which have left doctors baffled for decades.
TINCTURE-
Is a liquid compound in a concentrated form. Cannabis tinctures are usually made with alcohol or glycerol. Tinctures are dosed sublingually (under the tongue) and their effects are felt almost immediately. Tinctures can also be mixed into drinks. This method will take 30 minutes to one hour to feel the effects as the tincture will have to travel through the digestive system. Tinctures are easily dosed making them ideal for consumers who are looking to microdose, or for those who are looking for heavier doses of cannabinoids to treat more serious medical conditions.
TOPICAL-
A lotion or cream that has added active properties of the cannabis plant. When applied to achy body parts, topicals can help reduce pain and inflammation. Dry chapped skin can also be soothed by a thin layer of a cannabis topical.
TRICHOMES-
These are what appears as crystal on the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. However, they are not crystals nor are they hairs, they are actually resin production glands. The glands are responsible for producing all of the cannabinoids a specific plant has to offer, making the trichomes rich in cannabinoids.
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