Jul 11, 2023
The cannabis industry comes with its own unique slang and terminology that can seem like a foreign language to new consumers. But grasping key cannabis vocab allows you to better discuss products with budtenders, read strain reviews, and make optimal purchasing decisions. Let’s define the most essential terms every cannabis user should know.
Flower – The dried bud portion of the cannabis plant that is usually smoked to deliver effects. Flower contains trichomes, the glands where cannabinoids like THC and CBD are produced. More trichomes typically means more potent cannabis.
Trichomes – The tiny, mushroom-shaped resin glands on cannabis flowers where cannabinoids and terpenes are synthesized and stored. Trichomes give buds a frosty, crystalline appearance and contain the highest concentrations of active compounds.
Kief – The powdery resin crystals that fall off dry cannabis flower. Kief is sifted from dried buds using screens. It contains very high levels of THC.
Sativa – One of the two major species of cannabis plants. Sativas originate from warmer climates and have energizing, uplifting effects. They are known for inducing creativity and productivity.
Indica – The other major cannabis species. Indicas come from cooler regions and provide relaxing, sedating effects. Their calming properties help relieve stress, anxiety, pain and sleep issues.
Hybrid – A cannabis strain bred from both indica and sativa genetics. Hybrids exhibit a blend of characteristics from their parent plants. Different ratios produce different effects.
THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol - The most abundant psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for intoxicating “high” effects. THC has medicinal benefits too.
CBD – Cannabidiol - The second most common cannabinoid. CBD does not induce a high but offers wide-ranging therapeutic effects. It can balance and mellow THC’s effects.
CBN – Cannabinol – A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid produced when THC degrades over time. CBN induces drowsiness and enhances sleep.
CBG – Cannabigerol – The precursor to THC, CBD and other major cannabinoids. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Edibles - Cannabis-infused food products like gummies, baked goods, chocolates, etc. The effects come on slower when cannabis is ingested orally.
Vaping – Inhaling cannabinoid vapors generated by heating dried buds or concentrates in devices like vape pens or dab rigs. A smokeless method.
Dabbing– Inhaling hot, concentrated cannabis extracts known as dabs through a water pipe rig and torch. Provides intense effects.
Topical - Cannabis-infused lotion, cream or balm applied to skin to provide localized relief without psychoactivity.
Kief – The separated trichome resin heads sifted from dried cannabis flower using a mesh screen. Kief contains ultra-high concentrations of cannabinoids.
Hash – Made by compressing trichome glands into dense blocks. Traditional hash is made with sieved kief particles from cannabis plants.
Rosin – A solventless cannabis extract made through heat and pressure extraction using hash presses or straighteners.
Shatter – A hard, brittle, translucent concentrate with high THC levels. Shatter gets its name from its glass-like texture that breaks apart easily.
Live Resin – A concentrate made from freshly frozen cannabis plants. Captures a broader range of terpenes and cannabinoids compared to traditional extracts.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) – A thick, sticky cannabis oil extract typically consumed orally for medicinal purposes. Named after the Canadian creator Rick Simpson.
Flower – The dried bud of the cannabis plant that is smoked in joints, pipes, bongs, etc. Provides the full entourage effect.
Pre-rolls – Joints pre-rolled with cannabis flower so they are ready to smoke on the go. Convenient option for new users.
Moon rocks – Buds dipped in hash oil and rolled in kief to create a super potent cannabis product with high THC levels.
Cannagar – Type of cannabis cigar made by rolling extracts oils in a cannabis leaf rather than a tobacco leaf wrapping.
Decoding the extensive lingo and terminology used to describe cannabis products and effects can seem daunting at first. But armed with an understanding of the key vocab—like knowing the difference between indica and sativa strains, CBD and THC effects, terpenes, trichomes, popular extract types, and consumption methods—you will feel empowered to make informed decisions when speaking with budtenders and purchasing cannabis. The world of weed opens up tremendously when you comprehend the terminology. Hopefully this guide has shed light on the most essential cannabis terms every user should know to navigate their options knowledgeably and confidently.
