Cannabis Glossary
Your complete A-Z guide to cannabis, marijuana, and weed terminology. 97 terms defined.
4
420
A universal code for cannabis culture, originating from a group of California high school students in the 1970s who met at 4:20 PM to smoke. Now celebrated worldwide on April 20th as an unofficial cannabis holiday.
7
710
The concentrates equivalent of 420, celebrated on July 10th. The number 710 spells "OIL" when flipped upside down, referencing cannabis oil and concentrate products.
A
Autoflower
A cannabis plant that automatically transitions from vegetative growth to flowering based on age rather than changes in light cycle. Popular with home growers for simplicity and faster harvests.
B
Bioavailability
The percentage of a cannabinoid that enters the bloodstream and produces active effects. Inhalation has higher bioavailability (up to 56%) than edibles (4-20%), which is why smoking produces faster effects. Read more: Cannabis consumption methods
Blunt
A cannabis cigar made by emptying a tobacco cigar wrapper and filling it with ground cannabis flower. Blunts burn slower than joints and typically hold more cannabis. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Body High
A physical sensation of relaxation, heaviness, or tingling throughout the body, commonly associated with indica strains and higher doses of THC. Often described as feeling warm, loose, or sedated.
Bong
A water pipe used to smoke cannabis. Water filtration cools the smoke and filters some particulates, resulting in smoother hits. Available in glass, silicone, ceramic, and acrylic. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Bowl
The part of a pipe or bong where ground cannabis is packed and lit. Also refers to a hand pipe itself. One bowl typically holds 0.15-0.3 grams of flower.
Broad Spectrum
A cannabis extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had THC completely removed. Offers some entourage effect benefits without psychoactive effects.
Budder
A cannabis concentrate with a creamy, butter-like consistency. Made through extraction and whipping processes, budder is known for its smooth texture and potent effects.
Budtender
A cannabis dispensary employee who helps customers select products, provides strain recommendations, and shares knowledge about cannabis effects and consumption methods.
C
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system. The most well-known are THC (psychoactive) and CBD (non-psychoactive), but over 100 cannabinoids have been identified. Read more: Terpenes guide
Cannabutter
Butter infused with cannabis through a process of decarboxylation and slow cooking. The foundation ingredient for most cannabis edibles including brownies, cookies, and baked goods. Read more: How to make cannabutter
Cart (Cartridge)
A pre-filled container of cannabis oil designed to attach to a vape pen battery. Cartridges are convenient, discreet, and available in various strain-specific options.
Caryophyllene
A spicy, peppery terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, and cloves. Unique among terpenes because it directly binds to CB2 receptors, potentially offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
Caviar
Premium cannabis flower that has been coated in hash oil and sometimes rolled in kief. Similar to moonrocks, caviar provides an extremely potent smoking experience.
CB1 Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors primarily located in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds to CB1 receptors to produce psychoactive effects like euphoria, altered perception, and appetite stimulation.
CB2 Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors primarily found in the immune system and peripheral organs. CB2 activation is associated with anti-inflammatory effects without the psychoactive high.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
The second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive and is associated with potential therapeutic benefits including anxiety relief, pain management, and anti-inflammatory properties.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Known as the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. CBG is non-psychoactive and is being researched for antibacterial and neuroprotective properties.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A cannabinoid that forms as THC ages and oxidizes. CBN is mildly psychoactive and is commonly associated with sedative effects, making it popular in sleep-focused products.
Clone
A genetically identical cutting taken from a mother cannabis plant. Cloning ensures consistent genetics, potency, and growth characteristics across multiple plants.
Cola
The cluster of buds that form tightly together at the top of a cannabis plant stem. The main cola at the top of the plant is typically the largest and most potent.
Concentrate
Any cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Includes shatter, wax, budder, live resin, rosin, and distillate. Concentrates typically contain 60-90% THC. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Cottonmouth
Dry mouth caused by cannabis use. THC binds to receptors in salivary glands, temporarily reducing saliva production. Staying hydrated before and during sessions helps minimize this effect.
Couch Lock
An intense state of physical sedation and relaxation where the user feels too relaxed to move from the couch. Commonly associated with heavy indica strains and high-THC edibles.
Cultivar
The technically correct term for what is commonly called a cannabis "strain." A cultivar is a plant variety that has been selectively bred for specific characteristics like flavor, potency, or growth pattern.
Curing
The post-harvest process of slowly drying cannabis buds in controlled conditions to preserve terpenes, improve flavor, and ensure smooth smoke. Proper curing takes 2-8 weeks.
D
Dab
A single dose of cannabis concentrate consumed through a dab rig or electronic vaporizer. Dabbing involves heating a concentrate like shatter or wax and inhaling the resulting vapor. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Dab Rig
A specialized water pipe designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Features a nail or banger that is heated with a torch or electronic heating element before the concentrate is applied.
Dabbing
The method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface and inhaling through a dab rig. Produces intense, fast-acting effects due to high cannabinoid concentration.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids. Raw cannabis contains THCA (non-psychoactive); heat converts it to THC. Essential for making edibles — typically done at 240°F for 40 minutes. Read more: Cannabutter guide
Dispensary
A licensed retail store where cannabis products are legally sold to consumers. May be medical-only, recreational-only, or dual-license depending on state regulations.
Distillate
A highly refined cannabis extract that isolates specific cannabinoids, typically achieving 90-99% purity. Clear, odorless, and flavorless, distillate is used in vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures.
E
Edible
Any food or drink product infused with cannabis. Effects take 30 minutes to 2 hours to onset and can last 4-8 hours. Proper dosing starts at 2.5-5mg THC for beginners. Read more: Beginner edibles guide, Dosing mistakes to avoid
Eighth
One-eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams) of cannabis. One of the most common purchase quantities at dispensaries. Typically yields 7-10 bowls or 3-5 joints.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A biological system in the human body consisting of endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1, CB2), and enzymes. The ECS helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune function. Cannabis interacts directly with this system.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. This is why full-spectrum products may feel different than isolates. Read more: Terpenes and the entourage effect
F
Fan Leaf
The large, iconic cannabis leaves that extend from the stem. Fan leaves produce minimal cannabinoids but are essential for photosynthesis during plant growth.
Feminized Seeds
Cannabis seeds bred to produce only female plants, which are the ones that produce the cannabinoid-rich flowers. Eliminates the need to identify and remove male plants.
Flower
The dried, cured buds of the female cannabis plant. The most traditional and popular form of cannabis consumption. Flower can be smoked in bowls, joints, blunts, bongs, or vaporized. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Flushing
The practice of watering cannabis plants with pure water before harvest to remove residual nutrients. Believed to improve the smoothness and flavor of the final product.
Full Spectrum
A cannabis extract containing the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the original plant. Full-spectrum products maximize the entourage effect.
G
Genotype
The genetic blueprint of a cannabis plant that determines its potential characteristics. Environmental factors (phenotype expression) determine which genetic traits actually manifest.
Gram
The base unit of measurement for cannabis. One gram of flower typically produces 1-2 bowls or one small joint. Common purchase quantities are grams, eighths (3.5g), quarters (7g), and ounces (28g).
Greening Out
Overconsumption of cannabis leading to unpleasant symptoms like nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or paranoia. Most common with edibles due to delayed onset. Remedied by hydration, rest, and time. Read more: Edible dosing mistakes
H
Half (Half Ounce)
Half an ounce (14 grams) of cannabis. A common bulk purchase quantity for regular consumers looking for value pricing at dispensaries.
Hash (Hashish)
A concentrated cannabis product made by separating and compressing trichomes from the plant. One of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrate, originating in Central Asia and the Middle East.
Head High
A cerebral, psychoactive experience characterized by enhanced creativity, altered perception, euphoria, or racing thoughts. Commonly associated with sativa strains and THC-dominant products.
Hemp
Cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Legally distinct from marijuana under the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp is the source of most CBD products sold in the United States.
Hotbox
Smoking cannabis in an enclosed space (car, small room, tent) to fill it with smoke. The confined smoke increases secondhand exposure and intensifies the experience for everyone inside.
Hybrid
A cannabis strain created by crossbreeding indica and sativa genetics. Hybrids can lean indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced. Most modern strains are technically hybrids.
I
Indica
One of the three main cannabis subspecies. Traditionally associated with relaxation, body highs, sedation, and nighttime use. Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier with broader leaves.
Infusion
The process of incorporating cannabis into a fat-based medium like butter, oil, or cream. Heat activates the cannabinoids which bind to fat molecules for use in cooking and topicals. Read more: Cannabutter infusion guide
Isolate
The purest form of a single cannabinoid, typically 99%+ purity with all other plant compounds removed. CBD isolate and THC isolate are common forms. Does not produce the entourage effect.
J
Joint
Cannabis flower rolled in thin paper, often with a filter or crutch. The most iconic and portable method of consuming cannabis. A standard joint uses about 0.5-1 gram of flower. Read more: Consumption methods guide
K
Kief
The fine, powdery trichomes that fall off cannabis flower during grinding or handling. Kief is highly potent and can be smoked on top of bowls, pressed into hash, or used in edibles.
L
Landrace
An original, indigenous cannabis strain that developed naturally in a specific geographic region. Examples include Afghani, Thai, Colombian Gold, and Durban Poison. Landrace strains are the genetic ancestors of modern hybrids.
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene found in cannabis and citrus fruit rinds. Associated with mood elevation, stress relief, and potential anti-anxiety effects. Common in strains with lemon or orange aromas. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
Linalool
A floral, lavender-scented terpene found in cannabis and over 200 plant species. Associated with calming, sedative effects and potential anti-anxiety properties. Common in relaxation-focused strains. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
Live Resin
A cannabis concentrate made from flash-frozen fresh plant material rather than dried flower. This process preserves the full terpene profile, resulting in superior flavor and a more complete entourage effect.
M
Microdosing
Consuming very small amounts of cannabis (typically 1-5mg THC) to achieve subtle therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects. Popular for maintaining productivity while managing anxiety or pain.
Milligram (mg)
The standard unit for measuring cannabinoid content in edibles and concentrates. A standard edible dose is 5-10mg THC. Beginners should start at 2.5-5mg. Read more: Edible dosing guide
Moonrock
Cannabis flower buds dipped in hash oil and rolled in kief, creating an extremely potent product. Moonrocks can test at 50%+ THC and are recommended only for experienced consumers.
Mother Plant
A cannabis plant kept in a perpetual vegetative state specifically to provide cuttings (clones). A healthy mother plant can produce clones for years, ensuring genetic consistency.
Munchies
Increased appetite and food cravings caused by THC activating hunger-regulating receptors in the brain. One of the most common and well-known side effects of cannabis use.
Myrcene
The most common terpene in cannabis with an earthy, musky aroma. Associated with sedative and relaxing effects. Strains high in myrcene are often linked to the "couch lock" sensation. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
N
Nug
A single bud or piece of cannabis flower. Quality nugs are dense, covered in trichomes, and have a strong aroma. "Nug" is casual slang commonly used in cannabis culture.
O
Onset Time
The time it takes for cannabis effects to begin after consumption. Inhalation: 1-5 minutes. Edibles: 30-120 minutes. Tinctures: 15-45 minutes. Topicals: 15-60 minutes. Read more: How long do edibles last
Ounce (Zip)
Twenty-eight grams of cannabis, the most common maximum purchase limit in legal states. An ounce typically costs less per gram than smaller quantities. "Zip" comes from fitting an ounce in a Ziploc bag.
P
Phenotype
The observable physical characteristics of a cannabis plant (height, color, bud structure, terpene profile) resulting from the interaction between genetics and environment.
Pinene
A terpene with a fresh pine aroma, also found in pine trees and rosemary. Associated with alertness, focus, and potential bronchodilator effects. May help counteract some memory impairment from THC. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
Pipe
A small, portable device for smoking cannabis flower. Pipes feature a bowl for packing flower, a carburetor hole, and a mouthpiece. Available in glass, metal, wood, and stone. Read more: Consumption methods guide
Pistil
The hair-like structures on cannabis flowers that start white and darken to orange, red, or brown as the plant matures. Pistils are part of the reproductive system and help indicate harvest readiness.
Potency
The strength of a cannabis product, typically measured by THC and CBD percentage. Flower ranges from 10-35% THC, concentrates from 60-99% THC, and edibles are measured in milligrams.
Pre-Roll
A joint that comes pre-rolled and ready to smoke, purchased from a dispensary. Available in singles, multi-packs, and infused varieties with concentrates or kief added.
Q
Quarter (Quarter Ounce)
Seven grams of cannabis. A popular purchase quantity that typically yields about 14-20 bowls or 7-10 joints, lasting most regular consumers one to two weeks.
R
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. Valued for its purity since no chemical solvents are used in extraction.
Ruderalis
The third subspecies of cannabis, native to Central and Eastern Europe. Small plants with low THC that autoflower based on age. Primarily used in breeding autoflowering hybrid strains.
S
Sativa
One of the three main cannabis subspecies. Traditionally associated with energizing, uplifting, cerebral effects and daytime use. Sativa plants grow tall and thin with narrow leaves.
Session
A single cannabis consumption event, from start to finish. Tracking sessions with details like strain, method, dose, and effects helps identify patterns and preferences over time. Read more: Session logging features
Sesh
Slang for a cannabis session, especially a social one shared with friends. "Having a sesh" typically implies a relaxed, communal smoking experience.
Shatter
A cannabis concentrate with a glass-like, translucent appearance that "shatters" when broken. Made through BHO extraction, shatter is one of the most popular concentrate types due to its high potency and purity.
Strain
A specific variety of cannabis with distinct characteristics including appearance, aroma, flavor, effects, and cannabinoid profile. Examples include Blue Dream, OG Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies. Read more: Strain tracking features
Sugar Leaf
The small leaves that grow within and around cannabis buds, covered in trichomes that give them a sugary appearance. Often trimmed during harvest but can be used for making concentrates or edibles.
T
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants. Terpenes influence the flavor, aroma, and effects of different strains. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool. Read more: Complete terpenes guide
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the "high." THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing effects like euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol or oil-based, administered under the tongue with a dropper. Tinctures offer precise dosing and faster onset than edibles (15-45 minutes).
Tolerance
The body's adaptation to regular cannabis use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Tolerance develops primarily to THC and can be reduced through tolerance breaks. Read more: Tolerance break guide
Tolerance Break (T-Break)
A deliberate period of abstaining from cannabis to reset THC tolerance. Most consumers notice significant tolerance reduction after 2-4 weeks. Even a 48-hour break can produce noticeable effects. Read more: Complete T-break guide
Topical
A cannabis-infused product applied directly to the skin, such as lotions, balms, and patches. Topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive effects because cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream.
Trichome
Tiny, mushroom-shaped glandular structures on cannabis flowers and leaves that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes appear as a frosty, crystalline coating on mature buds.
Trim
The excess leaf material trimmed from cannabis buds after harvest. Trim contains trichomes and can be used to make concentrates, edibles, or pre-rolls.
V
Vaporizer
A device that heats cannabis flower or concentrate to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion. Considered a healthier alternative to smoking. Read more: Volcano vaporizer guide
Volcano
The Volcano by Storz & Bickel is a premium desktop vaporizer that fills detachable bags with vapor. Widely regarded as the gold standard for dry herb vaporization. Read more: Volcano vaporizer review
W
Wake and Bake
The practice of consuming cannabis first thing in the morning, typically right after waking up. A popular ritual among regular cannabis consumers, often paired with coffee.
Wax
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy consistency. Made through BHO extraction and whipping, wax is easy to handle and popular for dabbing. Potency typically ranges from 60-90% THC.
Track Your Cannabis Journey
Now that you know the terms, start tracking your sessions, strains, and sleep with DankLog™.