The cannabis world has its own language. This cannabis glossary covers essential terms every consumer should know.
Basic Terms
420
Cannabis culture's favorite number. April 20th is an unofficial cannabis holiday. 4:20 PM is a traditional time to consume.
Bud
The smokeable flower of the cannabis plant, where cannabinoids are most concentrated.
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with your endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the most well-known.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for therapeutic benefits without the high.
Concentrate
Potent cannabis extract (wax, shatter, oil, etc.) with high cannabinoid content.
Dispensary
Licensed retail store where cannabis products are legally sold.
Edible
Food or beverage infused with cannabis.
Flower
The dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant. Also called bud or nug.
Hybrid
Cannabis strain bred from both indica and sativa genetics.
Indica
Cannabis type traditionally associated with relaxing, sedating effects.
Sativa
Cannabis type traditionally associated with energizing, uplifting effects.
Strain
Specific variety of cannabis with distinct characteristics (also called cultivar).
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and may influence effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high.
Tincture
Liquid cannabis extract taken sublingually or added to food/drinks.
Consumption Terms
Blunt
Cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf wrap or cigar paper.
Bong
Water pipe used to smoke cannabis.
Bowl
The part of a pipe where cannabis is placed, or a measurement (one bowl's worth).
Dab/Dabbing
Vaporizing cannabis concentrates on a heated surface.
Joint
Cannabis rolled in thin paper.
Pre-roll
Ready-to-smoke joint purchased from a dispensary.
Vape
Device that heats cannabis without combustion.
Effect Terms
Body High
Physical effects of cannabis, often relaxation and heaviness.
Couch-lock
Intense sedation making you feel glued to the couch.
Entourage Effect
Theory that cannabis compounds work better together than isolated.
Head High
Cerebral, mental effects of cannabis.
Munchies
Increased appetite caused by cannabis.
Quality Terms
Kief
Trichomes that collect at the bottom of a grinder. Very potent.
Nug
A single bud of cannabis flower.
Shake
Small pieces of flower that break off larger buds.
Trichomes
Crystal-like glands on cannabis that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
Trim
Leaves trimmed from cannabis buds during harvesting.
Now that you know the language, find a dispensary and start exploring!