Cannabis 101 Glossary
Backcross (BX)
A backcross is a hybridized cannabis plant that has been bred with one of its parent genetics to create offspring that demonstrate favorable characteristics similar to that of its’ original parent. In example, a grower can e this process to selectively breed for favorable traits (such as high yields or high cannabinoid content). This is often done to maintain rare phenotypes (see below) or strengthen the targeted, desirable recessive genes.
BHO
Butane hash oil is a potent concentrate made through dissolving cannabinoids in a solvent (usually butane). The resulting product is a very sticky, thick oil with very high THC levels. BHO is also referred to as honey oil, wax, shatter, or “dabs” depending on the final manufacturing methods used to finish the product.
Blunt
Ground cannabis is rolled inside of a leaf cigar or cigarillo paper (typically a tobacco leaf but other leaves can be used such as palm leaves and pressed raw hemp). These often burn much longer than joints and are extremely popular at parties and other gatherings.
Bong
A large pipe, (usually made of glass, acrylic plastic or silicon) that uses water to diffuse and cool the smoke as it moves through the device. This makes for a typically smoother smoking experience than pipes, joints or bongs.
Bud
The part of the cannabis plant that is harvested for use in recreational consumption. This part of the cannabis plant is highly coveted and contains the highest concentrations of cannabinoids.
Budtender
Used to describe sales attendants working at a retail cannabis store (dispensary).
Calyx
These are small nodules found on the female cannabis plant that support and protect the plant’s pollen receptacle and seed casings. A bundle of these small, tear-shaped nodules make up the majority of the marijuana cola (see below).
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds that are found both in the cannabis plant (phyto-cannabinoids) and also inside of the human body (endo-cannabinoids). THC and CBD are the most popular and well researched cannabinoids, but there are over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that provide all sorts of varying effects. There is only so much that has been discovered on cannabinoids and their effects (such as THC, CBD, CBN and CBG) but so many have yet to be properly identified and their impacts and interactions with humans are unknown.
Cannabis
A plant genus that produces different species and genus known as Marijuana or Hemp. Recreational marijuana is derived from one of three sub-species - Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Cannabis has been found all over the world, and can be used to consume recreationally, medicinally, or used for food or fibre production (and much more).
Cannabis Retail Store
A fully licenced business that sells cannabis, cannabis products and cannabis accessories. Also referred to as a dispensary.
CBD
Provides a noticeable feeling typically considered to not make the user feel “high". CBD (Cannabidiol) is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant that can have an impact on inflammation, pain, mood issues, and sleep (strictly speaking from third party sources, CANJA cannot make any recommendations or suggest that cannabinoids or cannabis of any formulation will aid in any issue). For more information on CBD please visit www.healthcanada.ca.
CBDA
The acidic form of CBD. Decarboxylation converts CBD-A to CBD.
CBG
The non-acidic form of cannabigerol acid, this is the cannabinoid that most other cannabinoids are synthesized from in the cannabis plant. During growth, the majority of CBG is converted into THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
CBN
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid typically found in trace amounts which results from the breaking down of other cannabinoids such as THC.
Clone
A clipping that is taken from a “mother” plant to be rooted and grown as an exact “clone” of the parent plant. This is performed on marijuana plants as well as other plants across the horticultural industry.
Cola
The female flower of the cannabis plant, this is also commonly referred to as bud.
Concentrates
Concentrates are made through extracting the cannabinoid rich content of the cannabis plant and isolating these compounds from the raw plant matter (usually through dissolving the cannabinoids in a solvent, sifting the trichomes or pressing the plant matter into a resinous substance). The resulting products have very high THC levels and can produce a variety of differing products such as hash, oil, rosin, resin, shatter and wax.
Cross (genetics)
This is the process of inter-breeding cannabis genetics. This happens when two different plant strains (one male and one female) are used to create seeds (the pollen from the male plant creates seeds in the female flowers a(also known as colas or buds).
Dab/Dabbing
A dab refers to a dose of concentrate which is then “dabbed” onto a super heated surface (glass, quartz or titanium) and is inhaled through a dab rig (usually a glass or silicone “bong”) or consumed in a controlled temperature, fully encapsulated device. This is a very modern method of consuming cannabis products.
Dank
This term is used to describe high-quality cannabis. Typically with a very pungent scent and sticky to the touch.
Decarboxylation
A chemical reaction which converts the acidic form of cannabinoids into their more reactive form (for example THC-A converts to THC). This occurs through applying sufficient sustained heat.
Dispensary
A term used to describe a store that sells cannabis, cannabis products and cannabis accessories. Also called a Cannabis Retail Store.
Edibles
A method for consuming cannabis without inhalation. These products can come in all sorts of fun types like cookies, gummies, chocolates, beverages and even oils and capsules. Edibles are usually made with decarboxylated cannabis-infused oil or butter that is then incorporated into different final products. Edibles are absorbed through the digestive track and typically take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to feel the effects. The effects from edibles also typically last longer, usually 4 to 8 hours.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A complicated biological system found in almost all vertebrates. This system works to regulate a multitude of bodily functions through the utilization of endogenous compounds and their corresponding receptors.
Entourage Effect
The batch specific effects of a particular cultivar based on the complex interaction of different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring chemicals which gives each strain its own unique characteristics and over-all effect.
Flavonoids
These are chemical compounds produced in plants that give a cultivar its unique aroma, flavour and even impacts the colour. Flavonoids have an impact on modulating the effects of different cannabinoids and terpenes.
Flowers
The flower (or buds) of the cannabis plant for cannabis are the sticky, hair-covered, trichome dense portion of the cannabis plant that is harvested, dried and cured to be consumed whole, or processed into various cannabis products (like hash, oil, resin or rosin).
Hash/Hash Oil
Short for hashish, hash is a high potency extract made from the flowers of the cannabis plant. These products are generally significantly stronger than consuming straight flowers since only the cannabinoid rich, resinous compounds of the plant are harvested and used. Hash oil or “honey oil” is a variation that can be made using a chemical solvent to extract the cannabinoids instead of a sieve and press.
Heirloom
A cannabis strain with original, un-altered genetics (can also be referred to as a landrace strain). These genetics hail from ultra specific regions across the globe and many have yet to be discovered or especially, hybridized.
Hybrid
A genetic cross between two or more separate strains of cannabis that are selected for their desirable characteristics (high yield, high potency). Most cannabis commercially grown and widely consumed today has been hybridized.
Hydroponics
Refers to a method of gardening that does not use a soil based growing medium. Plants are grown with constant access to water and receive their nutrients from the addition of synthetic nutrients. In terms of cannabis production, plants grown hydroponically are sometimes said to have cleaner, more distinct flavors because of the ability to fully “flush” the nutrients out of a cannabis plant prior to harvest.
Indica
Cannabis indica is one of the different species of the cannabis plant. Indica dominant cannabis plants tend to grow in a more compact size which is shorter and bushier than Sativa plants. Typically, the effects associated with these plants is Indica = “In-da-couch” however recent developments have shown it is not this simple and there is much more associated with the “entourage effect”.
Joint
Another term for pre-rolled cannabis: a rolled “cigarette” style method of smoking cannabis. A paper is rolled fairly tightly after being filled with ground cannabis.
Kief
The sticky trichomes or “crystals” that contain most of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Kief is a product comprised of these trichomes after they have been sifted from the dried cannabis flower.
Landrace
Cannabis strains that are native to particular regions across the globe. They are the result of naturalized breeding and/or environmental conditions altering the characteristic of the plant over generations.
Marijuana/ Marihuana
The general term used for the female cannabis plant or dried flower. Cultivated marijuana contains high percentages of cannabinoids and are grown for recreational and medicinal use.
Monoterpene
Often called “fast” terpenes due to their volatility. These are the more floral and fruity aromas, some examples of which are Limonene, Linalool and Myrcene.
Oil
Can refer to Hash Oil or Edible Oils that have been infused with cannabis.
Pot
A slang term for cannabis.
Pre-roll
Ground cannabis that is rolled into a paper (also called a joint) and sold to consumers ready to smoke.
Sativa
Another species of the cannabis plant. These are typically much taller and sparser varieties of cannabis. When consumed Sativa dominant cannabis is usually associated with providing a “head high” as opposed to the more sedative effects of Indica strains. Again, there is much more to this as the entourage effect of other cannabinoids is still relatively unknown.
Sesquiterpene
Often called “slow” terpenes due to their low volatility. They are responsible for more peppery, earthy, and woodsy aromas. Common examples are Humulene and Caryophyllene.
Shatter
Shatter is a high potency cannabis extract that is typically used to “dab”. It usually contains high levels of THC and has an appearance similar to tinted glass and when cold will “shatter” when handled.
Strain
This is a term used to describe a specific cannabis genetic. Strains are specific phenotypes that are selectively bred to express the desired traits of high quality cannabis (high potency/ high yield/ desirable flavour etc.). Because strains can easily be mistakenly or purposely misidentified it’s important to buy from a retailer you trust to get the effect you are looking for.
Terpene
Terpenes (or terpenoids) are fragrant, organic compounds found in most species of plants that give them their smell and flavor. They also affect the human body in many different ways and contribute to The Entourage Effect (see above) which is how terpenes help boost and expand the efficacy of the many cannabinoids. Different cannabis strains (and even phenotypes within a strain) have unique combinations of terpenes and usually help give them their unique names (such as blueberry, diesel or skunk).
THC
THC is the most dominant and prevalent psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for producing the “high” associated with cannabis use and is one of the most coveted cannabinoids in modern recreational cannabis products.
THCA
The acidic form of THC. This is the type of THC found in raw flower and cold harvested extracts. Mostly non-psychoactive, decarboxylation (application of heat) converts THC-A into THC (the most prevalent psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis).
Tincture
Tinctures are usually made by soaking cannabis flower in alcohol, glycerin, or coconut oil and are consumed orally like an edible or sublingually (under the tongue) for a faster onset of effect. The cannabis does need to be decarboxylated for the tincture to be effective.
Topical
Cannabis topicals (i.e. lotions, balms and salves) are most popularly chosen for localized pain relief, reduction of inflammation, tension, and even skin conditions like itching, dermatitis and psoriasis. (consult a physician for information on any medical advice) The product is applied dermally and either works as a surface agent or is absorbed into the tissue trans dermally. If applied externally, no significant intoxicating effects should occur.
Trichome
The resin production glands of the cannabis plant. These small globules (often referred to as “crystals”) contain the plants THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes are all stored in these glands.
Vape Pen
A vaporizer pen (or vape pen) is a smaller version of a regular vaporizer that is portable and typically uses pre-filled distillate or honey oil cartridges (however some vape pens are used for loose flower or extracts).
Vaporizer
A vaporizer heats either flowers or cannabis extracts to a temperature that produces a cannabinoid-laced vapor for inhalation. Vaporizing is considered widely to be healthier than smoking since there is much less tar produced. This method provides near instant effects (similar to smoking) and vaporizers can be stationary or portable.
Wax
A concentrated form of cannabis that is created when the plant is dissolved into a solvent, this is the un-winterized form of shatter.
Weed
A slang term for cannabis.