Cannabis Terms and Glossary

While we know you're probably pretty familiar with the terminology of the cannabis world, there's always something new to learn. Here at STIIIZY, we've put together a Cannabis 101 Glossary so you can stay up-to-date on the latest language and acronyms in the industry.

Cannabis Types & Characteristics

When exploring the diverse world of cannabis, one encounters various types and characteristics that define this captivating plant. From the alluring cannabis flower to the fascinating female cannabis plants, each possesses its own distinctive traits.

Whether it's the renowned cannabis indica or the invigorating cannabis sativa species, these plant strains offer distinct experiences. With their psychoactive properties and flowering times, cannabis varieties like the resilient cannabis ruderalis species contribute to the vast spectrum of options available.

Exploring the cannabis industry's ever-evolving landscape unveils a remarkable array of cannabis genetics, allowing individuals to appreciate the breadth and depth of this remarkable plant.

• Backcross (BX): Kinda like a family reunion for cannabis plants. It's a breeding process where you take a hybrid plant and cross it back with one of its parent strains. The goal? Get that parent strain's dominant traits to really shine through.

• Broad Spectrum: The life-of-the-party kinda cannabis product. Broad spectrum means you've got a bunch of different cannabinoids in there, but THC? Nah, it got the boot. Perfect for folks who want the benefits of the entourage effect without that high vibe.

• Cannabis: That's the mother plant! It's a genus of flowering plants that gift us with weed, marijuana, pot, ganja — whatever your preferred term is.

• Clone: Clones are genetically identical plants made from cuttings of a 'mother plant.'

• Cultivar: This is your cannabis variety or strain. Each cultivar has its own mix of characteristics like aroma, taste, and effect.

• Feminized: Feminized cannabis seeds are bred to eliminate male chromosomes, making it nearly 100% certain the plants will be female. Female plants are the ones that produce the THC-rich buds we all love.

• Full Spectrum: This is like the everything bagel of cannabis products. Full spectrum means it's got all the compounds the cannabis plant has to offer - cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, you name it. THC included, so you'll get that full entourage effect.

• Hemp: Hemp is cannabis's chill cousin. It's a cannabis plant that's super low in THC but high in CBD. Plus, it's not just for smoking — people use hemp for everything from making rope to clothing.

• Heirloom: These are the OG strains. Heirloom cannabis strains are traditional, pure varieties cultivated in their natural environments for generations. They're like the grandparents of the cannabis world.

• Hybrid: This is what happens when you mix and match. Hybrid strains blend Indica and Sativa, offering a balanced or specific set of effects.

• Cannabis Indica: The ultimate couch-lock strain. Indicas are typically known for their physically relaxing and calming effects.

• Landrace strains: These are the ancestral world travelers of cannabis. Landrace strains are indigenous to specific parts of the world and have adapted to their native environments over a long time.

• Ruderalis: The underdog of the cannabis family. Ruderalis plants are smaller, hardier, and auto-flowering. They're not known for their high THC content but are super useful in breeding programs.

• Cannabis Sativa: Need a creative spark or a social boost? Sativa strains are typically associated with uplifting cerebral effects.

Components & Effects

The world of cannabis involves understanding its various components and their effects. Among them, cannabis oil and cannabis extracts have gained significant attention for their potential therapeutic benefits.

Whether it's the concentrated cannabis extract known as butane hash oil or the renowned honey oil, these products are derived from the plant's chemical compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes.These compounds interact with our bodies, producing psychoactive effects or offering potential medicinal properties.

Whether one seeks recreational or medicinal purposes, exploring the intricate relationship between cannabis components and their effects provides a fascinating journey of discovery.

• Cannabinoid Receptors: They're part of your endocannabinoid system, and when cannabinoids come in, they bind to these receptors to trigger various physiological reactions. 

• Cannabinoids: These are the main event, chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. They interact with your body's endocannabinoid system to create various effects. There are over 100 known cannabinoids!

• Cannaflavin: Cannaflavins are a type of flavonoid found in cannabis with potent anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC is one of the underdogs of cannabinoids. While it doesn't get you high, it does have potential therapeutic benefits, like boosting brain growth and mood enhancement.

• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA): This is CBD before it becomes CBD. It's a raw, acidic compound found in the cannabis plant that turns into CBD when heated.

• Cannabidivarin (CBDV): This cousin of CBD may be a big deal in treating neurological conditions.

• Cannabigerol (CBG): Often called the "mother of all cannabinoids," CBG is the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. Although it's usually present in low levels, it has many potential health benefits.

• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is a cannabinoid produced as THC ages and is known for its sedative effect.

• CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its calming, therapeutic benefits.

• Delta-8-THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol): Delta-8-THC is like THC's mellow sibling. It has a similar structure to THC but with less intense psychoactive effects.

• Delta-9-THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the big guy on campus. Delta-9-THC is the major psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.

• Delta-10-THC (delta-10-tetrahydrocannabinol): An up-and-comer in the world of cannabinoids. Like Delta-8, Delta-10-THC is less potent than regular THC, but its specific effects are still under research.

• Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Your body's built-in cannabinoid network. The ECS plays a role in regulating a bunch of bodily functions, like mood, appetite, and sleep. Cannabinoids interact with the ECS to produce their effects.

• Entourage Effect: The belief that all the components of cannabis work better together than in isolation.

• Flavonoids: These guys are all about the flavor and aroma of your cannabis. They're also found in fruits and vegetables and have a range of potential health benefits.

• Limonene: One of the major terpenes found in cannabis. Named after lemons, it's got a citrusy aroma and is known for its stress-relieving and mood-enhancing effects.

• Myrcene: The most common terpene in cannabis. Myrcene has an earthy aroma and is often associated with the relaxing effects of certain cannabis strains.

• Pinene: Another terpene that smells like a pine forest and may have anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing properties.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The rockstar of cannabinoids. THC is responsible for the high you get from cannabis.

• THCP (tetrahydrocannabiphorol): A recently discovered cousin of THC. While it's similar to THC, early research suggests THCP could be significantly more potent.

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): This is a minor cannabinoid that's sort of like THC's edgy cousin. It can produce psychoactive effects at high doses but also has unique properties like appetite suppression.

• Terpenes: These are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique scent and flavor. But it's not just about the aroma - terpenes also play a role in influencing the effects of cannabinoids.

Cannabis Products & Consumption Methods

Unveiling the vast assortment of cannabis products and consumption methods offers you an opportunity to tailor their experiences to their liking.

• BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A potent extract made using butane as a solvent. It's the basis for many types of concentrates.

• Blunt: A blunt is cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf or a cigar wrap. Great for sharing... or not.

• Budder: This isn't for your toast. Budder is a cannabis concentrate with a creamy texture, similar to butter. It's made by whipping resin extract under certain conditions.

• Bubble hash: A concentrate made using ice, water, and elbow grease. Bubble hash is known for its potency and clean extraction method.

• Cartridge: A pre-filled, disposable container of cannabis oil that's used with a vape pen.

• CBD Oil: A popular wellness product packed with the non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD.

• CO2 Oil: This is a type of cannabis oil extracted using carbon dioxide. It's a common choice for vape cartridges due to its purity and clean taste.

• Concentrates: Concentrates are highly potent forms of cannabis with high levels of THC or CBD.

• Curated live resin: This top-shelf concentrate is made from freshly harvested cannabis. It's designed to capture the plant's full flavor and aroma profile.

• Dabs/Dabbing: Dabbing involves heating a small amount of cannabis concentrate ("a dab") on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor.

• Dab Rig: Your main tool for dabbing. It's a type of water pipe designed explicitly for consuming cannabis concentrates.

• Diamonds: A sparkly type of concentrate that's super high in THC. They're named for their crystal-like appearance.

• Distillate: A highly refined cannabis oil with virtually all other compounds stripped out. It's super potent and often used in edibles and vape cartridges.

• Edibles: Cannabis you can eat. Think brownies, gummies, chocolate bars. They offer a longer-lasting, often more intense high than smoking or vaping.

• E-rig: An electronic version of a dab rig. It heats up your dabs to the perfect temperature, making the process easier and more precise.

• Hemp Oil: This is made from hemp plants and typically has a high CBD content with little to no THC.

• Infused Pre-roll: A joint taken to the next level. It's a pre-rolled joint infused with concentrates for an extra potent smoke.

• Joint: Classic and timeless. A joint is cannabis rolled in a paper, often with a filter or "crutch" at one end.

• Kief: The potent, powdery substance that collects at the bottom of your grinder. It's made up of the tiny, sticky crystals (trichomes) that cover the cannabis plant.

• Live resin: A type of concentrate made from fresh, frozen cannabis flowers. The process captures more of the plant's aroma and flavor than other extraction methods.

• Live rosin: This concentrate is similar to live resin, but it's extracted using heat and pressure instead of solvents. It's considered one of the purest and most flavorful types of concentrate.

• Live rosin badder: It's live rosin with a creamy consistency, similar to cake batter. It's achieved by whipping the rosin while it's still warm.

• Live rosin jam: This is a consistency variant of live rosin. It's whipped and jarred at a specific temperature and humidity to create a jam-like texture.

• Live resin diamonds: These are the crystalline structures that form in live resin over time. They're extremely potent and offer a clean, intense high.

• Moonrocks: These are cannabis buds coated in hash oil and then rolled in kief. They're incredibly potent and not for the faint of heart.

• Nectar collector: A tool used for dabbing concentrates. It's a type of vertical vaporizer that you heat and press onto your concentrate to inhale the vapor.

• Pre-roll: This is a ready-to-smoke joint that you buy from a dispensary. Perfect for when you don't want to (or can't) roll your own.

• Shatter/Ice: A type of concentrate known for its glass-like appearance and high potency. It's called shatter because it can literally shatter like glass when dropped.

• Solventless/Solvent-Free: These are cannabis products extracted without solvents like butane or CO2. They're considered purer and safer than solvent-based products.

• THC pod: A cartridge that's designed for vaping THC oil. They come in various strains and potencies and are used with compatible vape pens.

• Tinctures: These are cannabis extracts that have been dissolved in alcohol. You take them by dropping the liquid under your tongue. They offer a quick, discreet way to consume cannabis.

Cannabis Cultivation & Education

Embarking on the journey of cannabis cultivation involves understanding the intricate processes and acquiring the necessary education.

Whether it's cultivating plants grown hydroponically or learning about the plant's anatomy, particularly the female plant's reproductive system, you can produce mature flowers with desired traits.

The art of producing cannabis seeds allows for the preservation and development of specific cannabis strains. With an understanding of cannabis flowering times and plant ripeness, cultivators can ensure optimal yields and quality.

Cultivating cannabis not only offers a deeper appreciation for this hardy plant, but it also empowers individuals to contribute to the ever-evolving cannabis industry.

• Cannabis Cultivation: This is the art, and it really is an art of growing cannabis. From planting the seed to harvesting the bud, every step is a crucial part of the process.

• Certificate of Analysis: This is proof of what's in your weed. It's a document from a third-party testing lab that shows the chemical composition of a cannabis product, including cannabinoid and terpene profiles and checks for any contaminants.

• Cloning: It's not sci-fi, just a standard practice in the cannabis world. Cloning involves taking a cutting from a mother plant and letting it grow roots, producing a new plant that's genetically identical to the mother.

• CO2 Extraction: This is a method used to extract the good stuff from cannabis. It involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to pull out the compounds from the plant material.

• Crossbreeding: Playing matchmaker with cannabis plants. Crossbreeding involves combining two different cannabis strains to create a new strain with traits from both parents.

• Curing: The final stage in the cannabis cultivation process. Curing involves storing the cannabis buds in controlled conditions to let them dry out slowly. This enhances flavor and potency.

• Decarboxylation: A fancy word for a simple process. Decarboxylation is the heating of cannabis to activate the cannabinoids. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, but heat turns these into the THC and CBD we all know and love.

• Genotype: This is the genetic makeup of a cannabis plant. It determines the plant's potential traits, but the expression depends on environmental factors.

• Indoor/Outdoor Grow: These terms refer to where the cannabis is cultivated. Indoor grows offer more control over the environment but can be more expensive. Outdoor grows rely on Mother Nature and can produce massive plants, weather permitting.

• Phenotype: If genotype is the genetic potential, phenotype is the actual result. It's the physical traits of a cannabis plant, like its height, leaf shape, and bud structure.

• Seed-to-Sale: This is a system to track cannabis products all the way from planting the seed to selling the final product. It's a way to ensure quality and compliance in the cannabis industry.

• Strain: This is a specific variety of cannabis (slang term for cultivar). Strains have distinct profiles of cannabinoids and terpenes, giving them unique effects and flavors.

• THC/CBD content: This is the percentage of THC or CBD in a cannabis product. High THC content generally means stronger psychoactive effects, while high CBD content offers more therapeutic benefits without the high.

Cannabis Measurements & Quality

Measurements and quality play vital roles in ensuring a satisfying experience. Understanding the slang term "dank" or "fire" as a descriptor of high-quality cannabis underscores the importance of distinguishing quality.

Dried flowers, commonly referred to as marijuana flower, are a primary form of cannabis consumed, with their potency determined by the plant's cannabinoids and essential oils. Familiarizing yourself with cannabis measurements, such as grams or ounces, helps you navigate the purchasing process.

Ensuring accurate measurement and assessing quality contribute to a more enjoyable and informed exploration of cannabis.

• Eighth: An eighth refers to an eighth of an ounce of weed, about 3.5 grams. This is a common amount for casual consumers to buy because it's enough for several joints but not too much to store.

• Ounce: Go big or go home, right? An ounce of weed weighs about 28 grams. It's a solid amount if you're a heavy smoker or want a good stash.

• Quarter: No, not the coin. A quarter in cannabis lingo is a quarter of an ounce of weed, which equals about 7 grams. It's a decent quantity for regular smokers who don't want to run out too quickly.

• Microdosing: This is all about taking the scenic route to your high. Microdosing means consuming small amounts of cannabis to get the benefits without getting too stoned. It's a more subtle, controlled experience that can be great for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Cannabis Culture and Slang

The cannabis culture is rich with its own unique slang and terminology, showcasing the vibrancy and creativity of its community. From landrace strains that originated in specific geographic regions to the slang term "420" symbolizing cannabis consumption, the culture embraces diverse expressions.

Whether it's the cannabis cigarette or the slang term "joint," enthusiasts communicate and connect through shared language. Exploring the dynamic cannabis culture not only broadens your understanding but also fosters a sense of belonging within this ever-evolving community.

• Eighth: An eighth refers to an eighth of an ounce of weed, about 3.5 grams. This is a common amount for casual consumers to buy because it's enough for several joints but not too much to store.

• Ounce: Go big or go home, right? An ounce of weed weighs about 28 grams. It's a solid amount if you're a heavy smoker or want a good stash.

• Quarter: A quarter in cannabis lingo is a quarter of an ounce of weed, which equals about 7 grams. It's a decent quantity for regular smokers who don't want to run out too quickly.

• Microdosing: This is all about taking the scenic route to your high. Microdosing means consuming small amounts of cannabis to get the benefits without getting too stoned. It's a more subtle, controlled experience that can be great for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Cannabis Business & Legal Cannabis Terms

As the cannabis industry continues to flourish, it operates within a framework of business and legal terms that shape its growth and development.

From marijuana production to hashish production, understanding the intricacies of the cannabis extraction process and CO2 extraction techniques enables businesses to produce high-quality cannabis products.

Hemp plants, known for their low THC cannabis variety, contribute to the expanding market for industrial and medicinal purposes. Navigating the legal landscape surrounding medical marijuana and recreational requires familiarity with legal cannabis terms and regulations.

As the cannabis industry matures, staying informed about the business and legal aspects ensures its continued success and responsible growth.

• Adult use: This is another term for recreational cannabis use. It's all about using cannabis for pleasure rather than medical purposes. Adult-use products are typically available to anyone over 21 in states where it's legal.

• Budtender: Budtenders are the knowledgeable folks who help you navigate the dizzying world of weed.

• Cannabis Legalization: The end of prohibition, the dawn of a new era. Cannabis legalization means that it's legal to possess, use, and often grow cannabis. Each jurisdiction has its own rules about how much you can have and where you can consume it.

• Decriminalization: This is like legalization lite. Decriminalization means you won't be criminally prosecuted for possessing small amounts of cannabis. However, it's still not officially legal, and you might get a fine.

• Dispensary: Your go-to place for all things cannabis. A dispensary is a retail store where you can buy cannabis products. Some serve only medical patients, some serve adult-use customers, and some serve both.

• Medical Marijuana: This is cannabis used for therapeutic purposes. Medical marijuana is often recommended by a healthcare provider and may be used to treat conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

• Recreational Marijuana: Recreational marijuana is used by those looking to relax, have fun, or explore their minds. It's legal for adults in several states and countries but still illegal on a federal level in the U.S.