Anther
An oval-shaped sac located at the end of the stamen in which pollen is produced, stored and later released from the male cannabis plant. If left undisturbed in nature, anthers will release pollen grains into the air. If the cannabis plant is being used for breeding purposes, the pollen can be collected from the anthers and applied to female cannabis plants to produce a cross of those two strains.
Ash Catcher
Ash catchers are accessories that serve to keep your water pipe or bong clean. Usually glass attachments, ash catchers are designed to catch the ash and resin and keep it from entering a user’s waterpipe. Ash catchers can also add more water filtration to help cool the smoke and remove a lot of tar and impurities.
Badder
One of the many consistencies for cannabis concentrates, identified by its malleable texture that looks and feels like cake frosting. Not all badder looks the same, and the appearance depends on the starting material and methods of extraction.
Blunt
A cigar that has been hollowed out and filled with ground cannabis. Typically, blunts are rolled with the same tobacco leaf wrappers used for cigars.
Budder
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, solid consistency similar to a stick of butter. Budder is one of many concentrate textures and appears in rosin and many solvent-based extractions.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
A cannabis extract that uses butane as the primary solvent during the extraction process. Butane hash oil encompasses myriad textures and consistencies and is sometimes referred to as “wax,” “shatter,” “badder,” “budder” or “oil.”
Cannabinoid
Compounds found in the cannabis plant, cannabindoids bind with receptors in the human endocannabinoid system to produce a range of desired effects. The main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants with psychoactive properties in the family Cannabaceae — Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis — cannabis is used primarily for medical or recreational purposes. Made up of hundreds of components, known as cannabinoids, cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporizing, within food or as an extract.When ingested, cannabis has various mental and physical effects, including euphoria, altered states of mind and sense of time, relaxation and an increase in appetite. While the onset of effects is felt within minutes when smoked, it takes longer when cooked and eaten. The effects of cannabis can last for up to six hours, depending on the amount used.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids within the hemp and cannabis plant. The second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis, CBD is most commonly used to address inflammation, sleep health, gastrointestinal balance, pain management and more.
Concentrates
Substances in which the more desirable properties of cannabis, namely cannabinoids and terpenes, have been isolated — and concentrated. There are many cannabis concentrates in a variety of formats and textures. Inactive forms of concentrate need to be heated to experience their effects. Concentrates with active cannabinoids, usually distillate, are infused into edibles, tinctures and topicals to provide effects without the application of heat.
Dab
“Dabs” are unspecified doses of cannabis concentrates that users vaporize using a dab rig, through a process known as “dabbing.” This concentrated form of cannabis is usually much more potent than marijuana flower. Additionally, because dabs are typically made up of highly concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes, they are sometimes known to be very flavorful. And because you’re supposed to vaporize dabs instead of combust them, dabbing also delivers a very clean taste if done properly.
Delta-8-THC
As delta-9-THC ages and is exposed to oxidation, it is converted to delta-8-THC. This conversion process makes the resulting cannabinoid stable when exposed to air, which could increase its potential applications. Delta-8-THC is not as potent as its sister cannabinoid, but it does still produce a high. The euphoric feeling produced tends to be less intense than what might be experienced with delta-9-THC, and you may experience a more clear-headed and energetic result. Utilizing CBD with delta-8-THC will further decrease any mind-altering effects experienced by the user. Since delta-8-THC is extracted by breaking down delta-9-THC, it can be processed from many different strains.
Delta-9 THC
Delta-9-THC, or what is commonly referred to as THC, is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. Found in both male and female cannabis plants, the concentration is much higher in female plants. It is interesting to note that while THC is in its raw form (THCA), it has no mind-altering properties. This only happens as decarboxylation occurs, with heat altering the original molecule into one that can bind with the cannabinoid receptors in our body — located in the endocannabinoid system — to produce that euphoric feeling known as a “high.”
Dispensary
A cannabis storefront that dispenses medical or adult-use cannabis products for sale or donation.
Dose
The measured amount of a medicine or drug intended to be taken at one time.
Edibles
Food or drink items infused with cannabinoids. Marijuana edibles can be brownies, cookies, candies, even pasta, soda and much more. Edible cannabinoids are processed differently than inhaled cannabinoids. When cannabis is ingested, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the stomach and liver, which increases potency and delays the onset of effects. This process also lengthens the intoxicating effects, sometimes causing them to last from four to six hours.
Extract
A cannabis extract is a concentrate produced with the use of a solvent. The most common solvents used to make a cannabis extract include butane, propane, ethanol and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). A cannabis extract is a specific type of cannabis concentrate. While concentrates can be made through both various mechanical processes and the use of a solvent, extracts are unique because they are made exclusively through the use of a solvent.
Hemp
A tall, bushy plant, which is cultivated for its tough bast fiber and edible seeds and oil, that is often separated into a tall, loosely branched species. Also referred to as “industrial hemp,” the U.S. government regulates hemp to not exceed 0.3 percent THC on a dry-weight basis, which is how it is distinguished from cannabis. Hemp is often used in dietary supplements, skin products and clothing.
Hybrid
Most strains are, in fact, hybrids, whether indica- or sativa-dominant. Hybrid means that these strains are a mix of the other two main classes of cannabis — “indica” and “sativa.” Hybrids often provide a more balanced combination of indica and sativa effects because each hybrid is a cross between two different strains of indica and sativa plants. The cross of strains allows the plants to inherit the features and effects of both species. You may find cannabis strains that are sativa-dominant or indica-dominant, however, cross-breeding has limited the number of pure sativa or indica strains out there.
Indica
Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains. Indica plants are short and stocky, with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds. Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD and less THC, and because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is better consumed at night. Indica is also known to reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
Joint
Arguably the most iconic way to consume cannabis, joints consist of cannabis rolled up inside a thin rolling paper that is usually white, but novelty papers come in all colors and flavors. Unlike commercial tobacco cigarettes, most joints are hand-rolled. Rolling papers can be big, small, made out of hemp, rice, paper, etc. — there are all kinds of variants. Joints often have a crutch, or filter, which adds stability to the roll and allows users to smoke their joint to the end without burning their fingertips.
Nonpsychoactive
Typically refers to a cannabis product that is high in CBD but very low in THC and other cannabinoids.
Psychoactive
Refers to an “intoxicating” effect when consuming cannabis products.
Rig
A rig is a unique pipe with a nail or skillet used to consume cannabis concentrates like wax or shatter. “Dabbing” involves heating the nail on the rig to a specific temperature with a handheld torch, which vaporizes a dab of concentrate when placed on the heated device. This form of consumption is different than smoking cannabis flower from a bowl or pipe and produces a purer inhalation. Dabbing with a rig is quickly gaining popularity in the cannabis industry.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia and western portions of Asia. Sativa plants are tall and thin, with finger-like leaves. They can grow taller than 12 feet and they take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis. Sativa often has lower levels of CBD and higher doses of THC. Cannabis sativa plants are distinguished by their high THC levels, taller and slimmer plant structure and longer, thinner leaves. The flowers of sativa strains tend to be long and sausage-shaped. Sativa often produces a “mind high,” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. If you use sativa-dominant strains, you may feel productive and creative, as opposed to relaxed and lethargic, making it more popular for daytime use.
Sativa, Indica and Hybrids
Strains are commonly broken up into three distinct groups: indica, sativa and hybrid. Most consumers have used two of these three cannabis types (indica and sativa) as a standard for predicting effects. Indica and sativa plants differ not only in their physiological effects but also in their appearance. The most important difference between these two subspecies of cannabis, however, is in their effects and how they influence energy levels and productivity.
Strains
In the world of cannabis, the term “strain” refers to the flower’s particular variety. The term is used interchangeably with “cultivar,” “variety” and “selection” within the cannabis industry, but it has no official botanical meaning and has fallen out of favor in horticultural circles. The term itself is essentially a slang term for a variety of the cannabis plant, as well as its derivative products. Most cannabis users would probably define a strain by some combination of factors, including botanical lineage, appearance, chemical profile and accompanying effects. This is more or less the criteria that make up a “strain” in the eyes of the cannabis industry. Strains are usually the way to differentiate between the varieties of cannabis. For example, Northern Lights, Blue Cheese and OG Kush are indica strains. Examples of sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer and Durban Poison.
Terpenes
Terpenes are another naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. Terpenes are aromatic compounds commonly produced by plants and fruit. They can be found in lavender flowers, oranges, hops, pepper and, of course, cannabis. Secreted by the same glands that ooze THC and CBD, terpenes directly affect the plant’s smell and produce distinctive flavors like berry, citrus, mint and pine. They may also influence the effects produced by specific strains.
THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive or intoxicating compound within cannabis plants. It’s responsible for the “high” or state of euphoria associated with cannabis use. THC varietals are just a few of the 113-plus cannabinoids that interact with our endocannabinoid system. There are four major types of THC present in the cannabis plant: THCA, THCV, delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC. Each type of THC has somewhat different properties and medical benefits.
THCA
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, exists in the stems, leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. It is the only one of the four types of THC that has no psychoactive or mind-altering properties. The psychoactive effects of THC are caused when the chemical’s molecule attaches to CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system, but THCA’s large, three-dimensional molecular structure doesn’t fit into these receptors. It is, however, the source of the other three types of THC. As the plant dries, THCA slowly converts to THC through the process of decarboxylation. This process is stimulated by applying heat and light to THCA. Sunlight and natural aging can cause the conversion of small amounts of THCA to its counterparts. Heating the THCA molecule causes it to change its chemical composition and shape, making it the ideal shape to fit into the body’s CB1 receptors.
THCV
THCV, or tetrahydrocannabivarin, is another byproduct of THCA breakdown. While it is similar to delta-9-THC, it has some distinct differences. First of all, it does not have mind-altering properties in low doses. However, when you use a strain high in THCV or take a high dose of it, the effects change, and you will get a clear, stimulating high. Though the effects of THCV do not last as long as delta-9-THC, you may find you feel them more rapidly. It also has a higher boiling point (428° F vs 314° F), so people who choose to vaporize it need to turn their devices up to reap its benefits. If making edibles, you may not get the full effect of THCV without sacrificing some of the delta-9-THC and other cannabinoids as they begin to degrade at higher temperatures. One significant difference of THCV is that it actually functions as an appetite suppressant instead of making you hungry. It can, in fact, even limit the actions of delta-9-THC that increase appetite.
THC-Free
The term “THC free” is to technically say there is no “quantifiable” or “detectable” amount of THC in the product — it does not mean there is absolutely 0% THC. THC is a psychoactive compound that can create euphoric effects in those who ingest it.
Tincture
Oil-based consumable product that is commonly infused with THC and/or CBD. Tinctures typically have a MCT (coconut oil) carrier base, making them light and near flavorless. To use a tincture you can consume it orally or with food and drink.
Topical
A topical is a cannabis-infused cream, oil or lotion that is intended to be applied to the skin. Most cannabis topicals don’t contain the levels of THC required to make a person feel “high.” Instead, topicals are used to treat or support everything from anti-aging to arthritis, including alleviating temporary skin conditions, muscle soreness and inflammation.
Transdermal
The transdermal delivery of cannabis works by allowing cannabinoids to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. Patches containing various ratios of cannabinoids can be placed on the skin to release cannabinoids into the bloodstream. This method of cannabis delivery is less common than smoking and ingestion.
Vape
“Vape” can take either a noun or verb form. The noun refers to a vaporizer or devices utilizing a heating element to quickly vaporize the active ingredients in cannabis for smooth, noncombusting consumption. The verb is to inhale and exhale vapor with the use of a vaporizer, electronic cigarette, dab rig, e-nail, vape pen (sometimes referred to as a weed pen) or similar device. Vaporization also allows people who require stronger medical cannabis products safer access to higher-potency cannabis through the use of concentrates and extracts.
Vaporizer
The simplest vaporizer definition is any device that utilizes heat to vaporize the active molecules in cannabis flower and concentrates. Though most are handheld, vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes despite fundamentally identical makeups. Cannabis flower, cannabis oil, concentrates and extracts can all be vaporized to consume their activated cannabinoids following vaporization. Vaporization provides a less harmful alternative to smoking, as it occurs at temperatures that do not allow the cannabis flower to combust, which releases tar and carcinogens.
Whole Flower
Whole flower is simply harvested and dried before being packaged for selling. Because of this, whole flower CBD contains a much greater number of hemp’s naturally occurring cannabinoids and waxes compared to any other CBD delivery format. The stalks and leaves are not used as the material from which to extract CBD. Only the flower of the cannabis/hemp plant is used, and nothing besides plant matter is removed from the product, so you are receiving nature’s complete medicine — in a raw and complete form.