Cannabis Glossary

A

Adult-Use

Also referred to as recreational cannabis, this term describes cannabis dispensaries that cater to 21+ consumers that do not have a medical marijuana card.

April 20

Also known as 420, April 20 is an unofficial holiday for cannabis enthusiasts. More about 4/20

B

BHO (a.k.a. Butane Hash Oil)

A cannabis extract that's created by using butane as a solvent during the extraction process. Commonly referred to as BHO, butane hash oil comes in a variety of consistencies and textures depending on equipment and techniques used in the extraction process. More about BHO

Blunt

A traditional blunt is a hollowed-out cigar filled with ground cannabis. Since cigars tend to be larger than pre-roll rolling papers, they are able to hold more cannabis than a pre-roll. Modern blunt wraps are made from palm, mint, and even hemp leaves. More about blunts

Broad Spectrum

An extraction process that pulls the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, while removing any traces of THC. This term is typically used when referring to CBD products.

Bowl

The part on a smoking device (e.g. pipe, water pipe, etc.) that holds the cannabis flower.

Bubble Hash

A type of hash product that uses ice water in the extraction process. It is typically more potent than regular hash.

Bud

Bud is a term used to describe cannabis flower. More about cannabis bud

Budder

A highly potent cannabis concentrate that has a malleable texture similar to a stick of butter. More about budder

Bubbler

A smoking device for cannabis flower that uses water to filter smoke, similar to a water pipe but smaller. More about bubblers

Budtender

An employee of a dispensary who works at the storefront to assist and educate customers about cannabis products. More about budtenders

C

Cannabinoids

A class of diverse, naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that influence the endocannabinoid system. These include THC, CBD, CBN, and hundreds of others. More about cannabinoids

Cannabis

A plant that is native to certain mountainous regions of the world. It has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal and intoxicating properties. More about cannabis

Cartridge

Also referred to as a “cart,” a cartridge is a small container filled with cannabis extracts/oils that are made to mimic specific strains. Cartridges are used for vaping and are attached to a battery before use. More about cartridges

Caryophyllene

A naturally occurring terpene found in many plants, including cannabis. It gives spices like pepper and cinnamon their spicy flavors.

CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant, second only to THC in abundance. CBD is not psychoactive. More about CBD

Chillum

Sometimes known as a “one-hitter,” a chillum is a small pipe used to consume small amounts of cannabis flower. More about one-hitters

CO2 Oil

A broad term for cannabis concentrates that are made by using CO2 as a solvent to extract terpenes, cannabinoids, and other flavorful compounds.

Concentrates

Refers to highly potent cannabis extracts like wax, budder, shatter, etc. They’re produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower in a variety of solvent-based and solventless methods. More about concentrates

Cone

A type of rolling paper that comes in the shape of a cone that can be filled with  ground cannabis flower.

Crumble

Cannabis concentrate that is extracted using a solvent like BHO. The name refers to its crumbly texture. More about crumble

Cultivar

A variation of a type of plant that was bred specifically for certain desired traits. Most of today’s cannabis strains are cultivars.

D

Dab/Dabbing

A method of consuming concentrates that uses specific tools like a dab rig or nectar collector. More about dabbing

Dab Rig

The full setup of equipment used for dabbing. A dab rig typically consists of a water pipe fitted with a “nail” instead of a bowl. The concentrate is heated and the vapor is inhaled.

Decarboxylation

The process of exposing cannabis flower to heat or light to activate the cannabinoids. Once heated, the molecular structure shifts and turns inactive compounds into active cannabinoids like CBD and THC. More about decarboxylation

Delta-8 THC

A cannabinoid that is found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. It can have intoxicating effects, but it isn’t as strong as the more common Delta-9 THC.

Diamonds

A cannabis concentrate that has a crystal, diamond-like appearance. It’s also known as THCA diamonds or THC crystals.

Dispensary

A dispensary is a state-licensed retail location where medical marijuana patients and/or 21+ customers can purchase legal cannabis.

Distillate

A highly refined cannabis concentrate that removes everything except the desired cannabinoid, typically THC. More about THC distillate

E

E-rig

An electronic dab rig that uses electricity to heat concentrates instead of a torch.

Edibles

Produced by infusing a product with cannabis concentrate or cannabutter, edibles can range from baked goods and chocolate bars to drinks and capsules. More about edibles

Eighth

A standard weight measurement of cannabis flower that refers to an eighth of an ounce. This amount equals about 3.5 grams. More about eighths

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system made up of receptors found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors are primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis between the body’s many physiological and psychological processes. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with these receptors to produce a variety of effects. More about the endocannabinoid system

Entourage Effect

A term used to describe the physiological synergy of combining compounds such as terpenes and cannabinoids to create the full cannabis experience. More about the entourage effect

F

Flavonoids

A naturally occurring compound found in many plant products, fruits, and vegetables. Flavonoids contribute to the unique flavors of cannabis flower.

Flower

The flowering part of the cannabis plant that is used to make a variety of cannabis products. More about flower

Full spectrum

Products made by extracting all of the components of the actual cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, to create a whole-strain experience. More about full spectrum

G

Grinder

A device used to break cannabis flower buds into smaller pieces to then use in rolling paper, pipes, water pipes, etc.  More about grinders

H

Hash

Short for “hashish,” hash is a cannabis concentrate that is made by pressing together the resin glands of the cannabis plant to form a hardened, solid piece called a slab or brick.

Honey Oil

A concentrate that has the amber color of honey. Also known as “hash oil,” it’s typically used to make shatter or wax, which are cooled and dried forms of honey oil.

Hybrid

A combination of two or more different strains of cannabis. Cross-breeding cannabis plants have turned most strains into hybrids–some sativa-dominant and some indica-dominant. More about hybrids

I

Indica

A cannabis species that is native to Central Asia and the Hindu Kush Mountain Range. Indica plants are short and have thick, bushy leaves. More about indica

Infused Pre-Roll

A pre-roll that contains flower coated in a cannabis concentrate. More about infused pre-rolls

J

July 10

Also known as 710 or National Oil Day, it’s an unofficial holiday that takes place on July 10 to celebrate cannabis concentrates. The name comes from the fact that 710 upside down reads OIL.

K

Kief

A powdery substance of the tiny trichomes collected by sifting cannabis flowers and leaves. Kief can be pressed into hash, used in food, or sprinkled on top of flower. More about kief

Kief Catcher

A mesh screen at the bottom of a grinder used to catch the trichomes that fall off the cannabis flower.

L

Landrace

A term used to describe specific cannabis strains that grow natively in certain parts of the world.

Limonene

A term used to describe specific cannabis strains that grow natively in certain parts of the world.

Linalool

A flower terpene that is found in cannabis, as well as lavender and rosewood.

Live Resin

A type of concentrate created by freezing freshly harvested cannabis before starting the extraction process, allowing the plant to retain more terpenes. More about live resin

M

Marihuana/Marijuana

This Spanish word was one of the original terms for cannabis. While it can have negative connotations associated with cannabis being brought to the U.S. by Spanish-speaking immigrants, it is still an accepted term in the cannabis community.

Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is the use of the whole cannabis plant or its extracts to treat various ailments or conditions. A state-issued medical marijuana card is needed to purchase medical marijuana. More about medical marijuana

Microdosing

The act of ingesting small amounts of cannabis products to experience the benefits without the possible intoxication. More about microdosing

Moon Rocks

A potent dispensary product or DIY creation in which a nugget of whole flower is dipped in or drizzled with cannabis concentrate and then rolled in kief. More about moon rocks

Myrcene

The most abundant terpene in cannabis, Myrcene is also found in mangos.

N

Nail

Nails are used to smoke cannabis concentrates. The nail is heated, commonly by a hand torch, and when it comes in contact with a concentrate, a vapor is produced and inhaled.

Nectar Collector

A portable pipe used to consume cannabis concentrates that looks similar to a drinking straw. Also called a dab straw or honey straw.

O

One Hitter

a small, discreet pipe designed for single, quick hits of cannabis. More about one hitters

Onset Time

Refers to the amount of time it takes for the effects to become noticeable after consuming cannabis. More about onset time

Ounce

A standard weight measurement of cannabis flower that equals about 28 grams. More about an ounce

P

Pinene

Common cannabis terpene, also found in pine trees.

Pipe

Hand-held tool to smoke dry cannabis flower that consists of a bowl attached to a stem.

Popcorn

Small cannabis flower buds about the size of a kernel of popcorn that grow closer to the plant’s stem. More about popcorn

Pre-roll

A marijuana “joint” that is already rolled and sold in dispensaries. More about pre-rolls

Provisioning Center

A medical marijuana dispensary in Michigan that sells cannabis products to registered patients or their caregivers. More about provisioning centers

Q

Quarter

A standard weight measurement of cannabis flower that refers to a quarter of an ounce. This amount equals about 7 grams. More about quarters

R

Rick Simpson Oil

Also known as RSO, Rick Simpson Oil is a highly potent concentrate created by cannabis activist Rick Simpson. More about RSO

Rolling Paper

Thin sheets of paper made from plant-based fibers that are used to create pre-rolls, or “joints.” More about rolling paper

Rolling Tray

A flat surface used to create pre-rolls, or “joints,” designed to collect extra flower that falls out during the rolling process.

Rosin

A type of concentrate that is extracted by applying heat and pressure to the cannabis plant without the use of solvents.

S

Sativa

A cannabis species that is native to several tropical regions around the world. These plants are tall with long, thin leaves. More about sativa

Shake

Loose pieces of plant material that collect at the bottom of a bag or container of cannabis as a result of regular handling and movement. More about shake

Shatter

A type of cannabis concentrate that is a solid material resembling thin, honey-colored shards of glass. More about shatter

Solvent

Extraction method that utilizes chemicals like BHO to separate THC from the cannabis flower when making concentrates.

Solventless

Extraction method that does not use chemicals to create concentrates.

Strain

Refers to the specific characteristics of a cultivar of cannabis, including the shape, color, taste, aroma, and effects of cannabis.

Sugar

A cannabis concentrate with the consistency of wet sugar.

T

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the famous, intoxicating cannabinoid largely responsible for the “high” associated with using cannabis. More about THC

Terpenes

Fragrant oils secreted from the resin glands of many types of plants and flowers - including cannabis - that provide aromatic diversity. More about terpenes

Tincture

A liquid cannabis product that can be ingested directly or added to food and drinks. More about tinctures

Topical

A cannabis-infused cream, lotion, oil, or balm that is applied to and absorbed through the skin. More about topicals

Torch

A tool that uses propane to produce a consistent flame, usually used to heat concentrates.

Transdermal

A method of cannabis consumption in which a patch is applied to the skin to allow cannabinoids to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Trichome

The tiny outgrowths that cover the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant that contain the many cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that contribute to the plant’s flavor and effect. More about trichomes

Trim

Refers to the plant material that is trimmed off of the cannabis flower prior to packaging buds for sale.

V

Vaporizer

A device that uses heat to turn the active compounds in cannabis flower into vapor that can be inhaled.

W

Water Pipe

A device used for smoking dry flower in which the smoke passes through a water chamber before inhalation. Also referred to as a “bong.” More about water pipes

Wax

A type of cannabis concentrate that resembles the texture of candle wax. Depending on consistency, wax can also be called sugar, budder, or crumble.

*LivWell makes no claims regarding the health and medical benefits of cannabis.