Cannabis Dictionary 122 terms
From 420 to terpenes to concentrates — your complete guide to cannabis culture and science.
Consumption Methods
420
The internationally recognized code for cannabis. April 20th (4/20) is the unofficial cannabis holiday. The term originated with a group of California high school students in 1971 who met at 4:20pm to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop.
710
OIL upside down — the cannabis concentrate community's equivalent of 420. July 10th (7/10) is celebrated as Dab Day. Refers specifically to oil-based concentrates.
Blunt
A cannabis cigar made by replacing the tobacco in a cigar or cigarillo wrap with cannabis flower. Slower burn than joints, with tobacco paper adding a slight buzz. Dutch Masters, Swisher Sweets, and Backwoods are popular wraps.
Joint
Cannabis rolled in thin paper and smoked. The most classic and widespread consumption method. Rolling papers come in many sizes — single wide, 1¼, king size — and materials including rice, hemp, and wood pulp.
Spliff
A mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled together in paper. Common in Europe. The tobacco adds nicotine buzz and helps it burn evenly but adds health risks associated with tobacco.
Bong
A water filtration device for smoking cannabis. Water cools and filters the smoke before inhalation, resulting in a smoother hit. Also called a water pipe. Available in glass, silicone, acrylic, and ceramic.
Bubbler
A hybrid between a pipe and a bong — smaller than a bong with water filtration built in. More portable than a bong while still filtering smoke through water for a smoother experience.
Pipe
A handheld device for smoking cannabis. Consists of a bowl for the flower, a carb hole to control airflow, and a mouthpiece. Most commonly made from glass, but also wood, metal, and stone.
Chillum
A straight conical pipe without a carb hole. One of the oldest cannabis smoking devices, with origins in India. Modern chillums are typically glass and popular for their simple, one-hitter design.
One-Hitter
A small pipe designed for a single hit of cannabis. Compact and discreet. Often disguised as a cigarette. Great for controlled microdosing without wasting flower.
Vaporizer
A device that heats cannabis to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion. Considered healthier than smoking. Available as portable pens, handheld devices, and desktop units.
Vape Pen
A pen-shaped vaporizer typically used with pre-filled cannabis oil cartridges. Extremely portable and discreet. Most use 510-thread cartridges compatible with universal batteries. Disposable versions are also widely available.
Dab
A concentrated dose of cannabis extract consumed by flash-vaporizing on a hot surface. Delivers very high THC doses quickly. The term applies to both the action and the concentrate itself.
Dab Rig
A water pipe specifically designed for consuming cannabis concentrates. Features a nail or banger instead of a bowl, heated with a torch. Functions like a bong but for concentrates.
Nail
The component of a dab rig that gets heated to vaporize concentrates. Traditionally titanium or quartz. Now largely replaced by quartz bangers which offer better flavor and heat retention.
Banger
A bucket-shaped quartz attachment for dab rigs that replaced traditional nails. Quartz bangers offer superior flavor compared to titanium and more even heating than glass. The gold standard for dabbing.
E-Nail
An electronic nail for dab rigs that maintains a precise, consistent temperature without a torch. More convenient and precise than torch-and-nail setups. Preferred by flavor-focused dabbers.
Nectar Collector
A vertical dabbing device where you touch the heated tip directly to the concentrate rather than placing it in a banger. Portable alternative to a full dab rig.
Edibles
Cannabis-infused food or beverages. Effects are slower to onset (30 min–2 hours) but longer-lasting (4–8 hours) than inhaled methods. Popular forms include gummies, chocolates, beverages, and baked goods.
Tincture
A cannabis extract dissolved in alcohol or MCT oil, typically administered under the tongue (sublingually) with a dropper. Faster onset than edibles but slower than inhalation. Easy to dose precisely.
Capsule
Cannabis oil in a pill form for oral consumption. Discrete, consistent dosing, and no taste. Popular among medical patients. Effects similar to edibles — slower onset but long duration.
Topical
Cannabis-infused creams, balms, lotions, and salves applied directly to skin. Do not cause psychoactive effects (unless transdermal). Used for localized pain relief, inflammation, and skin conditions.
Transdermal Patch
A cannabis patch applied to the skin that delivers cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through the skin. Unlike topicals, transdermal patches can cause psychoactive effects. Used for sustained, consistent dosing.
Sublingual
Administration of cannabis (usually tinctures or dissolving strips) under the tongue for absorption through mucous membranes. Faster onset than edibles — typically 15-30 minutes.
Cannabis Types & Cultivation
Indica
One of the three primary cannabis subspecies. Indica plants are shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves. Effects are typically relaxing, sedating, and body-focused. Historically associated with evening use and sleep.
Sativa
One of the three primary cannabis subspecies. Sativa plants grow tall and thin with narrow leaves. Effects are typically energizing, uplifting, and cerebral. Historically associated with daytime use and creativity.
Hybrid
Cannabis strains created by crossing indica and sativa genetics. Most modern cannabis is hybrid. Effects vary depending on the parent genetics and dominant phenotype.
Ruderalis
A wild cannabis subspecies native to Russia and Central Asia. Low THC but auto-flowering — flowers based on age, not light cycle. Used extensively in breeding auto-flowering strains.
Landrace
Cannabis strains that developed naturally in specific geographic regions without human genetic intervention. Examples include Afghani, Durban Poison, and Thai. The genetic foundation of modern cannabis breeding.
Phenotype
The physical expression of a plant's genetics in a specific environment. Two plants from the same seed pack can have different phenotypes — different structure, coloring, aroma, and potency. Breeders hunt for exceptional phenotypes.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of a cannabis plant. While genotype is fixed, phenotype (physical expression) can vary based on environment. Clones share the exact genotype of their mother plant.
Clone
A cutting taken from a cannabis plant and rooted to create a genetically identical copy. Cloning preserves exceptional phenotypes and eliminates seed genetics. Widely used in commercial cannabis cultivation.
Photoperiod
Cannabis strains that flower in response to changes in the light cycle. Require 12 hours of darkness to trigger flowering. The traditional and most common type of cannabis cultivation.
Auto-Flowering
Cannabis strains that flower based on age regardless of light cycle. Typically ready in 70-90 days from seed. Smaller yields than photoperiod but faster, simpler, and ideal for multiple harvests per year.
Feminized Seeds
Seeds bred to produce exclusively female plants. Essential because only female plants produce the cannabinoid-rich flowers used for consumption. Eliminates the need to sex plants and remove males.
Hermaphrodite
A cannabis plant that develops both male and female sex organs, typically due to stress. Hermies can pollinate female plants and ruin a crop by causing seed production. Unwanted in most cultivation.
Defoliation
The strategic removal of fan leaves to improve light penetration and airflow throughout the canopy. Can increase yields when done properly but stresses plants if overdone.
LST
Low Stress Training — bending and tying down branches to create a flat, even canopy that maximizes light exposure to all bud sites without cutting or stressing the plant.
SCROG
Screen of Green — a training technique using a horizontal screen or net to create an even canopy. Plants are woven through the screen during vegetative growth to maximize light efficiency and yields.
SOG
Sea of Green — growing many small plants close together to create a dense canopy and maximize yield per square foot. Plants are flipped to flower quickly after a short veg period.
Topping
Cutting off the main stem's growing tip to promote two main colas instead of one. Creates a more bushlike structure and increases yield. Most common high-stress training technique.
FIMming
Similar to topping but cutting only 75-80% of the growing tip instead of all of it. Can result in 4 new shoots instead of 2. Slightly less stressful than topping.
Mainlining
Training technique combining topping and symmetrical LST to create an even, identical manifold structure. Results in equal cola sizes throughout the plant. Time-intensive but produces consistent, heavy yields.
Trichomes
The tiny, crystal-like glands that cover cannabis flowers and surrounding leaves. Trichomes produce cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — everything that makes cannabis potent and aromatic. Color indicates maturity: clear = early, cloudy = peak THC, amber = CBN/sedation.
Cola
The main flowering cluster of a cannabis plant. The top cola is called the apical cola or main cola. Training techniques aim to create multiple large colas of equal size.
Calyx
The individual plant cell that makes up a cannabis bud, visible as the teardrop-shaped 'pods' covered in trichomes. Each calyx contains the female reproductive parts. Dense calyxes indicate potent, high-quality flower.
Pistil
The orange, red, or brown hair-like strands on cannabis flowers. Actually the stigmas of the pistil — designed to catch pollen. Color shift from white to orange/red indicates maturity.
Cannabinoids & Chemistry
Flushing
Watering plants with plain water during the final 1-2 weeks before harvest to remove nutrients from the growing medium. Debated practice — some believe it improves flavor, others find no difference.
Curing
The process of slowly drying cannabis flower in sealed jars over weeks to months. Proper curing converts chlorophyll, enhances flavor, smoothes smoke, and increases potency. Critical for premium flower.
Trim
The small sugar leaves trimmed away from cannabis buds. Covered in trichomes and usable for making concentrates, edibles, and hash. Wet trim happens before drying, dry trim after.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Produces the 'high' feeling by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain. Also has medical applications for pain, nausea, appetite, and sleep.
CBD
Cannabidiol — the second most prominent cannabinoid. Non-intoxicating but interacts with the endocannabinoid system to provide anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Found in abundance in hemp and high-CBD cannabis strains.
CBG
Cannabigerol — the 'mother cannabinoid' from which THC and CBD are synthesized. Non-intoxicating with potential antibacterial, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Found in early flower growth or specific CBG strains.
CBN
Cannabinol — a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid created when THC oxidizes (ages or degrades). Associated with sedating effects. Amber trichomes indicate higher CBN content. Popular in sleep products.
CBC
Cannabichromene — a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and analgesic properties. The third most common cannabinoid in cannabis. Works synergistically with CBD and THC.
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid — the raw, non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in fresh cannabis. Converts to THC when decarboxylated (heated). Raw cannabis consumption provides THCA without intoxication.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic Acid — the raw precursor to CBD. Converts to CBD when heated. Some research suggests CBDA may have stronger anti-nausea properties than CBD itself.
Delta-8 THC
A minor cannabinoid with similar but milder psychoactive effects than Delta-9 THC. Often derived from hemp-derived CBD through chemical conversion. Subject to variable legal status — federally gray area in the US.
THCP
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol — a recently discovered cannabinoid with potentially 33x higher binding affinity to CB1 receptors than THC. May explain why some strains feel disproportionately potent.
Terpenes
Decarboxylation
The process of activating cannabinoids by applying heat to convert THCA to THC and CBDA to CBD. Required before cannabis is effective in edibles. Typically done at 220-245°F for 30-45 minutes.
Endocannabinoid System
The body's own cannabinoid receptor network — found throughout the brain, nervous system, and organs. Regulates mood, pain, sleep, appetite, and immune function. Cannabis compounds mimic the body's own endocannabinoids like anandamide.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation. THC, CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids create synergistic effects greater than any single compound alone. Supports using whole-plant products over isolates.
Terpenes
Aromatic organic compounds found in all plants including cannabis. Responsible for the unique scent and flavor profiles of different strains. Interact with cannabinoids to shape effects. Over 200 terpenes identified in cannabis.
Myrcene
The most common terpene in cannabis. Earthy, musky, herbal scent similar to cloves. Associated with sedating, couch-lock effects. Found in high concentrations in Blue Dream, OG Kush, and most indica-leaning strains.
Limonene
Citrus-scented terpene found in lemon rinds and cannabis. Associated with mood elevation, stress relief, and anti-anxiety effects. Common in sativa strains and hybrids like Lemon Haze and Wedding Cake.
Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery terpene also found in black pepper and cloves. Uniquely binds directly to CB2 receptors — making it effectively a cannabinoid as well as a terpene. Anti-inflammatory properties.
Linalool
Floral, lavender-scented terpene with calming, anti-anxiety properties. Found in lavender and many cannabis strains. Associated with relaxation and sleep. Common in Granddaddy Purple and some GSC phenotypes.
Pinene
Sharp, pine-scented terpene — the most common terpene in nature. May counteract THC-induced memory impairment. Bronchodilator properties. Common in Jack Herer, Trainwreck, and OG Kush.
Terpinolene
Complex, fresh aroma — floral, herbal, and citrus. Found in high concentrations in sativa strains like Jack Herer, Durban Poison, and Ghost Train Haze. Associated with uplifting, energetic effects.
Concentrates & Extracts
Humulene
Earthy, woody, hoppy terpene — also found in hops (beer). Appetite suppressant properties, unusual among cannabis compounds. Anti-inflammatory. Found in GSC, Sour Diesel, and White Widow.
Ocimene
Sweet, herbal, woody terpene with potential antiviral and antifungal properties. Found in abundance in Clementine, Strawberry Cough, and some sativa cultivars. Light, uplifting profile.
Bisabolol
Floral terpene also found in chamomile. Calming, anti-inflammatory properties. Enhances skin absorption — common in cannabis topicals and CBD skincare products.
Concentrate
Any cannabis product that has been processed to isolate and concentrate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Includes wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, hash, and oil. Significantly more potent than flower.
Wax
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy texture. Made by whipping extract during the purging process. Easier to handle than shatter. THC content typically 60-90%.
Shatter
A glass-like, brittle cannabis concentrate with a translucent amber appearance. Made by refining BHO extract without agitation. Very high THC content. Named for its tendency to shatter when handled.
Live Resin
A concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis — harvested and immediately frozen before processing. Preserves terpenes that evaporate during drying. Superior flavor profile compared to other concentrates.
Rosin
A solventless concentrate made by pressing cannabis flower, hash, or kief between heated plates. No solvents required — just heat and pressure. Growing in popularity for its clean, pure profile.
Hash
One of the oldest cannabis concentrates — collected trichomes pressed into blocks. Made by hand-rolling fresh cannabis (charas), ice-water extraction (bubble hash), or mechanical sieving (dry sift/kief). Ranges from 30-60% THC.
Bubble Hash
Hash made using ice water and agitation to separate trichomes from plant material, then filtered through mesh bags (bubble bags). Solventless and highly regarded for flavor and purity. Quality graded by how it bubbles when heated.
Kief
The loose trichome crystals that collect at the bottom of a grinder or are sieved from dried cannabis. Simpler and less processed than other concentrates. Can be sprinkled on flower, pressed into hash, or used in edibles.
Distillate
Highly purified cannabis oil with 90-99% THC or CBD. Made by distilling and refining cannabis extract. Flavorless and odorless until terpenes are added back. The base for most vape cartridges and edibles.
Full Spectrum
A cannabis extract that preserves all naturally occurring compounds — THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Supports the entourage effect. Preferred over isolates for medical use.
Broad Spectrum
Similar to full spectrum but with THC removed or reduced to non-detectable levels. Provides entourage effect benefits without psychoactive THC. Common in CBD products targeting non-cannabis markets.
Isolate
A highly purified single cannabinoid — typically CBD isolate or THC isolate — with all other compounds removed. Crystal powder, 99%+ purity. No entourage effect but precise, predictable dosing.
Sauce
A cannabis concentrate with a saucy, liquid-like consistency rich in terpenes. Made by allowing extract to separate into THCA crystals floating in a terpene-rich sauce. Exceptional flavor.
Diamonds
THCA crystalline formations that develop during the sauce-making process. Can reach 99%+ THCA purity. Often separated from sauce and used individually or combined for dabs.
Culture & Slang
Terp Sauce
The liquid terpene layer separated from THCA diamonds. Intensely aromatic and flavorful — used to coat diamonds or as a standalone concentrate for flavor-focused dabbers.
BHO
Butane Hash Oil — cannabis extract made using butane as a solvent. Versatile process that produces wax, shatter, crumble, and live resin. Requires proper purging of solvent. Made safely only in professional setups.
CO2 Oil
Cannabis extract made using supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent. Considered clean and safe — no solvent residue. Common in vape cartridges. Preserves terpenes when done with subcritical methods.
Munchies
The increased appetite and food cravings caused by THC. THC stimulates the hypothalamus and increases sensitivity to food aromas. Can benefit medical patients with appetite loss but challenging for those managing weight.
Couch Lock
A state of deep physical sedation from cannabis, typically caused by heavy indica strains high in myrcene. User feels unable or unwilling to move from the couch. Sought by some, avoided by others.
Green Out
The cannabis equivalent of drinking too much — feeling nauseous, dizzy, pale, and anxious from overconsumption. More common with edibles and concentrates. Not dangerous, but unpleasant. Treatment: lie down, hydrate, eat sugar.
Cotton Mouth
Dry mouth caused by cannabinoids inhibiting saliva production. Common side effect of smoking or vaping. Easily managed with water. Not harmful.
Red Eyes
Reddening of the eyes caused by THC lowering blood pressure and expanding blood vessels in the eyes. A telltale sign of cannabis use. Managed with eye drops (tetrahydrozoline-based).
Hotbox
Smoking cannabis in a small, sealed space (car, closet, tent) so smoke fills the room. The secondhand smoke and lack of fresh air intensifies the high. Social tradition in cannabis culture.
Session
A cannabis smoking or vaping event, typically social. 'What time's the session?' means what time are people gathering to consume cannabis.
Pass to the Left
The traditional rule for passing a joint or blunt counterclockwise (to the left) in a circle. Cultural etiquette in cannabis circles. Origin disputed — possibly from Jamaican Rastafarian tradition.
Puff Puff Pass
The rule that each person in a smoking circle takes two puffs before passing to the next person. Ensures equal distribution and pace in a group session.
Greens
Taking the first hit from a freshly packed bowl — the 'greens' before it's been smoked. Usually offered to guests or the person who provided the cannabis as a courtesy.
Cashed
A bowl that is fully smoked and contains only ash. Also 'kicked' or 'done.' The opposite of 'greens.'
Dank
High-quality, potent, and strongly aromatic cannabis. Originally slang, now widely used. 'That's some dank flower' means it's high-grade.
Loud
Very pungent, aromatic cannabis that 'smells loud' through bags or containers. A compliment on quality — loud flower is typically fresh, well-cured, and potent.
Gas
Ultra-pungent, fuel-scented cannabis. High-quality flower with a diesel or chemical aroma often associated with OG and Chem genetics. 'That's straight gas' is a compliment.
Eighth
1/8 ounce of cannabis (3.5 grams). The most common retail purchase size. Name comes from being one-eighth of an ounce.
Quarter
1/4 ounce of cannabis (7 grams). Two eighths.
Half
1/2 ounce of cannabis (14 grams). Four eighths.
Zip
One ounce of cannabis (28 grams). Eight eighths. Comes from the amount fitting in a ziplock sandwich bag.
Microdose
Taking a very small, sub-perceptual or barely perceptual dose of cannabis — typically 2.5-5mg THC for edibles. Aims to get therapeutic benefits without significant intoxication. Growing practice in wellness communities.
Tolerance Break
A period of abstaining from cannabis to reduce tolerance and restore sensitivity to its effects. Typically 2-4 weeks. Also called a 'T-break.' Tolerance to THC's psychoactive effects returns relatively quickly.
Wake and Bake
Consuming cannabis first thing in the morning before eating or doing anything else. The first cannabis of the day on an empty stomach tends to hit harder. A tradition for some, occasional ritual for others.
Solventless
Cannabis concentrates made without chemical solvents — only using ice water, heat, and pressure. Includes bubble hash, dry sift, and rosin. Considered the cleanest, most pure form of extraction by connoisseurs.
Live
In cannabis concentrates — 'live' refers to products made from fresh-frozen cannabis rather than dried and cured material. Live resin, live rosin, and live sauce preserve terpenes lost during traditional drying and curing.
710
OIL upside down — July 10th is Dab Day, the concentrate holiday. The term 710 refers specifically to oil, wax, shatter, and other cannabis concentrates.
Terps
Short for terpenes. 'The terps on this strain are incredible' refers to the aroma and flavor compounds. Connoisseurs increasingly prioritize terpene profiles over THC percentage alone.
Nug
An individual piece of cannabis flower — a single 'nugget.' 'Throw me a nug' means give me a small piece of flower.
Shake
The small pieces of cannabis flower that fall to the bottom of a bag or jar. Lower quality than whole nugs but still usable. Often sold at a discount or used in pre-rolls.
Budtender
A dispensary staff member who assists customers with strain selection and product recommendations. The cannabis equivalent of a bartender — knowledgeable guides to the menu.
Dispensary
A licensed retail store where cannabis is legally sold. Also called a 'dispo.' Includes recreational dispensaries (adult-use) and medical dispensaries (patients only).
Hemp
Cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Legal federally in the US under the 2018 Farm Bill. Source of CBD products, fiber, seeds, and industrial materials.
Cannabis Cup
The cannabis industry's most prestigious competitions, originated by High Times magazine in Amsterdam in 1987. Judges evaluate flower, concentrates, and edibles across categories. Winning strains gain significant recognition.
Chronic
High-quality cannabis — popularized by Dr. Dre's 1992 album 'The Chronic.' Specifically refers to potent, seedless flower (sinsemilla). Now broadly means any top-shelf cannabis.
Sinsemilla
Seedless cannabis — from Spanish 'sin semilla' (without seed). When female plants are unpollinated they produce no seeds and significantly more cannabinoid-rich flowers. All premium cannabis today is sinsemilla.