Terms You Should Know & Their Definitions
420: 420 is a cannabis slang term for the celebratory consumption and recreational use of cannabis and its affiliated products on the 4th of April each year (typically at 4:20 pm).
710:710 is a slang term for smoking hash oil. If you flip the number upside down, it resembles the word “oil.”
Accessories: Equipment, products, devices, or materials of any kind that are intended or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing cannabis into the human body
Access Point: Access points (otherwise known as dispensaries or cannabis dispensaries) are locations where medical marijuana patients and users can purchase a variety of cannabis products– particularly ones with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). All access points are regulated heavily by state laws and regulations. Patients/users must register and provide
state-certified certificates/cards before purchasing any cannabis products from these access points.
Aeroponics: A method of growing cannabis suspended in air
Alcohol extraction: Process by which the cannabis plant is stripped of essential oils and trichomes using ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Once the extra plantmaterial is filtered out and the remaining alcohol is evaporated, sticky hash oil remains.
Balm: Balms are a type of cannabis/CBD topical applied directly to the skin. Salves and balms are terms that tend to be used interchangeably — however, there is a slight difference between the two. Balms generally have a thicker consistency and require more effort when massaging into the skin — perfect for sore muscles and joints.
Blunt: Blunts are made by emptying out the tobacco from a cigar and replacing it with hemp or marijuana ready to be smoked. Blunts are particularly popular with users who enjoy the unique taste and aroma of tobacco leaves combined with the flavors and scents of cannabis. They’re also much stronger than regular joints, typically holding six or seven times more cannabis. A single blunt can burn for up to 30 minutes depending on the size and density.
Bioavailability: This is how we talk about the absorption of CBD into the blood. If a product has optimized bioavailability, it will have a higher absorption rate, and work much more quickly.
Bong: A bong is very similar to a hookah pipe in terms of its functionality. Typically made of ceramic, glass, or plastic, bongs are used to smoke and inhale cannabis extract by filtering it through water (but you already knew that 😉
Broad Spectrum CBD: Broad Spectrum CBD extract contains a wider range of terpenes and cannabinoids, and some people find it is a more effective way to achieve well-rounded balance.
This does not include products with THC.
Butane hash oil extraction: Process by which cannabis flowers are blasted with butane creating an amber resin known as wax or shatter. This oil allows tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to become Soluble.
Cannabichromene (CBC): The second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. As it does not bind to cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors, CBC is not psychoactive.
Cannabidiol (CBD): The second most commonly used cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD is an antagonist to THC and is nonpsychoactive as it blocksthe formation of 11-OH-THC and mitigates the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD has become popular for its effects, which the FDA and Banking Regulations prevent us from listing.
Cannabigerol (CBG): This is a plant-based cannabinoid specifically found in the cannabis plant. CBG is believed to help increase dopamine levels, ease stress, and reduce inflammation.
Cannabinoid: Chemicals that influence cell receptors in the brain and body and can change how those cells behave.
Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors: CB1 receptors mediate physical and psychoactive effects while CB2 receptors regulate inflammation and immune response throughout the immune and peripheral nervous systems including the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands, and reproductive organs.
Cannabinoid Profile: The amount of all cannabinoids in the plant
Cannabinoid Receptors: These receptors are found throughout the body as part of the endocannabinoid system. There are two sub-receptor groups: CB1 and CB2.
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1): This is the cannabinoid receptor found mainly in the central and peripheral nervous system, and is responsible for triggering the effects caused by THC.
Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 (CB2): This is a cannabinoid receptor located within the immune system.
Cannabinol: Comes from the Cannabis sativa plant and contains only a minimal amount of THC.
Cannabis: Genus of flowered plants indigenous to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Also known as marijuana, ganja, pot, bud, and Mary Jane.
CBD Isolate: CBD Isolate is a scentless and tasteless isolate that is at least 99 percent pure and contains no other compounds. Often it is mixed with a carrying oil and used in tinctures, drinks, and balms.
Closed-loop extraction: A method of chemical extraction that reuses the solvent rather than dispersing it into the air. This method is considered safer than “open-blasting” and is currently requiredfor all legal concentrate production in Colorado.
Concentrate (or extract): Refers to any material created by refining cannabis flowers, such as hash, dry sieve, and hash oils. Concentrates or extracts have much higher potency.
Cultivar: Plant stain that results from the process of crossbreeding and genetic stabilization to express desired traits
Cultivator: An entity licensed to cultivate, process, and package cannabis, to deliver cannabis to cannabis establishments, and to transfer cannabis to other cannabis establishments, but not to consumers.
Cure: The process of slowly drying flowers from the plant. Allows for a more gradual process to maximize flavor and smoke quality.
Dab/dabbing: A method where a “dab” (small amount) of cannabis concentrate is placed on a preheated surface, creating concentrated cannabis vapor to be inhaled.
Decarboxylation: The process by which, when exposed to heat, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is converted to THC and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) is converted to CBC.
Dispensary: A store that can legally sell cannabis products, either medical, recreational, or both.
Dosage/dosing: Individualized amount of cannabinoids within products. Dosing depends on titration, which is the process of increasing medication amounts until the desired effect is achieved.
Dronabinol (Marinol and Syndros): A synthetic THC pharmaceutical approved in the U.S. for the reduction of nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy and increased appetite in HIVwasting disease.
Edibles: Cannabis products that are orally consumed. These products can contain THC, CBD, or a combination of both. Common edible products include cookies, brownies,candies, gummies, chocolates, beverages, or homemade goods.
Electronic smoking device (vaporizer or e-cigarette): A vaporizing device with a rechargeable battery that heats material such as cannabis flower(bud) or liquids containing THC or nicotine to produce vapor for inhalation. Used as an alternative to smoking cannabis or tobacco.
Endocannabinoid: Endocannabinoids are compounds which occur naturally in the body to bind to the cannabinoid receptors. They help regulate several physiological systems.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS): A group of receptors that make up a very complex regulatory system throughout the human brain, body, and central and peripheral nervous systems.
ECS creates and maintains our body’s internal stability(homeostasis) by adjusting the flow of neurotransmitters and regulating bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, emotion, and movement.
Entourage Effect: The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds work in synergy within your body to provide a wider, more effective range of benefits and effects.
Extraction: The different processes by which cannabinoids within the plant can be extracted for use. These processes include alcohol extraction, butane hash oil extraction, etc.
Flower: Known as the hairy or sticky parts of the plant which are harvested for consumption in various products, also known as the reproductive organs of the plant.
Full Spectrum CBD: Full Spectrum CBD extract contains a wide range of terpenes and cannabinoids, including CBD CBG, CBN, and tiny amounts of THC.
Hash: Hash (otherwise known as hashish) a cannabis concentrate created from dried cannabis resin that’s been separated from the plant. This is very different from weed/marijuana, which is created from the plant itself. Hash is often seen as the stronger of the two.
Hemp: The plant of the genus Cannabis or any part of the plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration that does not exceed 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis of any part of the plant of the genus Cannabis.
Homogeneity: Refers to how evenly distributed the cannabis extract is through a product. For example, if 10 percent of the infused portion of the cannabis product contains less than 20 percent of the total THC contained in the product, it is homogenous. Homogeneity allows users assurance that they are consuming a consistently prepared edible.
Hybrid: A cross between two genetically different strains of cannabis. Hybrids can happen randomly or purposefully but are typically done to mix two or more preferred traits of a plant to make another powerful combination.
Hydroponics: A popular way to grow cannabis that utilizes a soilless system.
Indica: Indica cannabis strains are native to countries such as India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan — in other words, they’ve grown in (and adapted to) harsher climates than you’d find in, say, Italy, Canada, or the United States. Indica strains are usually more sedating than Sativa strains.
Inside versus outside growing: Indoor growing has not been around as long as outdoor growing but has gained in popularity. Indoor growing allows complete control of the environment. Indoor growing can lead to smaller yields due to lack of sunlight, but the resulting yield might contain higher levels of THC. Outdoor farming requires specific environmental climates and conditions. Current markets note that indoor cannabis is deemed of higher quality compared to cannabis grown outside. Each method carries its own environmental concerns.
ISO 17025: General requirements specified by the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Isolate (Extract Type): Isolate extract types have no other plant compounds aside from CBD. You won’t find any additional cannabinoids, terpenes, etc., here. These extracts are generally flavorless and odorless. The lack of THC in isolate extracts makes them favorable for users who dislike the idea of consuming an intoxicating compound (irrespective of how little there actually is).
Life cycle information: Cannabis plants go through two distinct cycles in their lifetime: vegetative stage (when the plant is actively growing) and flowering stage (when the plant is focusing most of its energy on producing flowers). When the plant’s light exposure falls at or below 12 hours daily, it triggers the flowering cycle.
Live Resin: Live resin is a type of cannabis/CBD concentrate making serious waves in the industry. Unlike other concentrates (wax, shatter, etc), live resin is created using a flash-freeze method designed to preserve a higher number of valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other essential plant compounds. The end result is a potent and highly effective product.
Manufacturing: To compound, blend, extract, infuse, or otherwise make or prepare a cannabis product.
Marijuana: A slang term for the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant.
Medical use of cannabis: The acquisition, cultivation, possession, processing (including the development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments), transfer, transportation, sale, distribution, dispensing, or administration of cannabis for the benefit of qualifying patients in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions or the symptoms thereof.
Mycotoxin: A secondary metabolite of a microfungus that is capable of causing death or illness in humans and other animals. They include aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, and ochratoxin A.
Nabilone (Cesamet): A synthetic THC pharmaceutical approved in the U.S. for the treatment of the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Nanoemulsions: Nanoemulsions are nano-sized emulsions, which are manufactured for improving the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. An advanced mode of drug delivery system has been developed to overcome the major drawbacks associated with conventional drug delivery systems.
Oil: Cannabis/CBD oils are often confused with cannabis/CBD tinctures — they’re similar but not exactly the same. CBD oils are liquid hemp extracts diluted in a carrier oil (MCT, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil). Most users apply oils sublingually (under the tongue) for better absorption into the bloodstream.
Packaging: Any container or wrapper that might be used for enclosing or containing any cannabis goods for final retail sale. “Package” and “packaging” do not include a shipping container or outer wrapping used solely for the transport of cannabis goods in bulk quantity to a licensee.
Pesticide: Chemical or organic substances that might be used on cannabis plants to protect against insects and/or fungus. Due to the Schedule I status of cannabis, as well as the lack of research and understanding, there are no federal regulations on the application of pesticides on cannabis. Some pesticides commonly used on cannabis can be highly toxic.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics: The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a drug and the effect the drug has on the body.
Phytocannabinoid: A naturally occurring cannabinoid specific to the cannabis plant.
Pinene: An aromatic terpene with a piney fragrance, possessing uplifting properties.
Processing: To harvest, dry, cure, trim and separate parts of the marijuana plant by manual or mechanical means.
Recreational cannabis: The intentional use of cannabis. Recreational cannabis can be purchased at a dispensary by those who are 21 years or older with a valid governmentissued ID.
Residual solvent: A volatile organic compound used in the manufacture of a cannabis product that is not completely removed by practical manufacturing techniques.
Retailer: An entity licensed to purchase and deliver cannabis and cannabis products from cannabis establishments and to deliver, sell, or otherwise transfer cannabis and cannabis products to cannabis establishments and consumers.
Route of administration: The process in which a chemical enters the human body, travels into organs and tissues, and is then metabolized into the body before elimination. The route of
administration of cannabis has different effects. Inhalation of cannabis takes just minutes to produce effects, while the initial effects of cannabis-infused food products are not felt for 30–90minutes. Gender, age, and weight can impact the rate of absorption and digestion of cannabis products.
Salve: Salves are a type of cannabis/CBD topical applied directly to the skin. Unlike lotions and creams that use water and moisturizing bases in the formula, salves use waxes (beeswax, etc)
and oils (almond oil, olive oil) — this gives the product a thick, oily, and sometimes sticky texture.
Sativa: Sativa is a shortened, less formal name for cannabis Sativa – a cannabis species known for its “mind high” effects. It’s also known to carry some pretty awesome anti-anxiety qualities too. Most Sativa plants grow outside of Middle Eastern and Asian countries and generally tend to be found in Africa, Thailand, and South America.
Schedule I drug: Drugs, substances, or chemicals that have no currently accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. This federal list is established by the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration.
Seed-to-sale: Everything that happens to an individual cannabis plant from seed and cultivation, through growth, harvest, and preparation of cannabis-infused products, if any, to final sale of finished products.
Shatter: Cannabis/CBD shatter is a type of concentrate. Its name comes from its brittle, fragile, and almost glass-like appearance and texture. Like all concentrates, it’s extremely versatile.
You can consume it orally, inhale it (otherwise known as dabbing or vaporizing), or you can cook with it. The choices are damn-near limitless. When shatter is heated, it turns into a goo-like liquid substance.
Stem: Stems are disposable products made from sustainable recycled paper, and designed to work with the Elon. By utilizing high-quality CBD-rich hemp, these Stems offer a tasty and pleasant CBD experience unrivaled by other inhalation products available on the market. Stems come in two tantalizing formulas of terpenes and cannabinoids – uplift and relax.
Strain: Variety of cannabis plants that have a particular characteristic(s) that might be used to express a specific desired effect. For example: Cannabis sativa is high in THC and is reported to
enhance creativity, be a stimulant, and fight depression, headaches, and nausea. Cannabis indica is a mix of THC/CBD and is reported to be relaxing and pain-reducing. Cannabis ruderalis is high in CBD.
Sublingual: In cannabis terms, sublingual is an application method where users place a cannabis/CBD oil, tincture, or concentrate directly under the tongue and hold it there for a short period of time (usually 30-60 seconds). The purpose of this is to allow the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to sink below the thin tissue directly into the bloodstream. This, in turn, bypasses the digestive system (including the liver).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) (THC): The most common Synthetic cannabis (e.g., K2/Spice): Various manmade chemicals that some people might use as an alternative to cannabis.
Terpene: Fragrant oils secreted from the resin glands of flowers that provide aromatic diversity. They are not just found in the cannabis plant, but other plants as well.
Terpenes bind to different receptors in the brain to give different effects.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) (THC): The most common cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. THC accounts for most of the psychoactive effects
as the 11-OH-THC metabolite, formed after first pass metabolism, is 4 times more psychoactive than THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA): Most abundant cannabinoid found in the plant that is decarboxylated and formed into THC by smoking, vaporizing, or heating.
Tincture: A liquid form of cannabis that is made from glycerin or alcohol. Tinctures are usually distributed in an eyedropper under the tongue to provide fast absorption to the body,leading to quicker effects than edibles and inhalation.
Topical: Cannabis products such as lotions, balms, and oils that are used for pain relief.
Trichome: Crystalized glands on the cannabis plant that produce resin. They are the parts of the plant that contain most cannabinoids.
Trim: When the plant has been harvested, a grower will trim the plant of its leaves, placing focus on the remaining buds.
Vaping: A method of cannabis use in cannabis vapor, rather than smoke, is inhaled. Cannabis flower or concentrate isheated in a vaporizing device (vaporizer) to a temperature below the point of combustion to produce vapor.
Vaporizer: A different way to consume cannabis. A vaporizer heats flowers or oils that activate cannabinoids and turn them into a vapor that can be inhaled.
Wax: Cannabis/CBD wax is a type of concentrate. It’s very different to shatter but somewhat similar to live resin in terms of color, texture, and consistency.
WTF: Just another acronym for the slang phrase, What the Fuck. Used to describe bewilderment or amazement, because there are so many acronyms.