Skip to main content
Purple Lotus
Cannabis Glossary

A–Z Cannabis Terms & Definitions

From cannabinoids to concentrates, terpenes to tinctures — a plain-language reference for the cannabis terms you'll see on shelves, lab results, and budtender chats.

145 terms

A

Adult-Use CannabisLegal
Cannabis sold for recreational use to adults who meet the legal age requirement.
AeroponicsPlant Part
A soilless growing technique where plant roots are suspended in air and misted with nutrient solution. Produces fast growth and high yields.
AnandamideScience
An endocannabinoid the body produces naturally. Often called the 'bliss molecule,' it binds to the same receptors THC does.
AutoflowerPlant Part
Cannabis strains that flower based on age rather than the light cycle. Popular among home growers for their short lifecycle.

B

Backcross (BX)Science
A breeding technique where a hybrid is crossed back with one of its parents to reinforce specific desirable traits.
BadderConcentrate
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, cake-batter consistency. Similar to budder but slightly wetter.
Batch NumberLabel
A unique identifier for a production run of cannabis products. Used to connect a product to its lab test results.
BeverageProduct Type
A drink infused with cannabinoids, usually THC, CBD, or both. Effects are similar to edibles but may onset faster depending on the formulation.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)Concentrate
A concentrate extracted using butane as a solvent. The base for products like shatter, wax, and budder.
BioavailabilityEffects
The amount of cannabinoids your body actually absorbs from a product. Different methods — inhalation, edibles, sublingual tinctures — absorb differently.
BisabololTerpene
A lightly floral terpene also found in chamomile.
BluntMethod
Cannabis rolled inside a tobacco-leaf wrap (or hemp wrap). Burns slower than a joint and adds the wrap's flavor.
BongMethod
A water pipe that filters cannabis smoke through water, cooling it before inhalation.
BowlMethod
The cup-shaped piece of a pipe or bong where cannabis is packed and lit. Also slang for a single packed session.
BractPlant Part
The small leaf-like structures on a cannabis flower that hold the highest concentration of trichomes.
Bubble HashConcentrate
A solventless concentrate made with ice water to separate trichomes from plant material.
BudderConcentrate
A creamy, butter-textured cannabis concentrate, whipped during extraction for a smooth consistency.
BudtenderCulture
A dispensary staff member who helps customers choose products, explains effects, and answers cannabis questions.

C

CalyxPlant Part
The teardrop-shaped structure that holds the cannabis flower's reproductive parts. Heavily coated in trichomes.
CampheneTerpene
A pungent, earthy terpene with pine-like notes.
CannabinoidCannabinoid
Active chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the most well-known.
Cannabinoid ReceptorScience
Proteins in the body (CB1 and CB2 receptors) that cannabinoids bind to, producing physiological and psychoactive effects.
Cannabis IndicaPlant Part
A subspecies of cannabis traditionally described as short, bushy, and producing relaxing, body-heavy effects. See 'Indica.'
Cannabis RuderalisPlant Part
A subspecies of cannabis native to colder climates. Often used in autoflowering hybrids due to its age-based flowering.
Cannabis SativaPlant Part
A subspecies of cannabis traditionally described as tall, narrow-leafed, and producing uplifting, cerebral effects. See 'Sativa.'
CapsuleProduct Type
A pre-measured cannabis product swallowed like a pill. Common for customers who want consistent dosing without smoking or vaping.
CaryophylleneTerpene
A peppery, spicy terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, and cloves. Unique for also binding to CB2 receptors directly.
CBC (Cannabichromene)Cannabinoid
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid being studied for potential anti-inflammatory and mood-supportive effects.
CBD (Cannabidiol)Cannabinoid
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid widely used for relief from anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Often paired with THC to soften its effects.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)Cannabinoid
The raw, acidic precursor to CBD. Converts to CBD through heat or time.
CBG (Cannabigerol)Cannabinoid
Known as the 'mother cannabinoid' — other cannabinoids are biosynthesized from it. Often associated with focus and clarity.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid)Cannabinoid
A precursor cannabinoid often called the starting point for major cannabinoids like THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.
CBN (Cannabinol)Cannabinoid
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC ages and oxidizes. Often associated with sedation and sleep.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)Label
A lab report showing a cannabis product's tested potency and, when available, safety results such as pesticides, solvents, heavy metals, or microbial contaminants.
CherryCulture
The lit, glowing portion of a joint, blunt, or bowl while it's burning.
ClonePlant Part
A cutting from a mature cannabis plant, rooted to grow into a genetically identical new plant.
CO₂ ExtractConcentrate
A cannabis extract made using carbon dioxide as the solvent.
ColaPlant Part
The dense cluster of flowers at the top of a cannabis plant. The main cola is the largest, central bud.
Compliance LabelLabel
Required product labeling that may include potency, ingredients, warnings, batch numbers, testing information, and license details.
ConcentrateConcentrate
Any cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant — wax, shatter, rosin, live resin, etc.
CrossbreedScience
The offspring of two different cannabis strains, combining traits from both parents.
Crude OilConcentrate
An early-stage cannabis extract that may be further refined into distillate or other products.
CultivarPlant Part
The botanically correct term for what's commonly called a 'strain' — a cultivated variety bred for specific traits.
Cured ResinConcentrate
A concentrate made from dried and cured cannabis flower, as opposed to fresh-frozen flower used for live resin.

D

DabMethod
A small dose of cannabis concentrate vaporized on a hot surface and inhaled — typically using a dab rig.
Dab RigMethod
A water pipe designed for vaporizing concentrates, with a heated nail or banger instead of a bowl.
DecarboxylationScience
The process of heating cannabis to convert inactive cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) into their active forms (THC, CBD). Required for edibles to work.
Delta-8 THCCannabinoid
A psychoactive cannabinoid similar to delta-9 THC, usually less potent and often produced from hemp-derived CBD.
Delta-9 THCCannabinoid
The primary intoxicating form of THC found in cannabis.
DiamondsConcentrate
Crystalline THCA structures formed during certain extraction processes. Among the purest concentrates available.
Disposable VapeProduct Type
A single-use vape device pre-filled with cannabis oil and a built-in battery. Convenient but less reusable than cartridge-and-battery systems.
DistillateConcentrate
A highly refined cannabis extract — often 90%+ THC. Flavorless and odorless unless terpenes are reintroduced.
DoseMeasurement
The amount of cannabis consumed, usually measured in milligrams of THC or CBD for edibles and tinctures.
Dry SiftConcentrate
A solventless concentrate made by mechanically separating trichomes from dried cannabis.
DurationEffects
How long the effects of cannabis typically last. Edibles often last longer than inhaled products.

E

EdibleProduct Type
Any food or drink product infused with cannabis. Onset is slow (30–120 min) and effects last longer than inhaled methods.
EighthMeasurement
An eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower — approximately 3.5 grams. The most common dispensary purchase size.
EndocannabinoidScience
A cannabinoid-like compound naturally produced by the body. Anandamide is one example.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)Science
The body's natural network of receptors and chemicals that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and memory.
Entourage EffectScience
The hypothesis that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than alone — that full-spectrum products feel different than isolated THC.
Ethanol ExtractConcentrate
A cannabis extract made using ethanol as the solvent.
EucalyptolTerpene
A cool, minty terpene also found in eucalyptus.
Excise TaxLegal
A cannabis-specific tax added to regulated cannabis purchases.
ExtractConcentrate
See 'Concentrate.' Any product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant.

F

Fan LeafPlant Part
The large, iconic multi-fingered leaves of the cannabis plant. Low in cannabinoids and usually trimmed off the flower.
Feminized SeedsPlant Part
Cannabis seeds bred to produce only female plants, which are the ones that flower and produce smokable buds.
FlavonoidsScience
Plant compounds that contribute to color, aroma, flavor, and potentially some biological effects.
FlowerProduct Type
The smokable, cannabinoid-rich buds of the cannabis plant. Also called 'bud,' 'herb,' or just 'weed.'
Fresh FrozenConcentrate
Cannabis frozen immediately after harvest to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids before extraction.
Full-SpectrumConcentrate
A cannabis extract that retains the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant, not just isolated THC.

G

GenotypeScience
The genetic makeup of a cannabis plant — what traits it carries. The expressed result is called the phenotype.
GeraniolTerpene
A sweet, floral terpene also found in roses and geraniums.
GramMeasurement
The smallest standard purchase unit of cannabis flower (1g). Roughly enough for two joints.
GummyProduct Type
A chewable cannabis edible, often sold in precisely dosed pieces such as 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg THC.

H

Harvest DateLabel
The date cannabis flower was harvested. Useful for judging freshness alongside package date.
HashConcentrate
A traditional cannabis concentrate made by separating trichomes from the plant — historically pressed into blocks or balls.
Hash RosinConcentrate
Rosin pressed from bubble hash or dry sift instead of flower. Produces an exceptionally clean, terpene-rich concentrate.
HempPlant Part
Cannabis cultivated for fiber, seed, or CBD — legally defined in the U.S. as containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
HumuleneTerpene
An earthy, woody terpene also found in hops.
HybridPlant Part
A cannabis strain bred from both indica and sativa parents. Most modern strains are hybrids, with varying ratios.
Hydrocarbon ExtractConcentrate
A concentrate extracted with hydrocarbons such as butane or propane.

I

IndicaPlant Part
Strains traditionally associated with relaxing, body-heavy, sedative effects. Often recommended for evenings or sleep.
Infused Pre-RollProduct Type
A pre-rolled joint enhanced with concentrate — typically kief, hash, or distillate — for added potency.
IntoxicationEffects
The impairing or psychoactive effects caused mainly by THC.
IsolateConcentrate
A purified single compound, such as CBD isolate or THC isolate, separated from other cannabinoids and terpenes.

J

JointMethod
Cannabis flower rolled in thin rolling papers. The most traditional way to smoke cannabis.

K

KiefConcentrate
The powdery, resinous trichomes that collect at the bottom of a grinder. A simple, solventless concentrate.

L

LandraceCulture
A cannabis strain that developed naturally in a specific geographic region, with minimal human breeding — e.g., Acapulco Gold, Afghani.
LimoneneTerpene
A citrusy terpene found in cannabis and citrus peels. Commonly associated with uplifted mood and stress relief.
LinaloolTerpene
A floral, lavender-scented terpene. Found in lavender, mint, and many indica strains. Associated with calm and relaxation.
Live ResinConcentrate
A concentrate made from cannabis flash-frozen at harvest, preserving the plant's full terpene profile. Known for intense flavor and aroma.
Live RosinConcentrate
Rosin pressed from fresh-frozen flower using heat and pressure — solventless and highly aromatic.
LozengeProduct Type
A cannabis-infused product designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for gradual absorption.

M

Medical CannabisLegal
Cannabis used by patients under a medical cannabis program or recommendation, depending on state law.
MicrodoseMeasurement
Consuming a very small amount of cannabis (typically 1–2.5 mg THC) to get subtle benefits without strong intoxication.
Minor CannabinoidsCannabinoid
Cannabinoids found in smaller amounts than THC or CBD, such as CBG, CBC, CBN, and THCV. Cannabis produces dozens of cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD.
Moon RocksProduct Type
Cannabis buds dipped in concentrate (like hash oil) and rolled in kief — extremely potent.
MyrceneTerpene
An earthy, musky terpene — the most common in cannabis. Found in mangoes and hops. Often associated with sedation.

N

NailMethod
The component of a dab rig that's heated and then dabbed with concentrate. Modern dab rigs typically use quartz bangers instead.
NugCulture
Slang for an individual bud of cannabis flower — the dense, sticky pieces you'd pack into a bowl.

O

OcimeneTerpene
A sweet, herbal terpene with notes of mango and parsley. Often associated with uplifting, energetic strains.
OnsetEffects
How long it takes to begin feeling a cannabis product's effects. Inhaled products usually act faster than edibles.
OunceMeasurement
A standard cannabis quantity — approximately 28 grams. The largest single-purchase amount in most legal markets.

P

Package DateLabel
The date a cannabis product was packaged for sale. Often shown on dispensary labels.
PhenotypeScience
The observed traits of a plant — appearance, aroma, effect — produced by the interaction of its genotype and environment.
PineneTerpene
A pine-scented terpene found in cannabis, pine trees, and rosemary. Often associated with alertness and memory support.
PistilPlant Part
The hair-like strands on a cannabis flower (often orange or red) that catch pollen. Indicators of plant maturity.
PotencyMeasurement
The strength of a cannabis product, usually shown as a percentage for flower and concentrates, or milligrams for edibles.
Pre-RollProduct Type
A joint that's already rolled and ready to smoke — sold individually or in multi-packs.
Purchase LimitLegal
The legal maximum amount of cannabis a customer can buy within a set period.

Q

QuarterMeasurement
A quarter of an ounce of cannabis flower — approximately 7 grams. Two eighths.

R

RatioMeasurement
The relationship between cannabinoids in a product, such as 1:1 THC:CBD or 20:1 CBD:THC. Helpful for picking products with the balance of effects you want.
Residual SolventsScience
Trace solvents that may remain after extraction. Tested products should meet legal safety limits.
ResinConcentrate
The sticky, cannabinoid-rich substance produced by cannabis trichomes. Also a category of concentrate (e.g., live resin).
RosinConcentrate
A solventless concentrate produced by pressing cannabis flower or hash with heat and pressure. Clean, full-flavor, and pure.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)Concentrate
A potent, full-spectrum cannabis oil often sold in syringes and used in very small doses.

S

SativaPlant Part
Strains traditionally associated with uplifting, cerebral, energizing effects. Often recommended for daytime use.
SauceConcentrate
A high-terpene concentrate with a wet, viscous texture, often containing visible THCA diamonds.
Serving SizeMeasurement
The recommended amount to consume at one time, especially for edibles and beverages.
ShakeProduct Type
The small bits of flower that fall off larger buds. Often sold at a discount; great for joints and bowls.
ShatterConcentrate
A glass-like, brittle cannabis concentrate that snaps when broken. High-potency, typically extracted with butane.
SoftgelProduct Type
A capsule-style cannabis product containing oil-based cannabinoids, often used for precise and discreet dosing.
SolventScience
A liquid (e.g., butane, ethanol, CO₂) used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant during concentrate production.
SolventlessConcentrate
Concentrates produced without chemical solvents — using only heat, pressure, water, or ice (e.g., rosin, bubble hash, kief).
Start Low, Go SlowCulture
A common dosing guideline encouraging new or low-tolerance consumers to begin with a small dose and wait before taking more.
StrainPlant Part
A specific variety of cannabis with distinct genetics, aroma, and effect. Botanically, the correct term is 'cultivar.'
SublingualMethod
Taken under the tongue — like tinctures. Absorbed through mucous membranes for faster onset than edibles.

T

TerpeneTerpene
Aromatic oils produced by cannabis (and many other plants) that give each strain its distinctive smell and contribute to its effects.
Terpene ProfileTerpene
The specific mix of terpenes in a cannabis product — the aromatic compounds that shape its scent, flavor, and feel.
TerpinoleneTerpene
A fresh, piney-floral terpene with hints of citrus. Often found in uplifting, energetic sativas.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)Cannabinoid
The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis — responsible for the euphoric high, altered perception, and head/body effects.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)Cannabinoid
The non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. Converts to THC when heated (decarboxylation).
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)Cannabinoid
A minor cannabinoid associated with appetite suppression and clear-headed energy. Sometimes called 'diet weed.'
TinctureProduct Type
A cannabis extract in liquid form, typically alcohol- or oil-based. Taken sublingually for fast, discreet effects.
ToleranceScience
The body's adaptation to regular cannabis use — over time, the same dose produces weaker effects. A short break ('tolerance break') resets this.
TopicalProduct Type
A cannabis-infused product applied to the skin — lotions, balms, salves. Typically used for localized relief without intoxication.
Total CannabinoidsMeasurement
The combined percentage or milligrams of cannabinoids in a product, including THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and others.
Total THCMeasurement
The estimated amount of THC available after THCA converts into THC through heat. Helpful because raw flower contains mostly THCA, not active THC.
Track-and-TraceLegal
A regulatory system used to follow cannabis products from cultivation through retail sale.
Transdermal PatchProduct Type
A cannabis-infused patch applied to the skin, designed to deliver cannabinoids gradually through the skin.
TrichomePlant Part
The tiny, crystal-like resin glands on cannabis flowers and leaves that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. The plant's potency lives here.
TrimPlant Part
The leaves and shake removed when manicuring cannabis flower. Often used for making concentrates or pre-rolls.

V

VapeProduct Type
A device that vaporizes cannabis (flower or concentrate) instead of burning it. Includes disposable pens, cartridges, and dry-herb vaporizers.
Vape Cartridge (Cart)Product Type
A pre-filled tank of cannabis oil that screws onto a battery for vaping. Convenient, discreet, and widely available.

W

WaxConcentrate
A soft, opaque cannabis concentrate with a texture similar to candle wax. A common starting point for new dab users.