THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the 'high'. Binds to CB1 receptors in the brain.
Dictionary
Cannabis glossary
77 terms — cannabinoids, terpenes, growing, consumption, and culture. Built for SEO and clarity.
cannabinoid
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. The non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. Converts to THC through decarboxylation (heat).
CBD
Cannabidiol. A non-intoxicating cannabinoid with potential anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-seizure properties.
CBG
Cannabigerol. Known as the 'mother cannabinoid' because it is the precursor to THC and CBD. May have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
CBN
Cannabinol. A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed as THC degrades over time. Often marketed for sleep, though evidence is mixed.
CBC
Cannabichromene. A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may contribute to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin. Sometimes called the 'diet cannabinoid' for its potential appetite-suppressing effects.
Endocannabinoid System
A biological cell-signaling system that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and pain. Includes CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 1, found primarily in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds here to produce psychoactive effects.
CB2 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 2, found primarily in immune cells and peripheral tissues. Associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds work together synergistically, producing greater effects together than individually.
Decarboxylation
The process of applying heat to convert non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC. Essential for making edibles.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream and has an active effect. Inhaled THC: ~30%; oral THC: 4-12%.
11-Hydroxy-THC
A metabolite produced when the liver processes THC. More potent and longer-lasting than THC, explaining why edibles feel different.
terpene
Terpene
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Responsible for smell and flavor, and may contribute to effects via the entourage effect.
Myrcene
The most common terpene in commercial cannabis (found in 50%+ of strains). Earthy, musky aroma. Associated with sedation and relaxation.
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene that may have anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. Found in citrus rinds and many cannabis strains.
Pinene
A pine-scented terpene that may promote alertness and counteract THC-induced memory impairment. The most common terpene in nature.
Linalool
A floral terpene also found in lavender. Associated with relaxation, anxiety relief, and potential anticonvulsant properties.
Caryophyllene
A peppery, spicy terpene that uniquely binds to CB2 receptors, acting as both a terpene and a cannabinoid.
Terpinolene
A complex terpene with a layered aroma (piney, floral, herbal). Common in Haze-type strains.
Humulene
An earthy, woody terpene also found in hops and sage. May have appetite-suppressing properties.
Ocimene
A sweet, herbaceous terpene found in many sativa-dominant strains. May have antiviral properties.
growing
Phenotype
The observable physical characteristics of a cannabis plant, determined by genetics and environment. Two plants from the same seeds can have different phenotypes.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of a cannabis plant. Plants with the same genotype can express different phenotypes.
Landrace
A naturally adapted cannabis variety from a specific geographic region (e.g., Afghani, Thai, Durban). The foundation of modern breeding.
Autoflower
A cannabis strain containing Cannabis ruderalis genetics that automatically transitions from vegetative to flowering stage based on age, not light cycle.
Photoperiod
A cannabis strain that requires a change in light cycle (typically 12/12) to trigger flowering. The standard for most cannabis grown today.
Feminized Seed
A seed bred to produce only female plants (which produce the cannabinoid-rich flowers). Approximately 99% female.
Regular Seed
An unmodified seed with roughly 50/50 chance of producing male or female plants. Preferred by breeders.
Trichome
The resin glands on cannabis flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. Appear as tiny crystalline structures.
Pistil
The hair-like structures on female cannabis flowers. Initially white/cream, they darken as the plant matures.
Calyx
The teardrop-shaped structure that forms the base of each flower. Contains the highest concentration of trichomes.
Cola
A cluster of tightly packed flowers at the top of the main stem or branches. The largest is called the apical or main cola.
Vegetative Stage
The growth phase where cannabis develops stems and leaves, typically under 18+ hours of light per day.
Flowering Stage
The reproductive phase where cannabis produces flowers (buds). Triggered by shorter light cycles (typically 12/12).
Curing
The slow drying process (2-8 weeks) in controlled humidity that improves flavor, smoothness, and potency of harvested cannabis.
Drying
The initial post-harvest process of removing moisture from cut plants. Typically 5-14 days at ~60°F and 60% humidity.
Apical Meristem
The growing tip of a cannabis plant. Removing it (topping) encourages lateral growth and multiple colas.
Lollipopping
A training technique that removes lower growth to redirect energy to upper colas. Creates a 'lollipop' shape.
SCROG
Screen of Green. A training method using a horizontal screen to create an even canopy, maximizing light distribution and yield.
consumption
Edible
A food or beverage infused with cannabis. Processed by the liver, producing 11-hydroxy-THC for a stronger, longer-lasting effect.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol-based, administered sublingually (under the tongue) for rapid absorption.
Sublingual
A method of consumption where a substance is held under the tongue, allowing compounds to enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes.
Topical
A cannabis-infused cream, balm, or patch applied to the skin for localized relief. Does not produce psychoactive effects.
Concentrate
A product with high cannabinoid concentration (60-90%+ THC), made by extracting trichomes from plant material.
Rosin
A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash.
Hash
A traditional concentrate made by collecting and compressing trichome resin glands (kief). One of the oldest cannabis products.
Kief
The loose, powdery trichome glands that fall off cannabis flowers. Can be pressed into hash or sprinkled on top of bowls.
Dabbing
A consumption method involving vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a heated surface (nail or banger).
Decarbed
Slang for cannabis that has been decarboxylated (heat-activated), converting THCA to THC.
anatomy
Bud
The harvested flower of the female cannabis plant, containing the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Flower
The reproductive structure of the female cannabis plant. The primary consumed part of the plant.
Sugar Leaf
Small leaves growing within the flower cluster, covered in trichomes. Often trimmed but saved for hash making.
Fan Leaf
The large, iconic fingered leaves of the cannabis plant. Primarily photosynthetic; low cannabinoid content.
Stem
The main structural support of the plant. Low cannabinoid content but can be used for tea or fiber.
slang
Strain
A named variety of cannabis (e.g., Blue Dream, OG Kush). Note: strain names are marketing labels, not genetic guarantees.
Cultivar
A cultivated plant variety. The scientifically accurate term for what most people call a 'strain'.
Hybrid
A cannabis variety bred from both indica and sativa genetics. Most modern commercial strains are technically hybrids.
Indica
Traditionally associated with relaxing, sedating body effects. Botanically: short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Originated in Central/South Asia.
Sativa
Traditionally associated with uplifting, energetic mental effects. Botanically: tall plants with narrow leaves. Originated near the equator.
Dank
Slang for high-quality, aromatic, trichome-covered cannabis.
Couch-Lock
Slang for the heavy, sedating body effect associated with high-myrcene, indica-dominant strains.
Munchies
Slang for the appetite-stimulating effect of THC.
Tolerance Break
A deliberate period of abstinence from cannabis to reset CB1 receptor sensitivity.
medical
Epidiolex
The first FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication (pure CBD). Used to treat certain types of epilepsy.
Dronabinol
Synthetic THC (brand name Marinol) approved by the FDA for nausea and appetite stimulation.
Medical Card
A state-issued identification card allowing a patient to legally purchase and possess medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis used under medical supervision to treat specific conditions. Legal frameworks vary by jurisdiction.
general
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. Includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Hemp
Cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Legally distinct from marijuana in many jurisdictions. Used for fiber, seed, and CBD.
Marijuana
A term (with problematic origins) typically referring to cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC. The preferred scientific term is simply 'cannabis'.
Cannabinoid Profile
The complete breakdown of cannabinoids in a sample (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.). More informative than THC percentage alone.
Terpene Profile
The complete breakdown of terpenes in a strain. Key to predicting aroma, flavor, and nuanced effects.
Full Spectrum
A product containing the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the original plant.
Isolate
A purified product containing a single compound (e.g., CBD isolate is 99%+ pure CBD).
Ruderalis
A third cannabis species from Central Russia. Low in THC but auto-flowering, making it valuable for breeding autoflower strains.