Slang for the consumption of cannabis, especially smoking cannabis around the time 4:20 PM and also refers to cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place annually on April 20th. Slang for the consumption of cannabis, especially smoking cannabis around the time 4:20 PM and also refers to cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place annually on April 20th.
710 OIL
Slang for cannabis concentrates; “710” spells “OIL” upside-down. This term is often associated with cannabis oil products and concentrates, and July 10th (7/10) is celebrated similarly to 420 but focuses on these types of products.
– A –
Alaska Personal Privacy Decision (1975)
The Alaska Supreme Court, in Ravin v. State, ruled that the right to possess, cultivate, and consume small amounts of cannabis in one’s home was protected under the state constitution’s right to privacy.
Ancillary Companies
Ancillary companies are businesses that provide products or services to support the cannabis industry without directly handling cannabis itself. Examples include companies specializing in hydroponic systems, lighting equipment, security systems, software solutions, packaging, and marketing services.
Autoflowering
Refers to a type of cannabis plant that automatically transitions from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage with age, rather than relying on a change in light cycles. Autoflowering strains are typically easier to grow and have a shorter life cycle.
– B –
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
A potent cannabis concentrate made using butane as a solvent. It is often used in dabbing and vaporizing due to its high THC content.
Bio-Mass
Bio-mass refers to the bulk quantity of organic material from the cannabis plant, usually including flowers, leaves, stems, and other plant parts. It is often used in large-scale extraction processes to produce various cannabis products.
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate made by agitating cannabis flowers in ice water to separate the resinous trichomes. The trichomes are then collected and dried, resulting in a hashish-like product.
Bud
Also known as a “nug” or “flower,” the bud refers to the mature and harvested female flowers of the cannabis plant. Buds are typically dense and covered in trichomes, containing the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Budder
Budder is a type of cannabis concentrate with a creamy and buttery consistency. It is created by agitating a cannabis extract during the purging process, resulting in a wax-like texture.
– C –
California Senate Bill 420 (2003)
Also known as the Medical Marijuana Program Act, it clarified the scope and application of Proposition 215 and established a state medical marijuana card system.
Calyx
A calyx is the part of the cannabis flower where the female reproductive structures, including the pistils and stigma, are located. Calyxes form the base structure for the development of the plant’s flowers, also known as buds.
Canada Legalization (2018)
Canada became the first major world economy to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide with the Cannabis Act.
Cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects. Examples include THC, CBD, CBN, CBG (cannabigerol), and many others.
Cannabinoid Profile
The specific balance or ratio of cannabinoids (like THC, CBD, CBN) present in a particular cannabis strain or product. This profile influences the effects and medical applicability of the strain or product.
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family, including Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis contains various cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have psychoactive and therapeutic properties.
CBD
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is known for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, reducing inflammation, and alleviating anxiety, without producing intoxicating effects.
CBD-to-THC Ratio
The proportion of CBD to THC in a cannabis product, which can significantly affect its therapeutic effects and psychoactivity.
CBN
CBN is a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in aged cannabis. It is a mildly psychoactive compound that is typically associated with sedative effects and is sometimes used for its potential sleep-inducing properties.
Clones
Clones are genetically identical copies of a parent cannabis plant. They are propagated by taking cuttings from a “mother” plant and rooting them to develop into new plants with identical traits.
CO2 Extraction
A method of extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis using carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature. This method is known for producing a pure, high-quality concentrate without the residue of solvents.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A document from an accredited laboratory that shows the testing results of a cannabis product, including its cannabinoid profile and the presence of any contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals.
Colorado and Washington Legalization (2012)
Colorado (Amendment 64) and Washington (Initiative 502) became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use through ballot measures.
Compliance
The adherence to laws, regulations, and guidelines governing the cannabis industry. Compliance ensures that businesses operate legally, maintain accurate records, follow safety protocols, and meet the required quality standards.
Compliance Software
Software solutions used by cannabis businesses to ensure they are complying with state and federal regulations. These often include features for tracking inventory, sales, and reporting to regulatory bodies.
Crossbreeding
The process of breeding two different cannabis strains to create a new strain. This is often done to combine desirable traits from each parent strain, such as flavor, potency, or yield.
Cultivation
The process of growing and nurturing cannabis plants. It involves various activities, including selecting genetics, germination, transplanting, nutrient management, pest control, pruning, and harvesting.
Curing
The process of aging dried cannabis to improve its flavor and smoothness. Proper curing removes moisture from the buds to prevent mold and enhances the overall experience.
– D –
Dabbing
A method of consuming cannabis concentrates that involves heating a small amount of the concentrate (a “dab”) on a hot surface and inhaling the resulting vapor. This method is known for its high potency and rapid onset of effects.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabis to activate the cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. This process converts THCA and CBDA into the more active forms of THC and CBD, respectively. It is a crucial step in making edibles and other ingestible cannabis products effective.
Dispensary
A retail establishment where cannabis products are legally sold to consumers for medical or recreational use. Dispensaries often provide a range of cannabis strains, concentrates, edibles, and other related products.
Dispensary Agent “Bud-tender”
An individual who works at a dispensary, often responsible for assisting customers, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations.
Department Of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture’s role is to support and regulate agricultural practices, promote food safety, and oversee the nation’s agricultural industry. They develop and enforce policies related to farming, livestock, crops, and natural resources. Additionally, they provide support and guidance to farmers, conduct research, and promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure a safe and reliable food supply and promote economic growth in the agricultural sector.
Department Of Health
The Department of Health’s role is to protect and promote public health. They are responsible for various aspects of healthcare regulation, including licensing and oversight of healthcare providers, monitoring and responding to public health issues and emergencies, promoting preventive health measures, and ensuring the safety and quality of healthcare services. The department may also conduct research, provide health education and awareness programs, and administer health-related policies and initiatives at the state or national level.
– E –
Edibles
Cannabis-infused food or beverage products. Edibles offer an alternative way to consume cannabis, and their effects can take longer to manifest compared to inhalation methods.
Eighth
A common measurement for selling cannabis flower, equivalent to one-eighth of an ounce, or approximately 3.5 grams.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A complex cell-signaling system in the human body that plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction. The ECS is engaged by cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.
Entourage Effect
A theory that suggests that all compounds in cannabis work together, and when taken together, they produce a better effect than when taken alone.
European Movements
Countries like the Netherlands have long been known for their cannabis tolerance policies, and more recently, countries like Portugal and Luxembourg have taken steps towards decriminalization or legalization.
Extraction
In the cannabis industry, extraction refers to the processing and production of cannabis products. This can include manufacturing cannabinoids, for infusing products with cannabis extracts, which is the base for edibles or topicals, and packaging and labeling finished goods.
– F –
Farm Bill (2018)
The United States federal government passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill), legalizing hemp — a variety of cannabis with low THC levels — and hemp-derived products like CBD.
Feminized Seeds
Cannabis seeds that have been bred to contain only female genetics, ensuring that nearly 100% of the plants grown from these seeds will be female. Female plants are preferred for their bud-producing capacity.
Fimming
Similar to topping, fimming is a pruning technique where a grower pinches off the top of the plant, but less precisely than topping. This can result in the plant developing four main nodes at the top instead of two.
Finger Hash
Finger hash is a cannabis concentrate created by collecting and rolling the resinous trichomes off the cannabis plant using one’s fingers. It forms a sticky and potent hash-like substance.
Flower
A term often used interchangeably with “bud,” flower refers to the reproductive structures of the female cannabis plant. It is the part of the plant that is typically dried, cured, and consumed for its psychoactive or therapeutic effects.
Fresh Frozen
A process where freshly harvested cannabis flowers are immediately frozen without drying or curing. This technique helps preserve the terpene and cannabinoid profiles of the plant for extraction purposes.
Full Spectrum
Refers to cannabis extracts or products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, and others, as well as other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Full spectrum products are believed to offer enhanced therapeutic effects due to the synergistic interaction of these compounds, known as the “entourage effect.”
– G –
Genetics
In the cannabis industry, genetics refers to the specific lineage or genetic makeup of a cannabis strain. It includes characteristics such as plant morphology, cannabinoid profiles, terpene profiles, and other traits inherited from parent plants.
– H –
Hash Oil
A potent cannabis concentrate made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids using a solvent like butane or ethanol. Also known as honey oil, it is often vaporized or ‘dabbed.’
Hemp
A variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for industrial uses of its derived products. Hemp is low in THC and is often used for CBD extraction, as well as for making a variety of products such as fiber, clothing, paper, and more.
Hermaphrodite
A cannabis plant that develops both male and female sex organs. Hermaphrodite plants can self-pollinate or pollinate female plants, leading to seeded flowers. This trait is generally undesirable in cannabis cultivation.
Hybrid
A term used to describe a cannabis plant that is a genetic cross between two or more strains. Hybrids can be bred to combine desired traits from indica and sativa strains, often resulting in a balance of effects.
– I-
Immature Plants
Refers to young cannabis plants that are in the early stages of growth, usually after germination. Immature plants require specific care and nurturing before reaching maturity and being ready for flowering.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cultivation
These terms describe the two primary methods of growing cannabis. Indoor cultivation involves growing plants inside under controlled environmental conditions, while outdoor cultivation relies on the natural environment and weather patterns.
Infusion
The process of incorporating cannabis extracts into products, such as edibles, topicals, or tinctures.
Isolate
A cannabis extract that contains only a single cannabinoid, such as CBD isolate or THC isolate. It is typically in a crystalline or powdered form and is often used for specific therapeutic purposes or product formulations.
– J –
Joints
Also known as “jays” or “doobies,” joints are hand-rolled cannabis cigarettes, typically made by filling rolling papers with ground cannabis flower. Joints are a popular method of consuming cannabis and are often smoked.
– K –
Kief
“Kief refers to the resinous trichomes that have been sifted or separated from the cannabis plant. It is often collected in a fine powdery form and can be used to enhance the potency of cannabis products or consumed directly.
“
– L –
Landrace Strain
A cannabis strain that has developed naturally in a specific geographic area and has not been crossbred with any other strain. These strains are often the basis for breeding various hybrid strains.
Live Resin
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis flowers. This method helps preserve the terpene profile, resulting in a concentrate with enhanced flavors and aromas.
Live Rosin
Live rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis flowers. It combines the techniques of live resin and rosin extraction, preserving the natural flavors and aromas of the plant.
Lollipopping
A pruning technique where lower branches and leaves on a cannabis plant are removed to concentrate growth in the top part of the plant. This can improve air circulation and light penetration for better bud development.
– M –
Manufacturing
In the cannabis industry, manufacturing refers to the processing and production of cannabis products. This can include extracting cannabinoids, infusing products with cannabis extracts, creating edibles or topicals, and packaging and labeling finished goods.
Marijuana Enforcement Division (M.E.D.)
The role of the Marijuana Enforcement Division varies depending on the specific jurisdiction, as different states have different regulations regarding marijuana. Generally, the MED oversees and regulates the legal marijuana industry, including licensing, compliance, enforcement, and monitoring of marijuana businesses, ensuring adherence to state laws and regulations related to cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and sales of marijuana products.
Medical Cannabis Global Expansion
Numerous countries worldwide have legalized or decriminalized medical cannabis, acknowledging its therapeutic benefits. These include Israel, Germany, Australia, and many others.
METRC, an acronym for Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance, is a compliance and regulatory system designed to assist cannabis businesses in tracking and reporting the production, transportation, and sale of cannabis products to ensure adherence to state laws and regulations​​.
Moon Rocks
A type of cannabis product that consists of cannabis buds dipped in hash oil and then rolled in kief. This results in an extremely potent product.
More States Legalizing
Numerous other U.S. states have since legalized cannabis either for medical or recreational use, including Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
– N –
Node
The part of a cannabis plant’s stem where branches and leaves emerge. Nodes are important in identifying plant sex and are common sites for pruning or training techniques.
Non-psychoactive
Describes substances that do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high.” In the context of cannabis, it usually refers to CBD and other cannabinoids that don’t induce intoxication.
– O –
Oregon Decriminalization (1973)
Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize cannabis, reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts.
OSHA
“The role of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees in the United States. They set and enforce standards, conduct inspections, provide training and education, and offer assistance to employers and workers to prevent workplace hazards and improve safety. OSHA plays a crucial role in promoting occupational safety, reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, and protecting the rights and well-being of workers.
– P –
Permaculture
An approach to cultivation that uses sustainable and self-sufficient practices, often applied in the organic growing of cannabis to create an ecological harmony.
Phenotype
The set of observable characteristics of a cannabis plant, resulting from the interaction of its genetic makeup with the environment. This includes traits like color, shape, and size of the plant, as well as the flavor and effects of its buds.
Photoperiod
The period of time each day during which a cannabis plant is exposed to light. The photoperiod is crucial in controlling the vegetative and flowering stages of cannabis growth.
POS (Point of Sale) System
A system used by dispensaries for retail transactions. These systems often integrate with inventory and compliance software to track sales and report to regulatory agencies.
Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls are pre-made cannabis joints or blunts that are ready to be smoked. They are typically purchased from dispensaries or retailers for convenience and ease of use.
Production
In the cannabis industry, production refers to the processing and manufacturing of cannabis products. This can include extracting cannabinoids, infusing products with cannabis extracts, creating edibles or topicals, and packaging and labeling finished goods.
Prop 215
Short for California Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which was the first legislation to legalize medical marijuana in the United States.
Psychoactive
Relating to substances that affect the mind, mood, or perception. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the euphoric and intoxicating effects commonly associated with cannabis use.
– Q –
Quartz Banger
A type of nail used for dabbing, made of quartz. It is heated and then used to vaporize cannabis concentrates.
– R –
Regulatory Bodies
These are government agencies responsible for establishing and enforcing regulations related to the cannabis industry. In the United States, regulatory bodies can vary by state, but examples include the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED), Cannabis Control Commission (CCC), or Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA).
Resin
Resin refers to the sticky and resinous substance found on the surface of cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. It contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds responsible for the plant’s effects.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
A type of potent, full extract cannabis oil known for its high THC content. It’s named after the medical marijuana activist who created it and claimed to have used it to treat his cancer.
Root Bound
A condition in which a plant’s roots have filled the container and are circling the pot, leading to stunted growth. This often requires transplanting the plant into a larger container.
Rosin
Rosin is a cannabis concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash to extract the resinous oils. It does not require the use of solvents in the extraction process.
– S –
Scissor Hash
Scissor hash is a cannabis concentrate produced by scraping the accumulated resin from scissors or trimming tools used to manicure cannabis flowers. It can be collected and consumed or further processed into other forms.
Screen of Green (SCROG)
A training technique involving the use of a horizontal screen placed above the plants. The cannabis plants are trained to grow through the screen, allowing for even light distribution and larger yields.
Sea of Green (SOG)
A growing technique where a large number of small plants are grown in a small space to maximize space efficiency and reduce vegetation time.
Seeds
Cannabis seeds are the reproductive units of the plant. They contain the genetic information necessary to grow cannabis plants. Seeds can be used for breeding, cultivation, or as a starting point for growing new plants.
Shake
Shake refers to the small broken pieces of cannabis flowers or trim that accumulate at the bottom of a container. It is often used to make pre-rolls or extracts.
SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
Detailed, written instructions designed to achieve uniformity of the performance of a specific function, commonly used in manufacturing and dispensary operations.
Strain
A particular variety or type of cannabis plant. Strains can differ in their chemical profile, aroma, flavor, and effects. Common strain names include indica, sativa, and hybrid, along with specific strain names like “OG Kush” or “Blue Dream.”
Stress Training
Techniques such as Low-Stress Training (LST) and High-Stress Training (HST) involve manipulating the shape and growth of a cannabis plant to increase yield. LST involves gently bending and tying down branches, while HST includes more aggressive methods like topping and supercropping.
Supercropping
A high-stress training technique where the branches of the cannabis plant are pinched and bent to damage the inner tissues while leaving the outer skin intact. This can increase resin production and bud sites.
– T –
Terp Sauce
A high-terpene full-spectrum extract (HTFSE) known for its rich flavor and aroma. It’s a type of cannabis concentrate that focuses on preserving the terpene profile of the plant.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and various other plants. Terpenes contribute to the unique flavors and aromas of different cannabis strains and may also have therapeutic properties.
THC
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” effect. It is known for its euphoric and intoxicating properties.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract made by steeping cannabis flowers in alcohol or another solvent. Tinctures are usually administered sublingually (under the tongue) for quick absorption.
Tolerance
Refers to a reduction in the effects of cannabis over time, necessitating larger doses to achieve the same effect. Tolerance is a common phenomenon among regular users of cannabis.
Topicals
Cannabis-infused products designed for external application to the skin, such as creams, lotions, balms, or transdermal patches. Topicals are often used for localized relief from pain, inflammation, or skin conditions.
Topping
A pruning technique where the top of the cannabis plant is cut off to encourage the growth of two main stems instead of one, resulting in a bushier plant with more potential bud sites.
Trichomes
Trichomes are the resinous, hair-like structures found on the surface of cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. They produce and store cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds responsible for the plant’s therapeutic and aromatic properties.
Trim
Trim consists of the excess leaves and sugar leaves that are removed from the cannabis buds after harvest. It is often used to make extracts, concentrates, or other cannabis products.
Trimmer
An individual who manually or mechanically removes the leaves from harvested cannabis plants, typically to prepare the buds for sale.
– U –
Uruguay Legalization (2013)
Uruguay became the first country in the modern era to fully legalize the production, sale, and consumption of cannabis.
– V –
Vape Cartridges
Pre-filled cartridges containing cannabis oil, used in conjunction with a vaporizer or vape pen for a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis.
Vaporizer/Vaping
A method of consuming cannabis where the plant material or concentrate is heated to a temperature that turns the active compounds into vapor, without burning the material. This method is often considered a healthier alternative to smoking.
Vegging
Short for “vegetative stage,” this is the period of growth where the plant is focused on size and leaf production. During this stage, cannabis plants typically require more hours of light (about 18-24 hours a day).
Vertical Integration
A business model in the cannabis industry where a single company controls multiple stages of production, from cultivation and processing to distribution and sales.
– W –
Weight Break
A discount offered for purchasing larger quantities of cannabis. For example, the price per gram might be lower when buying an ounce as opposed to a single gram.
Whole Plant
Refers to using the entire cannabis plant, including the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots, for various purposes such as extraction, infusion, or traditional medicine.
Wet vs. Dry Trimming
Refers to when the excess leaves are trimmed from the buds. Wet trimming is done immediately after harvest when the leaves are still moist. Dry trimming is performed after the buds have been dried.