Similar to fine wine, cannabis can evoke a range of scents unique to each individual user. Aroma encompasses the general smell and/or taste associated with a specific plant or flower. While the interpretation of aromas can vary based on taste, using terms like “earthy,” “skunky,” or “citrus,” these descriptions serve as general guidelines rather than rigid facts in the cannabis world.
BHO, short for butane hash oil, is a concentrated form of cannabinoids achieved by dissolving marijuana in its plant form using a solvent, typically butane. The resulting product, often referred to as honey oil, “dabs” or “dabbing,” wax, or shatter, boasts significantly higher THC levels compared to flowers or hashish. The consistency is a thick, sticky oil, and the terminology may vary based on the extraction method.
A blunt is a cigar hollowed out and filled with cannabis. Blunt wraps come in various sizes and flavors. It’s recommended to remove the tobacco from a proper cigar and replace it with finely ground cannabis. Blunts burn for an extended period, making them suitable for group settings. However, it’s essential to note that blunt wraps and cigar papers contain tobacco, so individuals sensitive to nicotine may prefer alternatives like joints.
A cannabis bong is a popular smoking device used to inhale cannabis smoke or vapor. It typically consists of a water chamber, a bowl to hold the cannabis flower, a downstem to carry smoke into the water, and a mouthpiece for inhalation. Bongs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, offering users different smoking experiences.
Bud refers to the actual flower of the cannabis plant, containing the highest concentrations of active cannabinoids. These fluffy parts are harvested for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
Cannabinoids are the active chemical compounds found in cannabis. With at least 85 known cannabinoids, each exhibits diverse effects. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Cannabis, with its primary species—Sativa and Indica, alongside hybrid varieties—has origins in Asia and adapts to various climates. Sativa offers an energizing high, while Indica induces relaxation. Hybrids combine traits for diverse effects, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Cannabidiol, a prevalent cannabinoid, offers a broader range of potential medical applications compared to THC. CBD is known for treating neuropathic pain, anxiety, seizures, sleeplessness, and nausea. It counteracts THC’s psychedelic effects, providing a more mellow experience.
A cross, resulting from crossbreeding, occurs when two different plant strains are bred together. For instance, Blue Dream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze strains.
Concentrates encompass various forms like wax, shatter, or oil, consumed through vaporization, smoking, or sublingual application. They are potent consolidations of cannabinoids made by dissolving marijuana in a solvent.
CO2 extraction utilizes supercritical fluid extraction to maximize cannabinoids and terpenes while preserving their delicate structure. It involves the use of supercritical CO2, behaving as both a gas and a liquid, to extract clean cannabinoid profiles from the plant material.
“Dab” refers to a dose of BHO consumed through butane combustion and inhalation. “Dabbing” is the act of partaking in dabs.
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods, beverages, or tinctures containing up to 10mg of THC per serving. They offer a longer-lasting high compared to smoking or vaping and may take up to 2 hours to take effect.
Flowering time indicates the duration for a plant to produce mature flowers. Cannabis flowering times vary based on daily exposure to sunlight, with exceptions like autoflowering Cannabis ruderalis.
FLOWERS
Cannabis flowers, the reproductive organ of female plants, are harvested and dried for medicinal use. When fertilized, flowers produce seeds; otherwise, they continue to produce resin containing active cannabinoids.
A Grinder is an indispensable tool for breaking down buds into finely ground material that’s perfect for smoking, vaping, or cooking.
Hash, an ancient concentrate, is made from compressed resin or kief collected from cannabis leaves and flowers, offering a more potent experience than smoking buds.
An heirloom refers to a cannabis strain taken from its native region and propagated elsewhere.
Hemp, derived from the male cannabis plant, is a fibrous product used for various purposes, excluding drug production. Hemp remains federally illegal to grow in the United States, with some states permitting commercial production.
A hybrid results from crossbreeding different strains intentionally to combine desirable traits. Most marijuana on the market today is some form of hybrid.
Hydroponics is a soilless gardening system where plants grow in water, receiving nutrients from solutions. Cannabis grown hydroponically is believed to have cleaner, more distinct flavors.
Indica, a less scientific term for Cannabis Indica, originates from the Middle East and Asia. Indica plants are shorter, bushier, and produce compact flowers, offering a relaxing body high.
A joint is a cannabis cigarette rolled using non-tobacco papers, recommended for beginners in cannabis consumption.
Kief is a collection of trichomes separated from the marijuana flower, known for its potency and often mistaken for pollen. It is a primary ingredient in hashish production.
Kush refers to cannabis plants originating from the Hindu Kush mountains, typically Indica strains with an earthy and piney aroma.
A landrace is a local variety of cannabis adapted to its geographic location, often crossbred to produce modern cannabis varieties.
Limonene, found in cannabis and citrus fruits, is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and recommended as a mood elevator and anxiety reducer.
Live resin is made from fresh, frozen cannabis flowers processed within hours of harvest, preserving elevated terpene levels and offering a unique flavor profile.
Marijuana is the general term for female cannabis plants or their dried flowers, distinguished by their psychoactive properties.
Myrcene, abundant in cannabis, is also found in other plants. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is known to induce sleep and reduce anxiety.
OG, originating from Ocean Grown Kush, describes various strains, often variations of OG Kush genetics.
Phenotype refers to the physical characteristics of a plant, including height, color, branching, and leaf configuration, used for identification and judgment in cultivation.
PINENE
Pinene, a terpene found in marijuana and other plants, has a woodsy, piney aroma. It promotes alertness, memory enhancement, and anti-inflammatory effects.
PISTILS
Pistils are hair-like extensions on female cannabis flowers, changing color when plants are fertilized. In unfertilized plants, pistils indicate ripeness.
POT
Pot is a slang term for marijuana.
Pre-roll refers to a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette or joint.
RUDERALIS
Ruderalis is a low-THC cannabis variety selected for CBD-rich genetics, featuring autoflowering properties.
ROSIN
Rosin is a solventless concentrate made by heating and compressing cannabis flowers, kief, or hash.
Sativa, a less scientific term for Cannabis Sativa, originates outside the Middle East and Asia, offering taller plants with cerebral effects.
SENSIMILLA
Sensimilla is the process of isolating female cannabis plants to induce overproduction of cannabinoids.
SHATTER
Shatter and ice are terms referring to BHO concentrates.
A spliff is a mix of tobacco and cannabis rolled in smoking paper. Terminology may differ between regions, but it is distinct from a joint.
STRAIN
A strain is a specific variety of a cannabis plant developed to exhibit desired traits, often named by breeders.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a predominant cannabinoid in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive effects.
TINCTURES
Tinctures are liquid concentrates extracted using alcohol, available in various flavors and dosages, offering an alternative to smoking.
TOPICALS
Topicals are non-psychoactive balms, salves, and oils applied directly to the body, providing muscle relaxation and acting as an antiseptic.
Terpenes are aromatic, oily compounds in marijuana responsible for distinct flavors and aromas. Each terpene has different effects within the body.
TRICHOMES
Trichomes are resinous glands, stalks, and hairs covering cannabis flowers and leaves, secreting cannabinoids and terpenes. They protect the plant and contribute to its aroma.