Leafly Glossary: Your Ultimate Cannabis Dictionary
Hey guys! Ever feel lost in the weeds (pun intended!) when reading about cannabis? There's a whole universe of terms, from the scientific to the slang, and it can be super confusing. That's why we've put together this ultimate Leafly glossary – your go-to resource for understanding everything cannabis. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a curious newbie, this glossary will help you navigate the world of weed like a pro. Let's dive in and demystify some common and not-so-common cannabis terms!
A is for…
A-List: This isn't about celebrities, but it is about top-shelf cannabis! A-List refers to high-quality strains, often those with potent effects and unique flavors. Think of it as the VIP section of the cannabis world. When you see a strain described as A-List, you know you're in for a premium experience. These strains usually have a complex terpene profile, a high THC or CBD content, and are cultivated with meticulous care.
Ash: Ash refers to the residue left behind after burning cannabis. Experienced smokers often judge the quality of cannabis by the color and texture of the ash. Ideally, you want a light gray or white ash, which indicates a clean burn and proper curing. Black or clumpy ash can suggest that the cannabis wasn't properly flushed of nutrients or that it contains contaminants. While ash color isn't a definitive measure of quality, it's a useful indicator for experienced users.
Atomizer: An atomizer is a heating element used in vaporizers to heat cannabis oil or concentrates into vapor. It's a crucial component of any vape pen or e-rig, responsible for transforming liquid cannabis into an inhalable form. Atomizers come in various designs, including coils made of ceramic, quartz, or titanium, each offering different heating characteristics and flavor profiles. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the atomizer are essential to ensure optimal performance and flavor.
B is for…
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): BHO is a type of cannabis concentrate extracted using butane as a solvent. This process strips the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material, resulting in a potent oil. BHO comes in various forms, including shatter, wax, budder, and oil, each with a different consistency and texture. Making BHO is a complex and potentially dangerous process that should only be done by trained professionals with the appropriate equipment. BHO is known for its high potency and flavorful experience, making it a popular choice among experienced cannabis users.
Bud: Ah, the classic! Bud is the flowering part of the cannabis plant that is harvested and dried for consumption. It's the most recognizable form of cannabis and comes in a wide variety of strains, each with its unique appearance, aroma, and effects. High-quality buds are typically dense, resinous, and covered in trichomes. The size, shape, and color of the bud can vary depending on the strain and growing conditions. Bud can be consumed in many ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and infusing into edibles.
Blunt: A blunt is a cannabis cigar made by emptying a tobacco cigar and replacing the tobacco with cannabis. The wrapper is typically made from tobacco leaves, which imparts a distinct flavor and adds a nicotine buzz to the experience. Blunts are larger than joints and can hold a significant amount of cannabis, making them ideal for sharing with friends. Rolling a blunt requires some skill and practice, but many find the unique flavor and experience worth the effort.
C is for…
Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most well-known cannabinoids, but there are over 100 others, each with its unique properties and potential benefits. Cannabinoids can affect mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and other bodily functions. The interaction between different cannabinoids, known as the entourage effect, can enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce a psychoactive high, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, and other conditions without the intoxicating effects. CBD is available in various forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, and vape products. Research on CBD is ongoing, but early studies suggest it may have a wide range of potential health benefits.
Concentrate: A concentrate is a potent form of cannabis that has been processed to remove excess plant material, leaving behind a concentrated form of cannabinoids and terpenes. Concentrates come in various forms, including wax, shatter, budder, oil, and rosin, each with a different consistency and texture. Concentrates are typically much more potent than flower, with THC levels ranging from 50% to 90% or higher. They can be consumed in various ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding to edibles. Concentrates offer a more intense and flavorful cannabis experience.
D is for…
Dabbing: Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface, typically a nail or banger, and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig. Dabbing delivers a potent and immediate high due to the high concentration of cannabinoids in the vapor. It requires specialized equipment, including a dab rig, torch, nail or banger, and dab tool. Dabbing is a popular choice among experienced cannabis users who seek a more intense and flavorful experience.
Dispensary: A dispensary is a retail store that sells cannabis and cannabis-related products. Dispensaries are typically licensed and regulated by state or local governments. They offer a wide variety of cannabis products, including flower, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and accessories. Dispensaries often employ knowledgeable staff who can help customers choose the right products for their needs. Dispensaries provide a safe and legal way for adults to access cannabis.
E is for…
Edibles: Edibles are cannabis-infused foods and beverages that are consumed orally. Edibles come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, cookies, brownies, and drinks. The effects of edibles are typically delayed compared to smoking or vaporizing, as the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system. Edibles can produce a longer-lasting and more intense high. It's important to start with a low dose and wait to feel the effects before consuming more, as it can take up to two hours to fully kick in.
F is for…
Flower: We're back to the basics! Flower, also known as bud, refers to the dried and cured flowers of the cannabis plant. It's the most traditional and widely recognized form of cannabis. Flower can be consumed in various ways, including smoking in a joint or pipe, vaporizing in a dry herb vaporizer, or infusing into edibles. Flower comes in a wide variety of strains, each with its unique aroma, flavor, and effects. The quality of the flower is determined by factors such as its density, trichome coverage, and terpene profile.
G is for…
Grinder: A grinder is a tool used to break down cannabis flower into smaller pieces, making it easier to roll into joints or pack into pipes and vaporizers. Grinders typically consist of two or more compartments with sharp teeth that grind the flower as they are twisted together. Using a grinder ensures a more even burn and improves the overall smoking or vaporizing experience. Grinders can be made of various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.
H is for…
Hash: Hash, short for hashish, is a cannabis concentrate made by collecting and compressing the resin glands (trichomes) of the cannabis plant. Hash is typically more potent than flower and can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and adding to edibles. It has a long history of use in traditional cultures and is known for its unique flavor and aroma.
I is for…
Indica: Indica is one of the three main types of cannabis, along with sativa and hybrid. Indica strains are typically associated with relaxing and sedating effects. They often have a higher CBD content and are known for their ability to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep. Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier than sativa plants, with broad leaves and dense buds.
J is for…
Joint: A joint is a cannabis cigarette made by rolling ground cannabis flower in thin paper. Joints are a classic and popular method of consuming cannabis. They are relatively easy to roll and provide a convenient way to enjoy cannabis. The size and shape of a joint can vary depending on personal preference.
K is for…Kief: Kief is the powdery, resinous trichomes that accumulate at the bottom of a grinder. It's a potent form of cannabis concentrate that can be sprinkled on top of flower, pressed into hash, or used to make edibles. Kief is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, making it a flavorful and potent addition to any cannabis experience.
L is for…
Live Resin: Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants. This process preserves the delicate terpenes that are often lost during the drying and curing process, resulting in a concentrate with a more intense and complex aroma and flavor. Live resin is typically more expensive than other types of concentrates due to the specialized process required to produce it.
M is for…
Marijuana: Marijuana is a term used to refer to cannabis. While it's still commonly used, it's falling out of favor due to its historical association with racist drug policies. Many prefer the term cannabis, as it's more scientifically accurate and avoids the negative connotations associated with marijuana.
N is for…
Nail: A nail is a component of a dab rig used to vaporize cannabis concentrates. It's typically made of quartz, ceramic, or titanium and is heated with a torch until it reaches a high temperature. The concentrate is then applied to the heated nail, and the resulting vapor is inhaled through the dab rig.
O is for…
Oil: Oil is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a viscous, oily consistency. It can be extracted using various methods, including CO2 extraction, butane extraction, and solventless extraction. Cannabis oil can be consumed in various ways, including vaping, dabbing, and adding to edibles.
P is for…
Pipe: A pipe is a smoking device used to consume cannabis flower. Pipes come in various shapes and sizes and can be made of various materials, including glass, metal, wood, and ceramic. To use a pipe, pack the bowl with ground cannabis flower and ignite it with a lighter. Inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece.
Q is for…
QWISO: Short for Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol, QWISO is a method of extracting cannabis concentrates using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent. This method is similar to BHO extraction but uses isopropyl alcohol instead of butane. QWISO is a relatively simple and inexpensive method of extraction but can result in a less pure product than other methods.
R is for…
Rosin: Rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or kief. This process squeezes out the resinous oils, resulting in a potent and flavorful concentrate. Rosin is a solventless extraction method, meaning it doesn't use any chemicals in the extraction process.
S is for…
Sativa: Sativa is one of the three main types of cannabis, along with indica and hybrid. Sativa strains are typically associated with uplifting and energizing effects. They often have a higher THC content and are known for their ability to improve mood, increase creativity, and enhance focus. Sativa plants are typically taller and more slender than indica plants, with narrow leaves and less dense buds.
Strain: A strain is a specific variety of cannabis, bred to have particular characteristics, such as aroma, flavor, and effects. There are thousands of different cannabis strains, each with its unique genetic makeup and terpene profile. Strains are typically classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid, although the classification system is becoming less relevant as breeders create more complex and diverse strains.
T is for…
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for producing the intoxicating effects of the plant. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, affecting mood, perception, and behavior. The potency of cannabis is typically measured by its THC content.
Terpenes: Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that give them their unique smells and flavors. Terpenes also contribute to the overall effects of cannabis by interacting with cannabinoids and other compounds in the plant. Common terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and linalool.
Trichomes: Trichomes are the tiny, crystalline structures that cover the surface of cannabis buds. They are the resin glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes are responsible for the sticky and frosty appearance of high-quality cannabis flower. The density and maturity of trichomes are indicators of the potency and quality of the cannabis.
U is for…
Uptown: A slang term for high-quality cannabis, similar to