Cannabis Key Terms

A

Adult-Use Cannabis:

Used to refer to legal non-medical cannabis. Each legal market has unique rules around adult-use, including the legal age, purchase limits, and dispensary requirements.

B

Blunt:

When dried, ground-up cannabis flowers are rolled into a tobacco leaf for smoking, or a hollowed-out cigar that has been filled with ground cannabis.

Bong:

A water pipe device, usually made from glass, plastic, or ceramic, and consists of a bowl and a stem used to smoke cannabis. After the cannabis is heated in the bowl, the water in the bong cools the smoke before it travels through the neck of the bong where the user inhales through a mouthpiece.

Bowl:

The part of any smoking device that holds the cannabis. In a bong, the bowl is a removable attachment, but in a pipe, it's simply the bowl-like compartment at the end.

Broad-Spectrum:

Describes a type of cannabis extract or product that contains various cannabinoids and terpenes, but typically without THC. It offers some entourage effect benefits without the psychoactivity associated with THC.

Budtender:

A sales associate who works behind the counter of a dispensary and is knowledgeable about cannabis strains. Just as a bartender would tend to the bar, a budtender tends to a dispensary's buds.

C

Cannabidiol (CBD):

The second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol does not cause a "high" or psychoactive effect by itself, and is often used for relaxation, as a sleep aid, and for pain relief.

Cannabinoids:

Chemical substances found within the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids) and produced within the human body (endocannabinoids), the most common of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are introduce to the body the effects are unique to each individual and can create sensations that range from fatigued to energized, depending on the person and their endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS):

"Hyperemesis" means severe vomiting. CHS happens when an individual experiences cycles of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after using cannabis for a long time. Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic cannabis use and resolves with cannabis cessation. Not everyone who uses cannabis long-term experiences CHS.

Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 & CB2):

Receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body. Cannabinoids in cannabis attach onto each of these receptors and can influence appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory, either create an intoxicating effect (when THC latches onto CB1) or help with health problems like pain and inflammation (when CBD latches onto CB2).

Cannabinol (CBN):

Cannabinol (CBN) is among the many minor cannabinoids produced in cannabis. CBN is a non-intoxicating compound that is created when THC ages and therefore, is often found in high quantities in older cannabis. CBN is primarily used as a sleep aid, but it has also been found to have pain and inflammation-reducing qualities.

Cannabis:

Products derived from the Cannabis sativa plants that contain more than 0.3% THC. Under the Cannabis Law, the term cannabis is used instead of marijuana. There is no difference between "cannabis" and "marijuana"; Marijuana is a term that grew in popularity in the late 19th century to refer to cannabis and was historically used in a derogatory way towards certain ethnic groups. For this reason, we are using the term cannabis to refer to marijuana and the term hemp to refer specifically to hemp. Under the Cannabis Law, "adult-use cannabis" is used to refer to non-medical cannabis.

Capsule:

A cannabis capsule is a pill that contains some sort of concentrated cannabis oil. This could be THC, CBD, or a combination of the two. Capsules are common among medical cannabis patients since they're easy to administer.

Caregiver:

A registered caregiver is an adult who registers with a medical cannabis program to purchase cannabis in the name of a patient. Designated caregivers with a valid registry ID are authorized to assist the patient with the possession, acquisition, delivery, transfer, transportation and/or administration of approved medical cannabis.

Cartridge:

Often called a "cart", this is a pre-filled container of cannabis extract/oil that's typically used for e-cigarettes or vapes.

Certificate of Analysis:

A document provided by either an internal tester or third-party lab that analyzes thew compounds found in cannabis and certifies that the cannabis product meets a certain set of standards. COAs usually include some info on the following; cannabinoids, terpenes, heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, mycotoxins, moisture content, water activity, residual solvents, and the presence of foreign materials.

Concentrates:

Refers to any product created by refining cannabis flowers into concentrated forms such as tinctures, oil, hash, shatter, and wax. Cannabis concentrates contain a high concentration of the most desirable cannabinoids, namely CBD and THC. Many concentrates are infused into edibles, tinctures, and topicals for more potent psychoactive effects or medical benefits.

D

Decriminalization:

Laws that do not allow jurisdictions to prosecute people for possessing small amounts of cannabis. Typically, the decriminalization of cannabis offenses means that there will be no arrest, jail time, or criminal record for the first-time possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal consumption.

Delta-8 THC:

A cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects (feeling of being "high") and is not permitted to be sold or manufactured in the New York State Cannabinoid Hemp Program. Many Delta-8 THC products available on the market today are not regulated and can pose a serious risk to consumers.

Dispensary:

A retail store that specializes in selling a range of cannabis products. In New York State, all regulated, licensed dispensaries must post the dispensary verification tool near their main entrance. Registered patients can buy medical cannabis products from dispensing facilities operated by registered organizations across New York State.

Distillate:

A highly refined form of cannabis concentrate that removes everything except the desired cannabinoid, typically THC. The process results in a clear, odorless, flavorless, and thick golden-amber-colored product that can be used in various ways.

Dronabinol:

The generic name for synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an FDA-approved drug product, sold under the brand names Marinol and Syndros, with a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. It has indications as an appetite stimulant, antiemetic, and sleep apnea reliever and is safe and effective for HIV/AIDS-induced anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

E

Edible:

Any product, containing either cannabis or concentrated cannabis and other ingredients, intended for use or consumption through ingestion, including sublingual or oral absorption. Edibles come in many forms – gummies, candy, brownies, cookies, beverages, and chocolate are a few of the most popular edible cannabis products.

Eighth:

A unit of measurement for weighing cannabis. An eighth of an ounce is equivalent to 3.5 grams.

Endocannabinoid System:

One of the major systems of the human body that helps to regulate many functions. The ECS creates and maintains our body's internal stability (homeostasis) by adjusting the flow of neurotransmitters and regulating bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, emotion, and movement. The ECS contains cannabinoid receptor sites CB1 and CB2, which is where cannabinoids from consumed cannabis latch onto and produce medical benefits/high effects.

Entourage Effect:

When the different compounds of cannabis work together rather than separately. For example, when CBD and THC act together and work on the same wavelength, they can boost benefits while also minimizing any negative effects.

Extracts:

Cannabis extracts are specific concentrates that are produced with the use of a solvent. Types of cannabis extracts include crumble, wax, shatter, budder, live resin, etc.

F

Flower:

The general term used to describe the hairy, sticky buds of the cannabis plant which are harvested for smoking and consumption in various products. The various types or strains of flower each have different flavor profiles and expected feelings or effects associated with them.

Full-Spectrum:

Describes a type of cannabis extract or product that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace amounts of THC. Federally legal full-spectrum products will always have less than 0.3% THC. In states where cannabis is fully legal, you may also be able to find full-spectrum products with higher THC levels.

G

No terms start with this letter.

H

Hemp:

Products derived from Cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. Hemp is a non-intoxicating versatile crop with uses across a variety of sectors including food, building materials, textiles, beauty products, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

Hybrid:

A plant that is a genetic cross between one or more different strains of cannabis. Hybrids are usually bred specifically to combine desired traits of the original plants. Most strains on the market today are hybrids.

I

Illicit Market:

The illicit market for cannabis (sometimes referred to as the "black market" or the "grey market") includes all sellers of cannabis products that are doing so illegally. This can be a store that is not properly licensed in a legal state or a dealer that is selling cannabis illegally to consumers, therefore avoiding regulations, taxes, and all other laws and regulations in place by the state. The term "black market" is not the preferred nomenclature because of its racist connotations.

Indica:

The less scientific name for the Cannabis indica species of cannabis. Generally, these plants grow to be short and bushy with compact bud systems. In terms of high effects, indicas are associated with a more physical high in comparison to Sativa strains, which are often considered more cerebral.

Infused Pre-Roll:

A pre-roll joint that contains flower and is also packed with a cannabis concentrate. Infused pre-rolls have all the flavor and scent that a normal pre-roll would but are more potent due to the addition of the concentrate. Because of this, users should take infused pre-rolls slower and at a lower dose than non-infused pre-rolls.

J

Joint:

When dried, ground-up cannabis flowers are rolled into a thin sheet of smokeable paper. When combined with tobacco, it is called a spliff.

K

K2:

One of many names for synthetic cannabis. Synthetic Cannabis can affect the same area of the brain as cannabis, but it contains various chemicals made in laboratories that are not derived from the cannabis plant.

L

Legal Market:

A legal market is usually a state-specific cannabis market that allows for medical and/or recreational cannabis cultivations, sales, purchase, and consumption.

Legalization:

Measures at the state-level to permit possession, use and/or sales of medical and/or recreational cannabis, or to decriminalize cannabis possession. Cannabis is still federally illegal.

Limonene:

The most pungent citrus-oriented terpene, giving off scents of lemon and orange while relieving stress and elevating moods. In addition to being relaxing, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-carcinogenic properties and can also be used as a gallstone treatment

Live Resin:

A concentrate extracted from fresh cannabis plant material that was not previously dried or cured. This extraction method is popular since it retains the terpenes that are lost during the drying and curing process.

M

Medical Cannabis:

Cannabis or substances extracted from cannabis recommended/prescribed by a state certified healthcare professional to treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, nausea, and glaucoma.

Multi-State Operator (MSO):

Multi-State Operators or MSOs are cannabis companies with operations in multiple legal states.

Myrcene:

The most abundant terpene in cannabis, Myrcene is also found in mangos. Myrcene is known for its relaxing, sedating effects. Cannabis strain containing high levels of Myrcene have the potential to support rest alongside the reduction of pain, stress, and anxiety.

N

No terms start with this letter.

O

Onset Time:

Refers to the amount of time it takes for the effects to become noticeable after consuming cannabis.

P

Pinene:

An aromatic cannabis terpene, also found in pine trees and rosemary. Cannabis strains with a high level of this terpene are thought to relieve pain and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety benefits.

Potency:

Potency relates to the strength or level of THC or other cannabinoids found in a cannabis product. The higher the potency of THC in a product, generally the more the effects will be felt.

Pre-Roll:

A joint or a blunt that has been rolled prior to purchasing by a dispensary or vendor.

Q

No terms start with this letter.

R

Resin:

The sticky compound that is secreted by cannabis plants while flowering, containing high amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. This term is also used to describe the sticky residue that builds up over time on the inside of a bowl.

Rolling Papers:

Smokeable papers that are used to encase cannabis. Rolling papers come in different sizes, generally between 70 to 110 millimeters long, and are sometimes flavored to enhance the taste experience of terpenes.

Rosin:

A concentrate that is formed when heat and pressure are applied to cannabis flowers. Rosin is popular because its concentration doesn't require the use of external solvents.

S

Sativa:

A subspecies of the cannabis plant that tends to grow taller than indicas (usually over 5 feet). When consumed, sativas produce a more cerebral high – often described as a "head high" – as opposed to physical and sedative ones that come along with indica strains.

Schedule I Drug:

Drugs, substances, or chemicals that have no currently accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. This federal list is established by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Seed-to-Sale:

A phrase that refers to the entire lifespan of a cannabis plant, from the time the plant is grown until the final product is sold to the customer. Many jurisdictions now require a digital seed to sale tracking to ensure products are being legally produced and distributed.

Spice:

One of many names for synthetic cannabis. Synthetic Cannabis can affect the same area of the brain as cannabis, but it contains various chemicals made in laboratories that are not derived from the cannabis plant.

Spliff:

A joint that has been rolled with a mixture of cannabis and tobacco.

Strain:

Strains are essentially different breeds of cannabis. Each strain can be defined by a combination of factors such as appearance, effects, and botanical lineage. Strains are given names that often reference their lineage, aroma, appearance, or possible effects. Consumers should keep in mind that strains sold at different locations bearing the same name won't necessarily be the same. A strain's characteristics often vary greatly from grower to grower.

Synthetic Cannabis/Cannabinoids:

Synthetic cannabinoids are not cannabis, but rather various manmade chemicals that some people might use as an alternative to cannabis. Synthetic Cannabis can affect the same area of the brain as cannabis, but the effects can be unpredictable as it contains chemicals made in laboratories and sprayed onto dry leaves. These chemicals are not derived from the cannabis plant. There drugs are commonly referred to as K2 or Spice and is packaged under numerous brand names.

T

Terpenes:

The organic compounds in cannabis that are responsible for providing a variety of unique aromas and flavors. They're formed inside the trichomes of the plant and interact directly with cannabinoids for a more intense experience. They are not just found in the cannabis plant, but other plants as well. Terpenes bind to different receptors in the brain to give different effects

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):

One of the most prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) causes a high/altered mental state.

Tincture:

Cannabis in liquid form. Tincture products are made by dissolving cannabis in alcohol or glycerin and are contained within small glass bottles.

Topical:

Any type of topical cannabis product (lotion, salve, ointment, balm) that has been infused with cannabis and can be applied directly to the skin. Cannabis topicals are non-intoxicating and are utilized for fast-acting localized relief of inflammation and pain, especially those containing CBD.

Transdermal:

A method of cannabis consumption in which a patch is applied to the skin to allow cannabinoids to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Trichrome:

The resinous glands found on the cannabis plant giving the cannabis leaf a powdery appearance. Trichomes contain an abundance of cannabinoids, terpenes and other essential compounds that help growers determine the plant's potency and therapeutic benefits.

U

No terms start with this letter.

V

Vape Pen:

A smaller, more portable version of a vaporizer. This handheld device heats flowers or oils that activate cannabinoids and turn them into a vapor that can be inhaled.

Vaporizer:

Any device that heats the active molecules in cannabis flowers and concentrates to a temperature below the point of combustion to produce vapor, rather than smoke, for inhalation. Vaporizers come in many shapes and sizes, but nowadays, most are made to be portable. Vaping is viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking.

W

Wax:

Wax is a cannabis concentrate that often looks similar to honey and contains very high levels of THC.

Weed:

One of the most common slang words for describing cannabis. This is the informal word of choice used interchangeably with "cannabis" and "marijuana" by people around the world.

X

No terms start with this letter.

Y

No terms start with this letter.

Z

No terms start with this letter.