Week 42: Cannabis Glossary: Essential Terms Defined

Understanding cannabis language empowers better decisions and clearer communication. This glossary defines essential terms you'll encounter in cannabis education and product selection.

A

Anandamide — An endocannabinoid (cannabinoid your body produces) that interacts with the same receptors as THC. Often called the "bliss molecule."

B

Bioavailability — The percentage of a substance that actually reaches your bloodstream after consumption. Varies by consumption method.

Broad-spectrum — A type of cannabis extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC removed or reduced to non-detectable levels.

C

Cannabidiol (CBD) — A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis, the second most abundant after THC. Legal in hemp-derived products.

Cannabigerol (CBG) — A non-intoxicating cannabinoid often called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are synthesized from its acidic form in the plant.

Cannabinoid — A chemical compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Includes phytocannabinoids (from plants), endocannabinoids (produced by the body), and synthetic cannabinoids.

Cannabinol (CBN) — A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed from THC degradation, often associated with aged cannabis and nighttime use.

Cannabis — The plant genus that includes both hemp and marijuana. The scientific name is Cannabis sativa.

Carrier oil — The base oil in tinctures and oils that carries cannabinoid extract. Common carriers include MCT oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil.

Certificate of Analysis (COA) — A laboratory document verifying a product's cannabinoid content and screening for contaminants.

CB1 receptor — An endocannabinoid receptor primarily located in the central nervous system. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors.

CB2 receptor — An endocannabinoid receptor primarily located in immune cells and peripheral tissues.

Concentrate — A cannabis product with high cannabinoid concentration, created through extraction processes. Includes oils, waxes, shatter, and other forms.

D

Decarboxylation — The process of applying heat to convert acidic cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) into their active forms (THC, CBD).

Delta-8 THC — An isomer of Delta-9 THC that occurs naturally in trace amounts. Often produced by converting CBD. Legal status is contested.

Delta-9 THC — The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. When "THC" is referenced without specification, Delta-9 is usually meant.

E

Edible — Any food or beverage product infused with cannabis extract.

Endocannabinoid — A cannabinoid produced naturally by the human body. Primary examples are anandamide and 2-AG.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) — The biological system of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes involved in maintaining homeostasis.

Entourage effect — The theory that cannabis compounds work synergistically, with combined effects differing from isolated compounds.

Extraction — The process of removing cannabinoids and other compounds from plant material to create concentrates. Methods include CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and hydrocarbon extraction.

F

First-pass metabolism — The liver's processing of substances absorbed through digestion before they reach general circulation. Affects edibles significantly.

Flower — The dried buds of the cannabis plant, containing the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Full-spectrum — A type of cannabis extract containing the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant, including trace THC.

H

Hemp — Cannabis plants containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Homeostasis — The body's process of maintaining stable internal conditions. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in homeostasis.

I

Indica — A cannabis classification traditionally associated with relaxing effects, though modern genetics has blurred distinctions with sativa. More relevant for describing plant structure than effects.

Isolate — The purest form of a single cannabinoid, with all other compounds removed. CBD isolate is typically 99%+ pure.

L

Limonene — A terpene with citrus aroma, found in cannabis and citrus fruits. Associated with uplifting experiences.

Linalool — A terpene with floral, lavender aroma. Associated with calming experiences.

M

Marijuana — Cannabis plants containing more than 0.3% THC. Remains federally illegal but legal in many states.

MCT oil — Medium-chain triglyceride oil, commonly derived from coconut, used as a carrier oil in tinctures.

Myrcene — The most common terpene in cannabis, with earthy, herbal aroma. Associated with relaxing experiences.

P

Phytocannabinoid — A cannabinoid produced by plants, as opposed to endocannabinoids (produced by the body) or synthetic cannabinoids.

Pinene — A terpene with pine aroma, the most common terpene in nature. Associated with alertness.

Pre-roll — A pre-made joint, cannabis flower that has been ground and rolled into ready-to-smoke form.

S

Sativa — A cannabis classification traditionally associated with energizing effects, though modern genetics has blurred distinctions. More relevant for describing plant structure than effects.

Sublingual — Under the tongue. Sublingual administration allows cannabinoids to absorb through mucous membranes for faster onset than digestion.

T

Terpene — An aromatic compound found in cannabis and many other plants. Contributes to aroma and may influence cannabis effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana.

Tincture — A liquid cannabis extract, traditionally alcohol-based, though many modern "tinctures" are oil-based.

Tolerance — Reduced response to a substance after repeated exposure, requiring larger doses for similar effects.

Topical — A cannabis product designed for external application to the skin, producing localized rather than systemic effects.

Transdermal — A delivery method that pushes compounds through the skin into the bloodstream for systemic effects, unlike topicals which act locally.

V

Vaporizer — A device that heats cannabis or cannabis extract below combustion temperature to produce inhalable vapor rather than smoke.

Key Takeaways

This glossary provides reference definitions for terms encountered in cannabis education and product selection. Return to it whenever unfamiliar terminology appears in your cannabis journey.

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