Exploring the realm of cannabis brings with it a rich tapestry of terms and abbreviations, each adding depth to conversations within the cannabis community. From everyday discussions to professional settings like grow houses, dispensaries, and labs, understanding this lexicon can enhance your appreciation and knowledge of cannabis. Let’s delve into some of the most commonly used terms and abbreviations in the cannabis world:
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AVB (Already Vaped Bud): Refers to cannabis flower that has been vaporized in a dry herb vaporizer, leaving behind brown, crispy remnants. Despite undergoing vaporization, AVB retains some cannabinoid content, allowing for potential reuse.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A potent cannabis concentrate extracted using butane, boasting THC concentrations of up to 90%. BHO extraction involves extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis using butane as a solvent, leading to various textures, from oils to shatter.
CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is renowned for its therapeutic potential and is commonly used for its purported benefits, including anxiety relief, pain management, and more.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid acid naturally present in cannabis plants. CBDA undergoes decarboxylation to become CBD, a process often activated by heat.
CBG (Cannabigerol): Dubbed the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. It serves as a precursor to other cannabinoids and holds potential therapeutic properties.
CBGA (Cannabigerolic Acid): The acidic form of CBG, CBGA is a precursor to various cannabinoids, including THC. It undergoes decarboxylation to yield CBG and other cannabinoids.
CBN (Cannabinol): A mildly intoxicating cannabinoid known for its sedative properties, often referred to as the “sleep cannabinoid.” CBN is not naturally present in cannabis but is formed through the degradation of THC over time.
CO (Cannabis Oil): A broad term encompassing various cannabis extracts obtained through solvent-based extraction methods. Cannabis oil contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds and can be consumed via smoking, vaping, or ingestion.
ECS (Endocannabinoid System): A complex biological system present in mammals, including humans, responsible for regulating various physiological processes. The ECS interacts with cannabinoids from cannabis and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.
FECO (Full-Extract Cannabis Oil): A potent cannabis extract obtained by evaporating alcohol from an alcohol-based tincture. FECO is known for its high cannabinoid content and is popular for medical use.
IP (Instant Pot): A versatile kitchen appliance used for decarboxylation or infusion of cannabis. The Instant Pot simplifies the process of preparing cannabis-infused products at home.
MBM (Magic Butter Machine): An immersion blender combined with a precise heating unit, used for making cannabis-infused edibles at home. The Magic Butter Machine streamlines the process of infusing herbs into butter, oils, tinctures, and more.
MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride): A type of oil commonly used in cannabis preparations due to its rapid digestion and absorption by the body. MCT oil serves as a carrier for cannabinoids and is often used in homemade tinctures and edibles.
QWET (Quick Wash Extraction Technique): A method of making cannabis tinctures using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent. QWET involves quickly washing cannabis with alcohol to extract cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a potent tincture.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): A high-concentration cannabis oil popularized by Rick Simpson for its purported medicinal properties. RSO is known for its potency and is often used to alleviate various ailments.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid acid found in raw cannabis buds. THCA undergoes decarboxylation when heated, converting into THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.
THC (Δ8 and Δ9): Delta-8 and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol are psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis. While delta-9 THC is the primary intoxicating compound, delta-8 THC offers a milder high with potentially fewer adverse effects.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic effects, including appetite suppression and seizure reduction.
Commonly Used Cannabis Terms
Application Method: Refers to the various ways cannabis can be consumed or applied, each producing different effects.
Ardent: A brand of cannabis infusion machines that facilitate decarboxylation and infusion processes.
Auto-flowers: Cannabis plants that automatically transition from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, independent of light cycles.
Broad Spectrum: Cannabis products containing a wide range of cannabinoids, excluding THC.
Blunt Wraps: Wraps, typically tobacco leaves, used to roll cannabis for smoking.
Buds: Mature flowers of the cannabis plant, containing the highest concentrations of cannabinoids.
Cannabis Industry: The collective term for occupations related to cannabis cultivation, distribution, and consumption.
Cannabis Strain: Unique varieties of cannabis with distinct traits and chemical compositions, categorized as sativa, indica, or hybrids.
Capsule: A pill pocket filled with cannabis for ingestion.
Chlorophyll: A pigment responsible for the green color of plants, including cannabis.
Concentrates: Highly potent cannabis extracts containing cannabinoids and terpenes.
Decarboxylation: The process of activating cannabinoid acids through heating.
Dosage: The amount of cannabis, measured in milligrams, consumed per serving.
Dry Herb Vape: Inhalation device for vaporizing cannabis flower.
Edibles: Cannabis-infused products meant for ingestion.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Biological system regulating various physiological processes and interacting with cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid Receptors: Receptor sites interacting with cannabinoids in the body, influencing physiological functions.
Extraction Process: Method of removing cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material.
Fan Leaf: Large leaves aiding in photosynthesis on the cannabis plant.
Female Plants: Cannabis plants producing cannabinoid-rich buds.
Firecrackers: Simple cannabis recipe involving decarbed flower on crackers with peanut butter.
Flower Bud: The most cannabinoid-rich part of the cannabis plant, containing trichomes and terpenes.
Full-Spectrum: Cannabis products containing a wide range of cannabinoids, including THC.
Golden Dragon: Alcohol-based cannabis preparation, also known as a freezer tincture or QWET tincture.
Grain Alcohol: High-proof alcohol used for making cannabis tinctures.
Green Dragon: Alcohol-based cannabis preparation known for its extended soak times.
Hemp Seeds and Oil: Nutritious products derived from the seeds of the cannabis plant.
Indica and Sativa: Species of the cannabis plant with distinct growth characteristics.
Infusion Machine: Device used for infusing cannabis into butter or oil.
Kief: Trichome-rich substance collected from cannabis grinders.
Lecithin: Ingredient used in cannabis edibles for emulsification.
LEVO: Cannabis infusion machine for decarboxylation and infusion.
Live Resin: Cannabis concentrate preserving original flavor and fragrance through freezing.
Male Plants: Cannabis plants producing pollen for fertilization.
Mary Jane: Slang term for cannabis.
Medical Marijuana: Cannabis used for medical purposes under professional supervision.
Munchies: Strong food cravings associated with cannabis consumption.
Oil Rig: Device for inhaling cannabis concentrates.
Psychoactive Effects: “High” feeling associated with THC consumption.
Recreational Cannabis: Cannabis used for enjoyment rather than medical reasons.
Roots: Cannabis plant structures delivering nutrients and water.
Ruderalis: Cannabis species known for its auto-flowering traits.
Salve: Topical preparation for pain relief containing cannabis.
Sublingual: Cannabis application method involving placement under the tongue.
Supercritical CO: Extraction method using carbon dioxide for high-quality essential oils.
Terpene: Aromatic compounds giving cannabis its distinctive aroma.
Tincture: Cannabis preparation made with high-proof alcohol.
Topical: Cannabis application method involving direct skin contact.
Trichome: Resinous glands containing cannabinoids and terpenes on the cannabis plant.
Trim: Leaves removed from the cannabis plant.
Vaping: Inhalation method using vaporizers for cannabis oil or flower.
Navigating the cannabis world can be enriching, and familiarizing yourself with these terms and abbreviations is just the beginning of your journey. Whether for medicinal or recreational purposes, understanding cannabis terminology enhances your experience and empowers informed decision-making. Embrace the journey, keep learning, and enjoy the myriad benefits cannabis has to offer!
