The growth of the cannabis industry has brought many new products, methods of smoking, and even new terminology to light. Since this industry is still so new, there is a heavy learning curve for consumers. With the legalization of marijuana spreading, the number of new consumers continues to rise. This means that there are a lot of uneducated shoppers out there. A big part of being an educated consumer is knowing the terminology of the products you are buying, and making sure you understand what you are buying is a vital part of getting the most efficient product for you. Here is a list of basic marijuana vocabulary used in the cannabis industry:
Table of Contents
Marijuana
Marijuana, or cannabis, is a naturally grown plant that produces a variety of cannabinoids that have a multitude of medical and recreational purposes. Cannabis has been around for decades but is considered federally illegal in the United States.
Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is the system of cannabinoid receptors that nearly every human being has. There are receptors throughout our entire body, even receptors in our brain. Each person’s endocannabinoid system is so individual to them that it is like a fingerprint. This explains why each strain affects everybody differently.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are part of the basic genetic makeup of the cannabis plant. There is a vast number of different cannabinoids within the marijuana plant. Each cannabinoid has been found to have a specific purpose. The human body has its own endocannabinoid system, which allows our bodies to have receptors for the cannabinoids. The study of different cannabinoids is what brought medical marijuana to what it is today.
THC
THC is the most known and abundant cannabinoid in most cannabis strains. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that provides the consumer with a euphoric “high.” THC has also been found to have some strong medicinal qualities. The main medical purpose of THC is to relieve chronic pain and stress.
CBD
CBD is the second most popular cannabinoid. It is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana. CBD has been found to have the most medicinal value. CBD is now being used in treatments for cancer, seizures, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, chronic pain, and even skin ailments. CBD has changed the lives of many medical patients, and it’s available in many different forms.
Terpenes
The term terpene is known as the natural flavor and aroma of the cannabis plant. Each strain of cannabis has different terpenes. Terpenes are also found in all flowers and food. It has been found that specific terpenes provided different highs. This explains why each strain can make you feel a different way.
Flower
The term flower is used to describe the most natural form of cannabis. Flower is the actual buds that consumers most commonly smoke. Flower comes from the actual plant itself and comes in multiple different strains. Usually classified as sativa or indica. Flower is typically smoked in a joint, bowl, or bong. The smoking of flower is one of the most popular methods of consuming cannabis.
Concentrates
Concentrates are a different form and method of smoking cannabis. In the most basic sense, they are a concentrated form of either THC or CBD. Concentrates are made by performing what is called an extraction. The different methods of extractions are what gives the concentrates different textures. Concentrates can come in wax, shatter, live resin, or even rosin. Wax usually tests around 65%-80% THC, shatter is usually 70%-90%THC, and live resin is typically about 75%-99%THC. Concentrates are typically smoked out of a vape pen or dab rig.
Edibles
The term “edible,” in the context of cannabis, means a food that is infused with THC or CBD. Edibles are usually a dessert of some sort, like cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, gummies, or even suckers. They are made by taking a concentrated form of THC and infuse it into the food by either butter or oil. Edibles are extremely potent. When edibles are digested by our bodies, they are broken down by the liver, which then produces a compound called 11-hydroxy THC. This compound happens to be 10-20 times more psychoactive than smoking regular flower. This is why people can experience extreme body highs that last for hours. It is also a great method of consuming cannabis for many patients.
Tinctures
Tinctures are an extremely concentrated form of THC or CBD. A tincture is very similar to a liquid medicine that is taken by putting a drop under your tongue. A tincture typically is a mixture of CBD oil and other essential oils that provide specific medicinal purposes. While there are some THC tinctures, CBD tinctures tend to be more popular. Using a tincture is one of the quickest ways to get cannabis into your system.
Topicals
A topical is a lotion or ointment that is applied directly to the skin. These ointments are infused with either THC or CBD to provide pain relief to the applied areas. There are CBD lotions that have been found to help with a multitude of skin ailments, including sunburn. There are also bio-freeze topical options that provide the consumer with a relaxing and numbing sensation to the area of pain.
Article by: Justice Council
