GLOSSARY FOR CANNABIS GROWING
This glossary of key terms for growing cannabis gives you what you need to follow advice and directions to have a successful grow. We compiled these terms from three trustworthy sources, cited at the end of this list.
Ready to start growing? Read this article to learn all about the basics, Growing Cannabis, Beginner’s Guide: A Blog About All The Basics Of Growing Cannabis.
ACCESS POINT
An access point is a location where medical marijuana patients are authorized to buy or pick up cannabis. The term access point is often used somewhat interchangeably with the term dispensary. In either case, the location refers to a state-authorized facility that must abide by strict processes and guidelines.
AROMA
Like fine wine, cannabis can elicit a variety of scents for each individual user. Aroma describes the general smell and/or taste of a certain plant or flower. While some individuals’ definition of aromas can vary by taste (such as “earthy,” skunky,” or “citrus”). These descriptions are meant as a basic guideline, not exactly inked as fact in any cannabis textbook (that we know of).
AGITATION
Agitation refers to a specific procedure in the process of harvesting marijuana plants and products. In agitation, producers utilize physical contact with marijuana plants in order to break off trichomes for collection and processing. Trichomes contain most of the marijuana plant’s cannabinoids and other active compounds (see Crystals and Trichomes below).
BACKCROSS
Successful marijuana production requires extensive knowledge of botany and biology, and backcrossing is an industry term borrowed from these fields. Producers backcross a marijuana plant when they facilitate plant breeding in such a way as to transfer one or more desired traits from a parent to an offspring. Specifically, this process typically entails breeding a plant with one of its parents in order to strengthen particular genes in rare strains.
BHO
BHO stands for butane hash oil and is a potent concentrate of cannabinoids made by dissolving marijuana in its plant form in a solvent (usually butane). The resulting product has very high THC levels (generally more than flowers or hashish) and is a thick, sticky oil. BHO is also referred to as honey oil, “dabs” or “dabbing,” wax, or shatter, depending on the manufacturing method.
BLUNT
A blunt is a hollowed out cigar that’s filled with cannabis. Blunt “wraps” come in a wide variety of sizes and flavors, and we recommend completely removing tobacco from a proper cigar and refilling it with ground up bud. Cigar wraps burn for a long time, sometimes a half an hour or more; so blunts are great for a party or to pass around with the gang. Keep in mind that blunt wraps and cigar papers contain tobacco, so if you’re especially sensitive to nicotine, you may want to stick with a joint.
BUD
Bud refers to the actual flower of the cannabis plant. These are the fluffy parts that are harvested and used for recreational or medicinal purposes as they contain the highest concentrations of active cannabinoids.
CANNABIDIOL
Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated as CBD, is one of the dozens of molecules found in the cannabis plant which are referred to as cannabinoids. CBD has become popular in recent years due to a belief that it provides medical benefits for patients suffering from various afflictions including seizures, pain, arthritis, and more. It is also used to combat anxiety, seizures, sleeplessness, and nausea. CBD is unlike THC in that it does not contain psychoactive properties. This means that individuals can use CBD for its medical benefits without feeling high. CBD is most commonly delivered to users via oils, topical products, and tinctures.
CANNABINOIDS
This term refers to a large group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds engage with receptors in the cells of the brain which are related to neurotransmission. The two best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. THC is well-known for producing psychoactive effects in users of cannabis products—the compound responsible for the high associated with cannabis use.
CBD is better known for its health effects and does not include a psychoactive component. Besides these two cannabinoids, there are dozens of other compounds in the various parts of a cannabis plant as well.
CANNABIS
Cannabis is a plant genus that produces three species of flowering plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are used to produce recreational and medical marijuana. Cannabis ruderalis is rarely farmed due to its natural lower THC content and small stature, but there is some cross-breeding thanks to ruderalis’s unique ability to auto-flower rather than mature based on light. Cannabis is native to Asia, but grows almost anywhere and has long been cultivated for the production of hemp as well as various other uses.
CO2 EXTRACTION
CO2 extraction is a type of supercritical fluid extraction used to maximize the cannabinoids and terpenes of the marijuana plant while still maintaining their delicate structure. A supercritical fluid behaves both like a gas and like a liquid-diffusing through solids like a gas but dissolving compounds like a liquid. The supercritical CO2 goes through a series of extraction vessels at specific pressures and temperatures, flooding the ground plant material and extracting those clean cannabinoid profiles. It is then separated and filtered from the plant material and, after the extraction is complete, a drop in pressure allows the excess CO2 to evaporate, leaving the cannabis oil behind. The benefit of CO2 extraction is that it is naturally occurring and leaves behind no residues. Other examples of CO2 extractions in the food industry include the extraction of flavor oils from hops in the brewing industry and extraction of caffeine from coffee beans. Fun Fact: Most concentrates are made using shake, trim and undesirable buds that aren’t fit to smoke.
CONCENTRATE
The term concentrate refers to any wax, shatter, or oil that you vaporize or smoke or any tincture applied sublingually under the tongue. Concentrates are highly potent extracts from the cannabis plant that contain cannabinoids like THC. All the plant material is removed in the production process. Common concentrates include hash, kief, and hash oils. They are used in both medical and recreational settings.
CONTAMINANTS
This cannabis industry term refers to unwanted substances in the cannabis. Some examples of contaminants include pesticides, molds, and bacteria. Other contaminants that are still being closely watched include metals and solvents.
CROSS
Multiple cannabis plants can be interbred to generate a new strain of product in a process known as crossbreeding or crossing for short. New strains of marijuana are produced in order to control for factors including appearance, potency, and more. For example, Blue Dream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze strains.
CRYSTALS
The term crystals refers to trichomes—a white, crystal-like part of the cannabis plant that contains high concentrations of THC. Crystals are used to produce various concentrates.
DABBING
While smoking and ingesting cannabis-based products remain two of the most favored methods of consuming marijuana, a relatively new method called dabbing has become popular. A dab is a slang term used to refer to a dose of BHO received through butane combustion and inhalation. To dab, a user places a small amount of a cannabis concentrate on a hot oil rig pipe. The concentrate is vaporized and the user then inhales the vapor. The act of “dabbing” refers to partaking in dabs.
DECARBOXYLATION
Decarboxylation is a process used to transform certain inactive cannabinoids into active compounds like THC and CBD. The process involves the slow heating of marijuana at a low temperature and is commonly utilized to make edibles.
DISPENSARY
Stores that sell marijuana products are known as dispensaries. Some dispensaries may carry more than just marijuana itself, including items like paraphernalia or clothing as well. Because legal cannabis sales are governed differently depending upon the U.S. state or Canadian province, the specific requirements and the setup of a dispensary depend heavily on where it is located.
EDIBLES
Edibles are cannabis-infused foods, beverages or tinctures containing up to 10mg of THC per serving. Some edibles contain multiple servings & direct you to consume only a portion. They can take up to 2 hours to “kick in” and tend to deliver a longer lasting high than smoking or vaping cannabis. Start slowly with 5mg to see how it affects you. Some of the most popular edible products include baked goods, candy, and soda.
EXTRACT
This refers to the purpose of the process. The extract is the THC oil plus a few other things extracted. The solvent is gone due to evaporation. This allows the industry to use the oils to produce other products. This includes things like edibles, to CBD oil that people use to treat pain.
FEED
In the cannabis industry terms Feed is equal to the flower. These are the hairy or sticky parts of the plant. This is what is harvested for consumption. Many also refer to this as the trim. All three terms mean the similar part.
FEMINIZATION
The process of feminization results in cannabis seeds that produce only female plants. In the cannabis industry, female plants are often seen as more desirable than their male counterparts, because only female plants produce flowers. Producing only plants of one type also protects against undesired fertilization.
FLOWERS
Flowers are often the “pretty” part of a plant, and the same is true for cannabis. While cannabis flowers don’t have traditional petals, they are still the reproductive organ of the female plants. Cannabis flowers are the hairy, sticky, crystal-covered bits that are harvested and dried to be used as medication. When male plants fertilize them, these flowers will produce cannabis seeds. If not, they will continue to produce the resin that contains their active cannabinoids until they are harvested or begin to die.
FLOWERING TIME
Flowering time refers to the time it takes for a plant to produce mature flowers. Cannabis flowering times are affected by the length of daily exposure the plant receives to sun (with the exception of the Cannabis ruderalis species, which flower automatically). When flowering times are reported for a strain, they are general estimates based on how the plants do on average in optimal conditions. Actual flowering times will vary, and it is up to the grower to decide when to harvest for maximum benefit.
GERMINATION
Germination is the part of the life cycle of a cannabis plant when the seed begins to sprout and develop into a seedling. Read more about germination in our blog “Beginners Guide to Growing Cannabis.”
HASH
Also known as hashish, hash is probably the oldest marijuana concentrate around and is made from the collected and compressed resin, or kief, from the leaves and flowers. More potent than smoking bud, hash offers an elevated experience for any and all smokers.
HEMP
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It contains very small traces of THC and high amounts of CBD. Hemp fibers are used in various industries including the textile, paper, and automobile industries. CBD is extracted from the plant for various uses. Growing hemp was illegal on a federal level in the U.S. up until December 2018. Then the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the ban so long as it contains a maximum of 0.3% THC.
HEIRLOOM
An heirloom refers to a cannabis strain that was taken from its native homeland and propagated in another geographical location.
HYBRID
Hybrid refers to a plant that is a genetic cross between one or more separate strains of cannabis. Hybrids can happen unintentionally, but they are usually bred specifically to combine desired traits of the original plants. Most marijuana on the market today is some form of hybrid.
HYDROPONICS
Hydroponics refers to a system of gardening that does not use soil. Plants are grown in water and receive their nutrients from the addition of solutions rather than soil. For growers, hydroponic advantages include more control over nutrient intake and stability. In terms of marijuana production, plants grown hydroponically are sometimes said to have cleaner, more distinct flavors. Click here to find about more about the elements of a hydroponics system.
INDICA
Indica is the less scientific name for the Cannabis Indica species of cannabis. Generally, these plants originated in the Middle East and Asia and include both of the famous kush and Afghan lineages. Compared to their sativa counterparts, the plants are shorter, bushier and have more compact flower growth. This species tends to provide a nice body high that facilitates relaxation, or the “couch lock” effect.
JOINT
A joint is a cannabis cigarette rolled using non-tobacco papers. If you’re new to cannabis, try a pre-roll first.
KIEF
Kief is a collected amount of trichomes that have been separated from the rest of the marijuana flower. Since trichomes are the sticky crystals that contain the vast majority of the plant’s cannabinoids, kief is known to be extremely potent. Kief is sometimes mistakenly referred to as pollen and is the primary ingredient in hashish production.
KUSH
Kush refers to a line of cannabis plants that hail from the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush strains are Indicas and have a unique aroma that has garnered a large fan base. Specific breeds and plants are unique, but their aroma is generally described as “earthy” and often piney combined with floral or sweet tones.
LANDRACE
A landrace refers to a local variety of cannabis that has adapted to the environment of its geographic location. This accounts for genetic variation between landrace strains, which have been crossbred to produce the cannabis variety we see today. Landrace strains are oftentimes named after their native region, like Afghani, Thai, and Hawaiian, and traces of landraces are sometimes detectable in the names of their crossbred descendants.
LEACHING
The cannabis industry term leaching means dissolving a target into a solution. This process is done many times with tap water if the pH level is correct for the plants. Many also hear it referred to as flushing. This is a step often overlooked but leads to better-smelling flowers. Some claim it makes them easier to burn as well.
LEACHING TIME
This cannabis industry term is simply how long a solvent is in contact with the feed. Depending on the type of solvent, this time varies. Some suggest shorter times with chemical solvents. Even using water, it is important to use a special meter to check the total dissolved solids, or TDS.
LIMONENE
Another prevalent terpene found not only in cannabis but in the peels of citrus fruits and cardamom, limonene, (named for its lemon scent and taste), is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Limonene is also recommended as a mood elevator and anxiety reducer. Strains that typically have high limonene levels include Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, and Berry White.
LIVE RESIN
Live resin uses fresh, frozen cannabis flowers cut from the grow before they’ve been dried or cured, and then processed within hours of harvest resulting in elevated terpene levels. Terpenes give each individual strain its specific flavor and aroma profile. You prefer skunky, piney, citrus, earthy or floral smelling buds? You can thank terpenes for giving you the variety of choices. More and more we are finding that not only does each terpene have it’s own flavor and aroma profile, we’re finding that they also have different effects within the body. That being said,live resin manages to maintain a really beautiful terpene profile because it’s capturing the terpenes of a live plant as opposed to that of the dried and cured flowers used in most BHO concentrates. Terpenes are incredibly temperamental, especially the lighter, aromatic ones. They can disintegrate in the drying and curing process. Live resin is a wonderful and tasty way to capture the layered flavors of the cannabis flower without losing much in the process.
LOADED SOLUTION
In the cannabis industry terms, loaded solution refers to dissolved THC, other solutes, plus the liquid solvent. This is part of the extraction process.
MARIJUANA
Marijuana is the general term for female cannabis plants or their dried flowers. Females are distinct from male plants in that they are the ones that produce flowers that contain a high percentage of cannabinoids that hold psychoactive properties.
MYRCENE
Thought to be one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, myrcene is found not only in cannabis but in other plants like wild thyme, sweet basil, mango, and hops. It is known to be anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, it lessens the effects of diabetes, induces sleep and reduces anxiety. Fun Fact: eating a fresh mango 45 minutes before smoking will increase the effects of the cannabis. Eat up, fruit lovers!
OG
OG is a term that’s now used to describe many strains, though the term originated to describe Southern California’s Ocean Grown Kush, which was quickly shortened to OG Kush. OG Kush grew quickly in fame and reputation. Most OGs are different variations of the original OG Kush genetics or are also ocean grown on the West Coast.
PERCENT YIELD
While the yield refers to the total product, a percent yield is the fraction of the total product divided by the total feed. This basically means the amount of THC and oils that are extracted from the total yield. This does vary, as different methods of growing, harvesting, and extracting produce different percent yields. This happens even when the total yields are similar.
PHENOTYPE
Phenotype is a term that is heard most often in growing. It refers to the general physical characteristics of the plant such as height, color, branching, leaf configuration down to cell structure–any markers that can be used to identify and judge the healthiness of a plant.
PINENE
Another terpene found in marijuana as well as in orange peels, pine needles, rosemary, dill, and parsley. Pinene derives its name from its woodsy, piney aroma. Pinene is memory enhancing, promotes alertness, is anti-inflammatory, and used for people suffering from respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis. Strains with typically high levels of pinene include Dutch Treat, Romulan and Blue Dream. Fun Fact: pinene is the most common terpene in the plant world.
PISTILS
Pistils are part of a female plant’s anatomy. On cannabis, it’s identified as the little hair-like extensions on the flowers that range in color from white to red to darker orange-brown. When plants are going to be fertilized, the pistil acts to collect the male pollen. When plants are left unfertilized, as in the case of marijuana, the pistils change and can be indicators of plant ripeness.
POT
Pot is a slang term for marijuana
PRE-ROLL
Pre-roll is a commonly used term that refers to a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette, commonly known as a joint.
QWISO
QWISO, or quick-wash isopropyl, is a method to make hash oil that involves the use of isopropyl alcohol to collect trichomes from a cannabis plant.
RECOVERY
In the cannabis industry terms recovery refers to the percent of a particular molecule dissolved from the feed and retained in the product. Depending on the method of extraction, it can vary. This is also influenced by growing conditions, harvesting methods, and if leaching was used.
RESIN
Resin is a term that is often used interchangeably with trichomes, though it also holds other meanings in the cannabis industry as well. After a piece of marijuana paraphernalia is used, the residue left inside is often referred to as resin as well.
RUDERALIS
Ruderalis is a low-THC cannabis variety that is primarily selected by breeders for its CBD-rich genetics. Unlike Cannabis sativa and indica, which use light cycles to flower, ruderalis is an “autoflowering” variety, meaning it flowers with age. Originating in Russia, ruderalis is a hardy plant that can survive harsh climates
SATIVA
Sativa is the less scientific name for the cannabis sativa species of cannabis plant. In general, these plants originated outside of the Middle East and Asia and include strains that are from areas such as South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Thailand. These strains tend to grow taller as plants (usually over 5 feet), are lighter in color and take longer to flower. When consumed, sativas tend to produce more cerebral effects as opposed to physical and sedative ones
SEED-TO-SALE
Seed-to-sale is a term used to refer to the close watch cannabis companies have to keep on each step of the manufacturing process in order to comply with government regulations.
SENSIMILLA
The process of sequestering female cannabis plants from male plants to induce overproduction of cannabinoids.
SHATTER
Shatter is one of the consistencies found in butane hash oil. This product can be used for dabbing or can be smoked in combination with a flower.
SOLVENTS
These dissolve other substances to create a solution. This method uses extraction. Some solvents used are liquid butane, propane, co2, and water. There is debate on which is the best solvent. Depending on the yield and growing conditions, many times water with the right pH is more than enough. Although some say a better percent yield is possible when using chemical solvents.
SOLUTE
In the cannabis industry terms, solute is the material that has dissolved due to a solvent. These solutes tend to be oils and contaminants that extractors want to be eliminated during the process.
SPENT FEED
In cannabis industry terms it means talking about leftover cannabis. This is what is left after successful harvesting.
SPLIFF
Commonly misused to refer to a joint, a spliff is actually a mix of both tobacco and bud rolled in smoking paper. In Europe, it’s the opposite, a spliff there is a marijuana cigarette while a joint is the combo of tobacco and ganja. However, everyone agrees on one thing: a spliff and a joint are not the same thing.
STRAIN
A strain is a specific variety of a plant species. Strains are developed to produce distinct desired traits in the plant and are usually named by their breeders (or by creative consumers). Strain names often reflect the plant’s appearance, its promised buzz, or its place of origin. They can also be named for their aroma or flavor. Although the medical marijuana industry strives for consistency, strains can easily be mistaken or purposely misidentified.
THE TARGET OF EXTRACTION CONTENT
This cannabis industry term is the focus of harvesting cannabis. Industries harvest the plant to extract THC or CBD. Obviously, these are used for recreational use as well as medicinal. Now, more than ever, more and more states aren’t just using CBD oil, but also seeing the medical benefits of THC.
TERPENE
Terpenes are the pungent, oily compounds found in the marijuana plant. Secreted from the plant’s trichomes, terpenes give cannabis varieties their distinctive flavors and aromas like citrus, berry, skunk or pine. Evolved at first as an adaptation to repel predators and lure pollinators, we are finding that each individual terpene has different effects within the body. Read more about terpenes on our blog, What Are Terpenes?
THC
THC is an abbreviation of tetrahydrocannabidinol and is one of most abundant cannabinoids in marijuana. THC is responsible for weed’s psychoactive, “high” effects. Fun Fact: higher percentages of THC in bud, (24%-30%), make for a quicker onset, “higher” high. Lower percentages, (13%-23%) might take longer to take effect but will eventually get you there and often last a little longer.
TINCTURES
A tincture is a liquid concentrate, typically procured through alcohol extraction, which strips the plant of its beneficial cannabinoids. Usually carried in a coconut oil or glycerin, tinctures are available in a variety of flavors and dosages and are a great alternative for those not interested in smoking
TOPICAL
Topical products are among the newest forms of cannabis products. These include lotions and creams applied topically which aim to address issues like pain and skin problems. Even though some topicals contain THC, the method of absorption means they do not cause the high of other cannabis products.
TRICHOMES
Trichomes are the small and sometimes nearly microscopic resinous glands, stalks and hairs that cover the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Believed to have evolved as a way to protect the plant from insects and animals, trichomes are now also thought to inhibit the growth of some fungi as well as protect from high winds and low humidity. Trichomes are where terpenes and cannabinoids (THC and CBD), are created and secreted. Fun Fact: the next time you’re dusting your bowl with a little kief, keep in mind that you’re really toking on the decapitated heads of trichomes.
YIELD
This cannabis industry term is pretty self-explanatory. The yield is the total amount of feed or flower that is produced. It shouldn’t be confused with the percent yield. It is simply the amount of feed harvested before extraction.
SOURCES
Glossary of Cannabis Terms. (n.d.). Canna4Life. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://canna4life.com/glossary-of-terms/#:%7E:text=Glossary%20of%20terms%201%20AROMA.%20Like%20fine%20wine%2C,PISTILS.%20. . .%209%20PRE-ROLL.%20. . .%2010%20RUDERALIS.%20
Reiff, N. (2021, May 4). Cannabis Industry Introduction. Investopedia. Retrieved November 5, 2022, from https://www.investopedia.com/important-terminology-related-to-the-cannabis-industry-4590098
Younger, J. C. (2020, February 19). Cannabis Industry Terms You Need to Know. Chillers In-Stock | JC Younger. Retrieved May 11, 2022, from https://www.jcyounger.com/cannabis-industry-terms-you-need-to-know/