Dabbing, kief, gram, bud, butane, strain – what do they mean and how do they relate to cannabis?
Rookie cannabis users–and let’s admit, some seasoned smokers–might have trouble with the latest terms on the scene. If you’re embarrassed to ask about specifics or would just like an introduction to common terms and slang in dispensaries in Toronto, use this as your resource.
Glossary of common cannabis terms
Baked. A term used to refer to the feeling of being high or ‘stoned.’
Bud is used to refer to the flower of a mature marijuana plant. A bud is the nugget of dried cannabis that is ground up and used in joints, bongs, or other. Buds contain cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, and THCV.
Budtender is an employee of a dispensary. They provide educated guidance and assistance to customers looking to purchase cannabis products.
Butane is a solvent used in the extraction of cannabis concentrate.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that provide health and recreational benefits to users of cannabis.
Cherried. When cannabis in a bowl or in joint form continues to burn without fire from a lighter or match.
Concentrates are extractions from the cannabis plant. They come in a variety of forms and contain high levels of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids.
Cotton mouth. The feeling of having a dry or sticky mouth after smoking or consuming cannabis orally.
Dabbing. This is a process of using cannabis that involves using a dabber tool and heated hash oil to smoke cannabis.
Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis at a low temperature. It transforms cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA into active THC and CBD. Decarboxylation makes higher potency products.
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis. They are consumed orally and can come in multiple forms, though they are commonly baked goods or candy products.
Ethanol. Also known as ethyl alcohol, ethanol is an alcohol fuel used for extraction.
Flowers are part of the cannabis plant and can refer to the buds harvested and used for consumption.
Genotype. The genetic constitution of a plant.
Hybrids are a cross between a pair of genetically different cannabis strains.
Indica is a species of cannabis plant and is traditionally smaller, broader, and bushier than its counterparts, Sativa and Ruderalis. It’s more commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain management.
Kief. This is a yellow powder that can be extracted from dry cannabis. It often has a higher THC concentration than cannabis buds.
Phenotype is a set of characteristics of an individual, observed from the interaction of its genotype with the individual’s environment.
Ruderalis is a species of cannabis plant. It is less common than its counterparts, Indica and Sativa, and contains more CBD than other cannabis species.
Sativa is a species of cannabis plant. It is traditionally tall with skinny leaves and is more commonly used to boost energy and creativity.
Strain. A cannabis strain refers to a kind of plant species and its recorded effects. Strains are grown to increase particular effects of the species used. They can be purely created of one species, such as Sativa or Indica strains, or can be of the hybrid variety. There are hundreds of strains currently available on the market.
Terpenes are hydrocarbons found in a cannabis plants’ essential oils. They are responsible for the flavour and smell profile of the cannabis plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well-known cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
Tincture is cannabis in liquid form.
Topical is a cream, salve, or lotion that contains cannabis.
Vaporization. The act of converting a solid chemical element into a gas.
