Written by Brandon Topp

If you're new to the world of weed, or even if you're a seasoned cannabis consumer, keeping up with the lingo can be a challenge. The cannabis industry is constantly evolving, and there are always plenty of new terms to learn.

Whether you're shopping for flower, dabs, or pre-rolls, understanding key cannabis terms will help you make informed decisions. Let’s look at the essential cannabis vocabulary you need to know.

Table of Contents

• Cannabinoids

  • Delta-9 THC

  • Delta-8 THC

  • THCa

  • CBD

  • CBN

  • CBG

  • CBC

• Terpenes

  • Myrcene

  • Limonene

  • Pinene

  • Linalool

  • Caryophyllene

• Consumption Methods

  • Smoking

  • Vaping

  • Edibles

  • Dabbing

  • Tinctures

• Types of Cannabis Products

  • Flower

  • Pre-rolls

  • Concentrates

  • Live Resin vs. Distillate

  • Hash

  • Kief

• Growing and Cultivation Terms

  • Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid

  • Landrace Strains

  • Trichomes

  • Pistils

  • Phenotypes vs. Genotypes

• Industry and Slang Terms

  • Dank

  • Loud

  • Mids

  • Zaza

  • Hotbox

• Final Thoughts

Cannabinoids in the Cannabis Plant

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce effects.

Here are some of the most common ones:

Delta-9 THC

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, Delta-9 THC is responsible for the euphoric and relaxing effects people associate with getting high.

Delta-8 THC

A naturally occurring cannabinoid with milder psychoactive effects than Delta-9, Delta-8 THC is known for offering a smoother experience.

THCa

THCa is the raw, non-psychoactive form of THC. When exposed to heat, its effects become amplified, making it a powerhouse for cannabis lovers.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid popular for its calming and balancing effects.

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is a cannabinoid that forms as THC ages. It’s commonly associated with relaxation.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is often called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form. It’s non-intoxicating and found in smaller amounts in most cannabis strains.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is a lesser-known cannabinoid that interacts uniquely with the endocannabinoid system, often found in small concentrations in cannabis plants.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and aroma. They also play a role in shaping the plant's overall effects.

Myrcene

Known for its earthy and musky aroma, myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis. It’s commonly found in strains known for deep relaxation.

Limonene

This citrus-scented terpene is commonly found in strains that offer an uplifting experience.

Pinene

As the name suggests, pinene has a pine-like aroma. It's found in many strains with refreshing and crisp flavor profiles.

Linalool

Linalool has a floral, lavender-like scent. It’s often associated with strains known for their calming effects.

Caryophyllene

This spicy, peppery terpene is unique because it also interacts with cannabinoid receptors, setting it apart from other terpenes.

Consumption Methods

There are many ways to enjoy cannabis, each offering a different experience.

Smoking

The traditional method of consuming cannabis by lighting and inhaling dried flower through a joint, pipe, or bong.

Vaping

Vaping heats cannabis flower or concentrate at lower temperatures than smoking, allowing for a smoother inhalation experience.

Edibles

Cannabis-infused food and drink products that provide longer-lasting effects compared to inhalation methods.

Dabbing

A method of cannabis consumption that lets you enjoy concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface and inhaling the vapor.

Tinctures

Liquid cannabis extracts that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for quick absorption or added to food and drinks.

Types of Cannabis Products

Cannabis comes in many forms, and knowing the differences can help you choose the right product for your needs.

Flower

Dried cannabis buds, also called "nugs," are the most traditional and widely available form of cannabis.

Pre-rolls

Pre-rolled joints filled with ground cannabis flower, offering convenience for folks who don’t want to roll their own joints to smoke cannabis.

Concentrated Cannabis Products

Highly potent cannabis extracts that include shatter, wax, hash, budder, and crumble.

Live Resin vs. Distillate

• Live Resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants and retains more terpenes.

• Distillate is a purified form of cannabis oil that removes plant matter and terpenes for a potent, neutral-flavored extract.

Hash

A concentrate made from compressed trichomes, hash has been used for centuries.

Kief

The fine, powdery trichomes that collect at the bottom of a grinder, which can be sprinkled onto flower for added potency.

Growing and Cultivation Terms

Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa, and Hybrid Strains

• Indica strains are typically known for their relaxing effects.

• Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects.

• Hybrid strains combine traits of both Indica and Sativa.

Landrace Strains

Cannabis strains that have naturally evolved in specific regions without human intervention.

Trichomes

Tiny, crystal-like resin glands on cannabis buds that contain cannabinoids and terpenes.

Pistils

The hair-like structures on cannabis flowers that change color as the plant matures.

Phenotypes vs. Genotypes

• Genotype refers to the plant’s genetic makeup.

• Phenotype refers to the physical expression of those genetics based on growing conditions.

Industry and Slang Terms

Dank

A term used to describe high-quality, potent cannabis.

Loud

Slang for cannabis that has a strong aroma and potency.

Mids

Refers to mid-quality cannabis that is neither the best nor the worst.

Zaza

A slang term for premium, top-shelf cannabis strains. You might hear this phrase at a local cannabis dispensary.

Hotbox

Smoking in a confined space (such as a car or small room) to intensify the smoke in the air.

Learn More About Weed From the Mood Blog

If you're interested in learning more about cannabis, you've come to the right place.

The Mood Blog is home to a wealth of useful info about cannabinoids, products, culture, and more. Plus, it's right next door to the Mood Shop, where you can find everything you need for an incredible high.

Head to the Mood Blog today and use the code "FIRST20" to get 20% off your first order in the Mood Shop.