Cannabis Glossary

Working in the cannabis industry requires an understanding of terms across several disciplines, including chemistry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Not to mention all the concepts and processes unique to cannabis itself.

We’re here to help you understand everything you need to know about the cannabis industry, so we’ve put together a glossary of cannabis terms. This is a working list of definitions so check back in the future for more!

Term Definition
Cannabichromene (CBC)
One of the most prominent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBC is non-psychoactive and anti-inflammatory
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The second most prominent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive. CBD is being researched and used for its medical effects, especially for relief of seizures, inflammation, insomnia, and anxiety.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
A cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although, CBG appears in low levels in most cannabis strains, it is being researched for potential medical uses, including slowing the spread of cancer cells.
Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)
A lesser-known cannabinoid and a precursor of other cannabis compounds.
Cannabinoid
The chemical compounds in cannabis that influence cell receptors in the human body, resulting in various effects including psychoactive or medically beneficial effects. The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD.
Cannabinol (CBN)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is only found in small amounts, mostly in aged cannabis. It is created when THC and breaks down.
Cannabis
The plant genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae (the hemp family). The number of species within the cannabis genus is disputed, but the most common ones are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis Indica, which are used for medical and recreation purposes. Also known as marijuana.
Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2)
Part of the endocannabinoid system, CBI and CB2 receptors are located in the brain and body and determine the physical and psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Decarboxylation
The chemical reaction responsible for converting THCA to THC and CBCA to CBC when cannabis is exposed to heat.
Endocannabinoid System
A biological system, composed of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that help regulate a variety of functions, like sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and memory, to maintain homeostasis.
Entourage effect
The theory that the behavior, effects, and benefits of cannabis compounds changes in the presence of other compounds
Indica (Cannabis Indica)
One of the main species of cannabis used for recreational and medical purposes. It is known for its full-body effects, including deep-relaxation and improved sleep.
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the cannabis plant.
Route of administration
The path by which a drub or chemical is taken into the body. Typical routes of administration for cannabis include inhalation, oral/sublingual, and transdermal/topical.
Sativa (Cannabis Sativa)
One of the main species of cannabis used for recreational and medical purposes. It is known for being energizing because of its cerebral effects rather than physical, relaxing, or sedative ones.
Strain
A variety of a plant species that have distinct traits, characteristics, and effects.
Terpene
Aromatic oils found in plants that give the plant its characteristic scent. In cannabis stains, the terpenes not only affect the smell but may also play a role in determining the effects of the strain.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
The most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
A non-psychoative cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THCA is converted to THC as the plant dries or undergoes decarboxylation.