30 Basic Cannabis Terms to Teach Your Customers

With the cannabis industry evolving, it is only natural that its terminology does too. It’s a good time to standardize the language used around legal cannabis as more states cross the threshold of legalization and mainstream consumers become users. Customer and employee education is key to making people comfortable and confident with cannabis products. We’ve put together a list of 30 cannabis terms to help newbies and customers learn the lingo. 

Adult Use

A type of cannabis use that is not leisurely and can be medicinal. Medicinal use is dependent on whether a doctor has prescribed cannabis.

Bud

The term bud is slang terminology referring to the flower portion of the cannabis plant that is ultimately smoked. Also known as “weed, flower, ganja,” etc.

Budtender

The paid individual at the dispensary that distributes cannabis to consumers. Consumers consult with budtenders to learn more about the cannabis being purchased.

Cannabinoid

A class of chemical compounds that include cannabinol and are found in a cannabis plant. These compounds act with our brains receptors to create the high experience.

CBD

A naturally occurring, non-psychoactive chemical in cannabis. CBD is extracted from marijuana or agricultural hemp, also inaccurately referred to as industrial hemp. CBD oil in the U.S. is sourced from CBD-rich hemp or PCR hemp (phytocannabinoid rich hemp). Not the strain grown for rope. CBD hemp and medical marijuana are from the Cannabis Sativa L. plant.

Dab / Dabbing

Dabs are concentrates that include wax, shatter, budder, and butane hash oil (BHO). It is possible to extract CBD for non-intoxicating concentrates, too. To consume these concentrates a dose is heated using a bong outfitted with a “nail” and inhaling the resulting vapor through a dab rig. Vaporizers are also popular, referred to as a dab pen. Concentrates are sometimes added to a bowl with flower.

Dispensary

The location of cannabis retail sales. A location of employment for budtenders.

Edibles

A food that has been infused with cannabis as a way to get high. Consuming edibles increases the intensity and type of high. It’s highly recommended to consume edibles in small portions. Must be dosed correctly for the most enjoyable experience.

Eighth

A weight term for a common purchase amount. One-eighth of an ounce equals out to about 3.5 grams of cannabis.

Half

A weight term for a common purchase amount. One-half of an ounce equals out to about 14 grams of cannabis.

Hash

An extract of cannabis sold as a resin. Consumed by smoking small pieces.

Hybrid

A strain of cannabis that is a cross of two main types of cannabis strains. The hybrid strain is a mix of indica and sativa.

Indica

A strain of cannabis known for fat leaves, short flowering cycles, and small stature. This strain is known to provide a more mellow body high. More often used for medical marijuana.

Joint

A cannabis form of cigarette. A joint uses thin papers to roll up cannabis and can be rolled by hand or by machine.

Kief

An extract of marijuana in the form of crystals that resemble a yellow or light green powder when processed in bulk. Contains a high concentration of THC, therefore known as being as very pure. Can be smoked alone although best accompanied with flower.

Nug

Short for nugget, this term is used to describe a piece of marijuana bud dried from the plant in small or large pieces. Usually an intact bud before it is ground or broken up. 

Ounce

A weight term for a common purchase amount. One ounce is equal to about 28 grams.

Oil

A liquid extract from dried marijuana flowers or leaves. Typically extracted through alcohol or Co2.

Papers

Required material for a joint. Papers or rolling papers are used to roll a joint and now come many shapes (like a cone), flavors and styles. 

Pre-roll

A joint that has been rolled in advance of purchase or sale. Pre-rolls are convenient, although beware they often contain lower-quality marijuana. 

Recreational Use

A legal category of cannabis use meant for enjoyment rather than medically. Some states, like California, license both medical and recreational cannabis. Other states might only license medical in which case, possession and use is illegal without a valid medical requirement met.

Sativa 

A strain of marijuana known for breeding taller plants, creating a heavier head high, and having higher THC levels. The strain is known for being more energizing and better to use with physical activities.

Shatter

In the family of concentrates of wax, honeycomb, oil, crumble, sap, budder, and pull-and-snap. Shatter is known for its glassy appearance with a brittle texture.  Shatter is a  highly potent extract of marijuana a.k.a. butane hash oil, and can contain as high as 90% THC. The extraction process eliminates fats and lipids. It’s known as the cleanest type of extract. It can resemble hard candy. caramel or honey. This form of concentrate is commonly consumed with a bong using a dab ring (a “dab”) or using a dab vaporizer pen. Concentrates provide the benefit of fast acting potency to medical users seeking relief, are believed to be easier on lungs, and of course, offers a super high to recreational users. 

THC

The active ingredient in marijuana. A most common use for the word Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Topical

A cannabis product that is used topically although rarely causes a high. Examples include lotions, chapstick, bath bombs, etc.

Trim

Remaining or unwanted bits of cannabis collected in piles after harvest. Trim can be used to create a joint or used for extract.

Tree(s)

A slang term for cannabis plants.

QP

A term for a common weight for purchase. A shortened version of the amount quarter pound. One quarter of a pound of cannabis is equal to about 4 ounces.

Q

A term for a common weight for purchase. A shortened version of the amount of a quarter. A quarter of an ounce of cannabis is equal to about 7 grams.

Wax

In the family of concentrates of shatter, honeycomb, oil, crumble, sap, budder, and pull-and-snap. Wax is known for its ear wax appearance with a soft texture. Moist gooey waxes are called “budder,” while the harder soft wax that is brittle in texture is referred to as “crumble” or “honeycomb.” Wax is a potent concentrate typically extracted with butane hash oil and can contain as high as 90% THC. This form of concentrate is commonly consumed in a bong using a dab ring (a “dab”) or using a wax vaporizer pen. Concentrates provide the benefit of fast acting potency to medical users seeking relief, are believed to be easier on lungs, and of course, offers a super high to recreational users. 

Educate Customers About Cannabis Terminology

Now that you have this cannabis glossary to go off of, make sure you’re staying consistent with your customers to help normalize the process. Read how-to Start a Cannabis Consumer Education Strategy with These Three Basics