Are you new to weed? Hey, everybody’s got to start somewhere. There’s no shame in that.
But sometimes you will want to seem more knowledgeable than you are. For example, you may want to impress your friends or a date. You may not want budtenders taking advantage of you. Or you may just want to keep up when someone’s talking pot.
If you are trying to fake it until you make it in the pot world, knowing the right cannabis terminology is key. This article will give you a rundown so you can seem like you know what you’re talking about, even if you don’t.
Popular Cannabis Terminology
Strain
Potheads are really into discussing which strain they are smoking. Generally, strains include indica, sativa, and hybrid. (We’ll explain what those are in a minute). But you’ll also find strains with names like Pineapple Express, Purple Haze, and Godfather OG that vary depending on the cannabinoids and terpenes they contain. (Yep, we’ll explain what those are in a minute too).
As a novice, you may not know your strains apart. But at least you’ll have a vague idea of the cannabis terminology. And you can always ask questions. Potheads love to discuss what type of weed they are using and make recommendations.
Strains are also referred to as cultivars.
Indica
Indica is a weed strain known for its relaxing effects. It is grown in harsh, dry climates like India, Pakistan, and Turkey. It will typically have high levels of CBD. THC levels can vary.
Sativa
Sativa is a weed strain known for its energizing effects. It is grown in hot, dry climates like Asia, Africa, and Central America. It tends to have high levels of THC and low levels of CBD.
Hybrid
Hybrid weed contains both indica and sativa strains. Hybrid products will typically indicate if they are indica or sativa dominant.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are an essential cannabis terminology term. They are compounds that give cannabis its properties. The most popular cannabinoids are CBD (non-psychoactive cannabis) and THC which has psychoactive effects. Other cannabinoids include:
- CBN which promotes sleep and relaxation
- CBG which has anti-inflammatory effects
- CBC which intensifies the effects of other cannabinoids.
Terpenes
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They’re responsible for giving plants their aromas and colors. Cannabis terpenes play a huge role in the plant’s effects.
Common cannabis terpenes include linalool which alleviates stress, myrcene which has antifungal and antibacterial properties and sedative effects, and humulene which has energizing effects. Make them part of your cannabis terminology so you can discuss how weed will affect you.
Trichomes
Trichomes are little hairs that grow on plants and protect them from pests and UV rays. They produce resin, a highly concentrated form of cannabis. The more trichomes on a plant, the more powerful it will be.
Hemp
Hemp is derived from cannabis plants that do not have high levels of THC. It is typically used for industrial purposes like making rope, clothes, and food products. It’s a versatile material that has exceptional strength and health benefits.
Slang Terms for Cannabis
If you want to keep up in the world of weed, you must include various slang terms in your cannabis terminology. Here are some of the most popular:
- Nug
- Bud
- Flower
- Chronic
- Herb
- Ganga
- Refer
Blunt
You are not up on your cannabis terminology if you don’t know what a blunt is.
A blunt is like a joint but it’s rolled with cigar paper. Blunts hold a lot of weed so they can get you very high. They may also contain some cigar tobacco that can irritate your throat and lungs.
Bowl
If you hear someone say, “Let’s pack a bowl” It likely means they want to smoke weed out of a pipe. It can also refer to the bowl on a bong.
Concentrate
Concentrates are made by extracting resinous oil from the cannabis plant. They hit harder than flowers. They can be added to joints, bowls, oils, tinctures, vapes, and topicals. You can also smoke them with a dab rig.
Dab
Dabbing is a way to smoke live resin. It involves placing the resin on an electronic nail and heating the nail to turn the resin into vapor. The vapor is then inhaled through a chamber to get you high.
Resin
Resin typically refers to a sticky secretion in a cannabis plant that is extracted and smoked. Common types of resin include:
- Hash: A resin that’s extracted from cannabis and dried into a pressed powder.
- Rosin: A resin that’s extracted from the plant using heat and pressure. It is available as a wax or ‘butter’ or as a solid or ‘shatter’.
But it’s important to know your resin cannabis terminology apart.
Resin can also refer to the remnants found in a pipe after you smoke weed. Some people will smoke these remnants to try and get high. However, they contain very low amounts of THC and can irritate your lungs and give you a headache.
Bong
Bong is an essential cannabis terminology term. It’s a water pipe used to smoke weed. Some people prefer it because it provides a cleaner smoke. It contains less chemicals than pipes and joints.
Bongs can be complicated to use, but a veteran pothead will be more than happy to show you the ropes.
Distillate
Distillates are made by distilling cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material to make a highly concentrated form of weed. It is often found in vape cartridges but can also be added to food and drinks.
South Coast Safe Access Can Educate You in Cannabis Terminology
Don’t feel shy if you are not up on the latest cannabis terminology. South Coast Safe Access will teach you all you need to know.
Our budtenders are ready to educate you so you can find the best products for your needs. We will help you understand the ins and outs of weed products so you can navigate the landscape and reach your wellness goals.
Contact us to learn more about our online, in-person, and weed delivery options.