The cannabis industry uses unique terminology that can be confusing, especially for new consumers. This brief overview covers common marijuana and dispensary terminology you may hear while discussing or shopping for cannabis products.
At LeafMed, we educate consumers on a wide variety of cannabis topics, answering questions like, “How is Cannabis used?” Check out our other articles to learn more about medical marijuana, the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program, and the cannabis industry.
A Brief Guide to Cannabis and Dispensary Terminology
We separated our list of essential cannabis terminology into three categories: plant terms, product terms, and dispensary terms.
Marijuana Plant Terms
- Cannabis is another term for marijuana. The terms “marijuana plant” and “cannabis plant” mean the same thing.
- Hemp refers to a type of cannabis plant containing 0.3% THC or less. It has many uses in many industries, from textiles to food.
- Strains refer to different cannabis plants bred from various parent plants for specific effects. For instance, a particular strain may contain more THC for a stronger psychoactive effect.
- Sativa is a subspecies of cannabis plants associated with energetic, cerebral highs, although crossbreeding has negated the distinction between Sativa and Indica plants.
- Indica refers to the second marijuana plant subspecies associated with relaxing body highs. Many dispensaries label their products as Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strains.
- Hybrid refers to cannabis strains bred from a combination of Sativa and Indica subspecies. Cultivars breed hybrid plants to capitalize on the best characteristics of different strains.
- Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that affect the body’s endocannabinoid system. Well-known cannabinoids include THC and CBD.
- Terpenes give cannabis plants their distinct smells and flavors. Like cannabinoids, terpenes affect the body in a variety of ways.
- The entourage effect is a theory posited by cannabis researchers that the many compounds in the plant provide more significant benefits when consumed together.
Marijuana Product Terms
- Bud or flower both refer to the part of the cannabis plant users can smoke. Dispensaries sell the cured flowers by weight. An “eighth” of cannabis contains one-eighth ounce of flower.
- Shake is another example of dispensary terminology referring to cannabis flower. Shake products contain small marijuana buds, such as what’s left over after packaging larger nuggets. Many dispensaries sell cannabis shake at discounted prices.
- Edibles refer to cannabis products you can eat. They come in many types, including chocolates, gummies, drink mixes, and more.
- Tinctures contain marijuana extracts. Like cannabis oils, consumers take tinctures orally, often with a dropper, for optimal dosage control.
- Topicals are skin products containing cannabinoids from the marijuana plant. For example, you may use CBD lotion or cream for pain and soreness relief.
- Concentrates are cannabis products in concentrated forms, such as hash, wax, shatter, or the oil in a vape cartridge. They’re created by extracting the chemical compounds from the plant using alcohol, CO2, propane, or butane.
- Pre-rolls are pre-prepared “joints” or “blunts” rolled by dispensary or vendor staff members. They offer improved convenience for consumers who enjoy smoking their cannabis.
- Vape pens or vapes are handheld vaporizers containing cartridges of marijuana concentrates. Consumers can also purchase larger vaporizers for use with flower products.
Marijuana Dispensary Terms
- Budtenders help dispensary customers shop for cannabis products. They offer expertise and advice and, depending on the shop, may weigh and package cannabis flower.
- Medical marijuana refers to legal cannabis products for sale to patients with medical marijuana cards.
- Recreational marijuana use refers to consumption by general consumers. Some states with legal medical cannabis don’t allow recreational use.
Test Your Marijuana Terminology Knowledge at LeafMed in MS
Education is essential for responsible cannabis use. Now that you understand some basic marijuana and dispensary terminology, explore other topics, such as medical marijuana in the workplace.
If you have a MS medical marijuana card, visit LeafMed at one of our three locations in Gulfport, Vicksburg, or Bay St. Louis, MS, to purchase high-quality flower, edibles, and more.