The HighK Cannabis Glossary

Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors or are related to compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are two of the best-known examples.

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-9 THC is the primary form commonly discussed when people talk about the intoxicating effects of cannabis.

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It can come from hemp or non-hemp cannabis plants. CBD is commonly described as non-intoxicating because it does not produce a high by itself.

THCA is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. It is found in raw cannabis. Heat can convert THCA into THC through a process commonly called decarboxylation.

CBG is short for cannabigerol. It is one of several cannabinoids found in cannabis and is often discussed as a minor cannabinoid because it is typically present in smaller amounts than THC or CBD.

CBN is short for cannabinol. It is a minor cannabinoid that can appear as THC breaks down over time.

The endocannabinoid system, often shortened to ECS, is a signaling system in the body involving cannabinoid receptors, naturally produced endocannabinoids, and related enzymes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to a strain’s scent and flavor. Research into their broader role in cannabis experiences is still developing.

Trichomes are small resin-producing structures found on cannabis flower. They are associated with cannabinoids and terpenes and often give flower a frosty appearance.

Indica, sativa, and hybrid are commonly used labels for grouping cannabis strains. They can be useful shorthand while shopping, but they are not a guarantee of how a product will affect every person.

Flower refers to dried cannabis buds. It is one of the most familiar forms of cannabis and can be used in joints, pipes, vaporizers, or homemade infusions where lawful.

Edibles are foods or drinks infused with cannabis-derived compounds. Their onset can be slower than inhaled products, so consuming more too quickly can lead to an uncomfortable experience.

Concentrates are products made by extracting and concentrating compounds from cannabis. They come in several forms, including oils, waxes, resins, and rosins, and can be much more potent than flower.

Kief is the loose collection of trichomes that can fall away from flower. It often looks like a fine powder and may collect in the lower chamber of a grinder.

Hash, also called hashish, is a cannabis concentrate traditionally made by collecting and compressing trichomes.

Rosin is a concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis material. It is commonly described as solventless because the process does not rely on chemical solvents.

Live resin is a concentrate commonly made from cannabis that is frozen soon after harvest. The process is intended to preserve more of the plant’s aromatic compounds.

A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract. It is commonly packaged with a dropper so the amount used can be measured.

Topicals are cannabis-related products applied externally to the skin. Examples include lotions, balms, and creams.

Decarboxylation, often shortened to decarb, is a heat-driven chemical conversion. In cannabis cooking, it is commonly discussed because heating THCA can convert it into THC.

A dose is the amount of a cannabis product consumed at one time. Product labels may list cannabinoids such as THC in milligrams per serving.

Onset is the amount of time between using a product and noticing effects. It can vary depending on the person and the type of product used.

Duration describes how long noticeable effects may continue. It varies by product, amount consumed, and the individual.

Tolerance describes a reduced response after repeated exposure to a substance. A person may feel that the same amount affects them less than it once did.

Microdosing is a casual term for using a deliberately small amount of a product. The exact amount is not universal and depends on the product and the person.

A dab is a small amount of cannabis concentrate used with a compatible device, often called a dab rig or concentrate vaporizer.

Green out is slang for feeling uncomfortably affected after consuming too much cannabis. People may describe nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed.

Wake and bake is a casual slang phrase for using cannabis in the morning, often soon after waking up.

Hotboxing is slang for smoking in an enclosed space until smoke builds up. It can expose other people to secondhand smoke and should not be done around children, pets, or anyone who does not consent.

The munchies is a casual phrase for increased appetite or strong snack cravings that some people associate with cannabis use.

A joint is cannabis flower rolled in paper for smoking. Pre-rolled joints are commonly called pre-rolls.

A blunt is cannabis rolled in a cigar-style or similar wrap. Some wraps contain tobacco or nicotine, so the material matters.

A spliff is a rolled product containing both cannabis and tobacco. Terminology can vary by region.

A pipe is a handheld smoking accessory with a bowl that holds flower. Pipes come in many shapes and materials.

A bong is a type of water pipe commonly used for smoking cannabis flower. Smoke passes through water before inhalation.

A grinder breaks flower into smaller pieces for rolling or packing. Some grinders include a lower chamber that collects kief.

Rolling papers are thin sheets used to roll joints. They come in different sizes and materials.

A crutch or filter tip is a small piece placed at the mouth end of a joint. It can add structure and help keep loose flower out of the mouth.

A vape cartridge, often shortened to cart, is a container of cannabis oil designed for a compatible vaporizer battery.

A dab rig is a device designed for vaporizing concentrates. It may resemble a small water pipe but is built for concentrate use.

Weed, pot, bud, herb, and trees are common casual terms for cannabis or cannabis flower. Meanings can shift a little depending on context and region.

Ganja is a widely recognized slang term for cannabis. It has cultural and regional roots and is commonly used in casual conversation.

Dank is slang commonly used to describe cannabis with a strong aroma or a reputation for being desirable. It is subjective, not a formal quality grade.

Loud is slang often used for cannabis with a strong aroma or an especially noticeable character. Like dank, it is informal and subjective.

Couch lock is slang for a heavy, deeply relaxed experience where getting up may sound like entirely too much work.

Budtender is a common term for a dispensary employee who helps customers understand products and navigate available options.

A dispensary is a retail location that sells cannabis products where permitted by local law. Rules and product availability vary by location.

A pre-roll is a joint sold already rolled and ready for use where lawful.