Glossary of Cannabis Terms

CANNABIS

A flowering plant made up of three common subspecies: Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis. It has been used in various traditional medicines for centuries.

Cannabinoid

A class of compounds found in cannabis (e.g., THC, CBD, CBN) that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

A non-psychoactive compound known for its potential therapeutic effects like anxiety relief, anti-inflammation, and pain management.

CBN (Cannabinol)

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed when THC ages; often associated with sedative effects.

CONCENTRATES

Extracts created with or without a solvent to dissolve the resinous cannabinoids. Live resin extracts offer an accurate representation of the living plant, rather than the dried plant. Cannabis concentrates can be found in many forms, including:

• Badder: A whipped consistency, similar to cake batter.
• Diamonds + Sauce: Naturally formed THCA diamonds in a high terpene liquid ‘sauce’.
• Liquid Diamond Cartridges: Melted diamonds reintroduced to sauce to create a flavorful, potent vape pen.
• Rosin: Similar to badder, but made without using a solvent, such as butane. Simply cannabis, water, heat, and pressure.

Cross

A plant bred from two or more cannabis strains to create a new hybrid with specific desired traits.

Dab

A method of consuming concentrates by flash-vaporizing a small amount ("dab") on a heated surface; also refers to the dose itself.

Dispensary

A licensed retail location where cannabis products are legally sold for medical or recreational use.

EDIBLE

A food infused with cannabinoids. Because they are ingested rather than inhaled, cannabinoids take longer to enter the bloodstream, resulting in a delayed onset of effects. Their effects can also last longer, upwards of 4-6 hours.

Entourage Effect

The idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

FLOWER

The smokable, trichome-covered bud of a female cannabis plant. It is often sold as loose flower (“nugs”) or as pre-rolled joints.

Hash

One of the oldest cannabis concentrates, made by compressing trichomes into a solid form.

Hemp

A variety of Cannabis sativa legally defined as containing less than 0.3% THC; used for textiles, paper, food, and CBD extraction. Hemp is a major source of CBD and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids. The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill federally legalized hemp cultivation and production, leading to a surge in hemp-derived wellness products. Though it comes from the same species as marijuana, hemp is genetically and chemically distinct, bred for industrial use or cannabinoid extraction rather than for its psychoactive properties.

HYBRID

Most strains available today are hybrids, often combining sativa and indica varieties.

INDICA

Cannabis Indica plants are short and wide. Historically thought to be the more relaxing strain, though this hasn’t been proven.

Microdosing

Taking small, controlled amounts of cannabis to gain subtle effects without a full high.

Phenotype

The observable traits of a cannabis plant (appearance, smell, effect), influenced by both genetics and environment.

Pre-roll

A pre-rolled cannabis joint sold ready to use, typically filled with ground flower.

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

A potent full-spectrum cannabis extract traditionally used for medicinal purposes, typically high in THC and consumed orally or topically. Proper does not make this; however, it is available at many of our locations.

SATIVA

Cannabis Sativa plants grow tall and thin. Once thought to be more uplifting and energizing.

STRAIN (OR CULTIVAR)

There are three main categories of cannabis strains available to medical marijuana patients: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and a hybrid of the two. Most strains available today are a mix of the two.

THC (DELTA-9- TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL)

The main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high.”

THCA (TETRAHYDROCANNABINOLIC ACID)

The raw, non-psychoactive form of THC found in fresh cannabis. It becomes THC when heated (via decarboxylation).

Tincture

A liquid cannabis extract, often alcohol- or oil-based, used sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption.

Topical

Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied to the skin for localized relief without psychoactive effects.

TRICHOME

A crystal-like resin gland found on cannabis flowers that holds all the cannabinoids and terpenes. Plants with more trichomes (“crystals”) are more potent.

Vaporizer (or Vape)

A device that heats cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion.

Wax

A type of cannabis concentrate with a soft, waxy texture, high in THC.

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