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Deep Dive break-downs on the most critical cannabis terminology

Image for Terpene Talk: Breaking Down the Language of Cannabis Aromas

Terpene Talk: Breaking Down the Language of Cannabis Aromas

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Image for Talk the Toké: Cannabis Slang & Weed Terminology Explained

Talk the Toké: Cannabis Slang & Weed Terminology Explained

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The Green Glossary

Your complete guide to understanding cannabis. From the basics to the latest slang, we've got you covered.

The Quick Guide to Weed Slang

Get up to speed with the most common terms you'll encounter in the world of cannabis.

Forms of Cannabis Flower

Nug / Bud: The smokable, dried flower of the cannabis plant. This is the main product.

Popcorn: Smaller, B-grade buds sold at a discount. Same potency, just not as pretty.

Shake: Small bits of flower that have fallen off larger buds. Good for rolling or edibles.

Kief: The potent, crystal-like resin glands (trichomes) that fall off the flower, often collected in a grinder. Can be added to a bowl or joint to increase potency.

Ways to Consume

Joint: Pure ground cannabis rolled in a thin paper.

Blunt: Cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf wrapper (e.g., a hollowed-out cigarillo).

Spliff: A mix of cannabis and tobacco rolled in a paper.

Vape / Cart: A device that heats cannabis oil into an inhalable vapor. The "cart" is the pre-filled oil cartridge.

Dab: Flash-vaporizing a small amount of potent cannabis concentrate on a hot surface. Not for beginners.

Edible: Any food or drink infused with cannabis. Effects are delayed but long-lasting.

Quality Tiers (The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly)

Dank / Fire / Gas / Loud: Slang for high-quality, potent, and aromatic cannabis.

Mids: Average, "middle-of-the-road" quality cannabis.

Reggie / Schwag: Low-quality cannabis, often dry with seeds and stems.

Common Measurements

Gram (G): The base unit. Enough for a joint or two.

Eighth: 3.5 grams. The most common amount to purchase.

Quarter: 7 grams.

Ounce (Zip): 28 grams. Often called a "zip" because it fills a Ziploc bag.

Decoding Cannabis Labels: Beyond Indica vs. Sativa

The most common labels in a dispensary are Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. But modern science shows there's a better way to predict your experience.

The Indica vs. Sativa Myth

The old way of thinking says Indica is relaxing ("in-da-couch") and Sativa is energizing. While sometimes true, this is a marketing simplification. These terms actually describe the plant's physical structure, not its chemical effects. Nearly all strains today are technically Hybrids.

The Real Predictor: A strain's effects are determined by its unique chemical profile, specifically its cannabinoids and terpenes.

Key Cannabinoids to Know

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound that produces the "high."

CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-psychoactive compound known for its therapeutic benefits, like reducing anxiety and inflammation. It can also balance the effects of THC.

THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid): The raw, non-psychoactive form of THC found in the plant. When you apply heat (like lighting a joint), a process called decarboxylation converts THCa into psychoactive THC.

Terpenes: The Secret to a Strain's Effects

Terpenes (or "terps") are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavor—like citrus, pine, or diesel. They also have their own effects and work with cannabinoids to shape your high.

  • Myrcene: Earthy aroma, often associated with relaxing or sedative effects.
  • Limonene: Citrusy aroma, known for mood-elevation and stress relief.
  • Pinene: Pine aroma, may promote alertness and focus.
  • Linalool: Floral (lavender) aroma, associated with calming and anti-anxiety effects.

This teamwork between cannabinoids and terpenes is called the Entourage Effect. To find the right product for you, look beyond the "Indica/Sativa" label and ask your budtender about the terpene profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a joint, a blunt, and a spliff?

A joint is pure cannabis in a rolling paper. A blunt is cannabis in a tobacco leaf wrap. A spliff is a mix of cannabis and tobacco in a rolling paper.

What is a "crutch" or filter for a joint?

It's a small piece of rolled-up cardstock at the mouthpiece. It's not a real filter; it adds stability, makes the joint easier to hold, and stops you from inhaling bits of flower.

I'm trying edibles for the first time. What's the golden rule?

"Start low, go slow." A beginner dose is 2.5mg of THC or less. Effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Wait at least two hours before even thinking about taking more.

What does "420" mean?

It originated with a group of high school students in the 1970s who would meet at 4:20 p.m. to smoke. It's now international shorthand for all things cannabis, with April 20th (4/20) celebrated as an unofficial holiday.

What is a "budtender"?

A staff member at a cannabis dispensary who can answer questions and help you choose products, much like a bartender or a sommelier.

What does it mean to "corner a bowl"?

It's a polite way to share a freshly packed pipe or bong. Instead of lighting the whole surface, you only light a small section or "corner," preserving fresh, un-burnt cannabis ("greens") for the next person.

What is a "green out"?

It's the unpleasant experience of consuming too much cannabis. Symptoms can include nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and paranoia. It's best avoided by starting with a low dose.