Your guide to cannabis terminology

Cannabis – a term often used interchangeably with marijuana – has come a long way from low-potency smoking of buds. Now, with concentrates, vapes, edibles, and more, it can be hard to keep up with the terminology.

If you’re confused, this guide is the perfect place to start.

Names of cannabis

If you call marijuana by any other name, would it smell as sweet? According to the countless nicknames for the drug, yes. Marijuana has been around for a long time, and the number of nicknames it has reflects that. Here are some of the more popular ones:

1. Weed
2. Pot
3. Grass
4. Dope
5. Hash
6. Mary Jane
7. Herb
8. Skunk

The names don’t stop there – ever heard of giggle smoke, jolly green, or broccoli? All terms for marijuana. Find more names here.

Elements of cannabis

• Plant – If you think of marijuana, you probably picture the green, leafy plant. While the buds are typically the part used for smoking, the leaves can be smoked for a lesser high. 
• Buds – These are the flowers of the marijuana plant, and the part that is known for being smoked. These can be ground up and rolled into joints or used to make edibles.
• CBD – Also known as Cannabidiol, this is one of the main chemicals found in marijuana. CBD does not give a “high” effect. It is often used in products such as oils, capsules, foods, and cosmetics. Read more here.
• THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the component in marijuana that causes the typical “high.” THC is responsible for releasing dopamine in the brain which causes euphoria. It can cause also hallucinations/delusions.
• Hemp – A type of the marijuana plant that is not psychoactive and cannot be used for getting high. 
• Concentrate – A strong form of marijuana that is created commercially or at home. Typically ends up with a wax-like texture. Concentrates have high THC levels, giving longer-lasting effects. Butane (a highly flammable gas) is often used as a solvent.

Marijuana Fact Check gives a thorough list of marijuana forms here.

Forms of cannabis use

• Smoking – Can be done many ways, including with joints (rolled marijuana cigarettes), blunts (cigars filled with marijuana instead of tobacco), or bongs (water pipes).
• Vaping – A liquid form of marijuana that is heated inside a vaporizer and then ingested.
• Dabbing – The process of using concentrates (also known as dabs), which are very potent and have a high THC content. This is becoming a popular way to use marijuana. 
• Edibles – A way of consuming marijuana where it is baked into brownies, cookies, or other dishes. This method produces strong effects because of the way the body processes the drug in this form. 
• Topicals – Oils, salves, lotions, and more containing cannabis that can be used topically, typically for pain treatment. 

There are many other methods for marijuana consumption. Find out more here.