A
Anandamide
An endocannabinoid produced naturally by the body. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system and is sometimes called the “bliss molecule.”
Autoflower
A cannabis or hemp variety that begins flowering based on age rather than light cycle. Popular for shorter outdoor and indoor grows.
B
Bioavailability
The proportion of a cannabinoid that enters the bloodstream and becomes available for use by the body. Different consumption methods (oil, edibles, vaping, topicals) have different bioavailability.
Broad Spectrum
An extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had THC removed (or reduced to non-detectable levels). It aims to offer the entourage effect without significant THC.
Bud
The dried flowering portion of the female cannabis or hemp plant. Also called flower.
Budder
A soft, creamy cannabis concentrate with a butter-like consistency, usually made by whipping extracts during processing.
C
Cannabinoid
A class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids) or produced by the body (endocannabinoids). THC and CBD are the best-known examples.
Cannabis
The genus of flowering plants that includes both hemp and higher-THC varieties. The term is often used as an umbrella for the plant and its products.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid studied for potential anti-inflammatory and other effects. It is usually present in smaller amounts than CBD or THC.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A major non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. It is the primary compound in most CBD oils, tinctures, topicals and edibles.
CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)
The acidic precursor of CBD found in raw (uncured) plant material. Heat converts CBDA into CBD through decarboxylation.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because its acidic form (CBGA) is the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesised. Non-intoxicating.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A mildly intoxicating cannabinoid that forms as THC ages and degrades. Frequently associated with relaxing or sleep-related products.
CO₂ Extraction
A clean extraction method that uses pressurised carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. Common for high-quality CBD and hemp extracts.
Concentrate
Any product in which cannabinoids have been concentrated far above the levels found in raw flower. Includes shatter, wax, live resin, rosin and distillate.
Curing
The controlled drying and ageing process of harvested cannabis or hemp flower. Proper curing improves flavour, aroma and smoothness.
D
Dab / Dabbing
A method of consuming concentrates by vaporising a small amount (“dab”) on a hot surface, usually with a dab rig or electronic device.
Decarboxylation
The heating process that converts acidic cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) into their active forms (THC, CBD). Occurs during smoking, vaping or controlled oven heating.
Delta-8 THC
A naturally occurring but usually minor cannabinoid. It is psychoactive, generally described as milder than Delta-9 THC. Often produced from hemp-derived CBD.
Delta-9 THC
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Legal classification of hemp versus marijuana is usually based on Delta-9 THC content (commonly ≤ 0.3 % dry weight for hemp).
Distillate
A highly refined cannabis or hemp extract in which cannabinoids have been separated and purified, often resulting in a near-odourless, high-potency oil.
E
Edibles
Food or drink products infused with cannabis or hemp extracts (gummies, chocolates, beverages, etc.). Effects are delayed and longer-lasting compared with inhalation.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A biological system in the human body that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, pain and immune response. It consists of endocannabinoids, receptors (CB1 and CB2) and enzymes.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant compounds work better together than in isolation, producing enhanced or modulated effects.
Extract
A concentrated preparation obtained by removing cannabinoids and other compounds from plant material using solvents (CO₂, ethanol, hydrocarbons) or solventless methods.
F
Flower
The dried buds of the cannabis or hemp plant. The most traditional form of consumption.
Full Spectrum
An extract that retains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds naturally present in the plant, including trace amounts of THC (within legal limits for hemp).
H
Hash / Hashish
A traditional concentrate made by collecting and compressing trichomes (resin glands) from the plant. Can be solventless or solvent-based.
Hemp
Cannabis sativa plants (and their derivatives) that contain no more than the legal maximum of Delta-9 THC (typically 0.3 % by dry weight in many jurisdictions). Used for fibre, seed, CBD and other non-intoxicating products.
Hemp Seed Oil
Oil pressed from hemp seeds. It contains almost no cannabinoids and is valued for its nutritional fatty-acid profile. Distinct from CBD oil.
Hybrid
A cannabis strain that combines genetics from both indica and sativa lineages, aiming to blend their characteristics.
I
Indica
A traditional classification of cannabis plants typically associated with broader leaves, shorter stature and more relaxing effects. Modern science places greater emphasis on the full chemical profile than on indica/sativa labels alone.
Isolate
A pure form of a single cannabinoid (most commonly CBD isolate) with all other plant compounds removed. Appears as a crystalline powder or pure oil.
K
Kief
The collected trichomes that fall off dried flower. It is a simple, solventless concentrate that can be pressed into hash or added to other products.
L
Live Resin
A concentrate made from fresh-frozen plant material rather than dried and cured flower. It preserves a richer terpene profile and is prized for flavour.
M
Marijuana
A common term for cannabis plants or products that contain higher levels of THC (above the legal hemp threshold). Usage and legal status vary widely by country and region.
N
Nanoemulsion (Nano-CBD / Nano-THC)
A formulation technology that breaks cannabinoid oils into extremely small droplets (typically under 100 nanometres) and suspends them in a water-compatible liquid. This increases surface area, improves bioavailability, and often results in faster onset, especially in beverages and edibles.
Nug
Slang for a single, well-formed cannabis or hemp flower bud (short for “nugget”). Usually implies a dense, high-quality piece of flower.
O
Oil (CBD / Cannabis Oil)
A liquid extract of cannabinoids usually diluted in a carrier oil (MCT, hemp seed, olive, etc.). Used for oral, sublingual or topical application.
P
Phytocannabinoid
Cannabinoids produced by plants (as opposed to endocannabinoids produced by the body). CBD, THC, CBG and CBN are phytocannabinoids.
R
Resin
The sticky substance produced by trichomes that contains the majority of a plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
Rosin
A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash, squeezing out a pure resin. Popular for its clean production method.
S
Sativa
A traditional classification of cannabis plants typically associated with narrower leaves, taller stature and more uplifting effects. Chemical profile is more predictive of effects than the sativa/indica label alone.
Shatter
A hard, glass-like cannabis concentrate that breaks or “shatters” when handled. Usually high in THC or other target cannabinoids.
Strain / Cultivar
A specific genetic variety of cannabis or hemp, often named and characterised by its typical cannabinoid and terpene profile.
T
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to scent and flavour and may influence the overall effects of a product (entourage effect).
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Delta-9 THC is the most common form referenced in laws and testing.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-intoxicating acidic precursor of THC found in raw plant material. Heat converts it into active THC.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis or hemp extract, traditionally alcohol-based, taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drink.
Topical
Creams, balms, lotions or salves infused with cannabinoids and applied to the skin. Effects are generally localised rather than systemic.
Trichomes
The tiny, crystal-like glandular structures on cannabis and hemp flowers that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes.
U
UV Light (Ultraviolet)
A spectrum of light sometimes used in indoor cultivation. Controlled UV exposure can influence trichome production and secondary metabolite development in cannabis and hemp plants.
V
Vape / Vaporizer
A device that heats flower or concentrates to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapour without combustion.
W
Wax
A soft, opaque cannabis concentrate with a waxy or crumbly texture. High in cannabinoids and often rich in terpenes.
X
Xenobiotic
A foreign chemical substance found in a product that is not produced by the plant itself (for example, pesticide residues, heavy metals or residual solvents). Lab testing screens for xenobiotics to help ensure product safety and purity.
Y
Yield
The amount of usable flower, biomass or extract obtained from a plant or extraction process. High yield is an important goal in both cultivation and processing.
Z
Zero THC
A marketing term for products in which THC is below the limit of detection of laboratory testing (often isolate-based or thoroughly remediated). It does not always mean absolute zero, but rather non-detectable levels.
This glossary is for educational purposes only. Product composition, legality and effects can vary by jurisdiction and individual product. Always review third-party lab results and comply with local laws.