Clear up any cannabis confusion with this word guide. The more fluent you are in cannabis, the more likely you are to get great service and walk out with flower, oil, or edibles that deliver.

Cannabinoids + Terpenes

Cannabis sativa plants: One plant has flowers (buds) that contain a high percentage of cannabinoids, with medicinal and intoxicating properties, and the other, hemp, has cannabinoids with therapeutic and medicinal properties, but only trace amounts of THC.

NOTE: Hemp is also used to make textiles, rope, paper, fuel, building materials, and health/wellness/beauty products.

Trichomes: The plant’s resin production glands are sticky, small protrusions with crystals where cannabinoids are produced.

Cannabinoids: Cannabis compounds, including the below.

• THC: Ignites the high.
• THCA: Found in raw cannabis and turns into THC when heated.
• THCV: A compound with potentially energy-boosting and appetite-suppressing qualities.
• CBD: Non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory, and calming.
• CBDA: Converts to CBD over time or when heated.
• CBDV: Treats epilepsy, but available for anti-inflammation and anti-nausea.
• CBG: A minor cannabinoid with a lot of medicinal potential and sometimes referred to as the Mother of All Cannabinoids.
• CBN: Occurs when cannabis dries out and oxidizes. Useful for sleep and relaxation. 
• CBC: Converts from CBGA into cannabichrome carboxylic acid (CBCA), and then to CBC after exposure to heat or ultraviolet light. Fights pain and inflammation.
• CBD full spectrum: Product that contains multiple cannabis components including terpenes and cannabinoids.
• CBD broad spectrum: Product that contains a range of naturally occurring cannabis compounds, but no THC.
• CBD isolate: Crystalline, solid or powder product that is only CBD without any other compounds or THC.

Terpenes: Aromatic molecules that form the basis of aromatherapy and have therapeutic value. Terpenes include the below.

• Myrcene: musky, clove
• Alpha-pinene: pine, rosemary
• Beta-caryophyllene: black pepper, wood
• Limonene: citrus
• Terpinolene: pine, herbal

Endocannabinoid System (ECS): A cell-signaling system in everyone’s body regardless of cannabis use that plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory and fertility.

Psychoactive: Affects how the brain works and causes changes in mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

Intoxication: Physical or mental control diminished.

Now you’re ready to talk plants with your budtender and ask for the best therapeutic support… or maybe you just want to dip in to a euphoric state. That’s wellness, too!