substance and addiction prevention branch

Cannabis Terms and Definitions

There are many names for cannabis, such as grass, marijuana, and weed. "Cannabis" is the scientific term.

Terms

Bud or Flower

The part of the cannabis plant that is covered in fur-like substances called trichomes which contains THC and CBD. Buds are the most used part of the cannabis plant. Buds can be smoked, vaped, used in edibles, or turned into concentrates.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A substance in cannabis plant that may impact a person’s mood, sleep, pain perception, appetite, and the immune system. However, CBD does not cause the user to feel “high.”

Cannabinoids

A group of substances found in the cannabis plant. Most commonly known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

Cannabis

A word to describe any part of a cannabis plant including the buds or flowers, leaves, or stems. The term cannabis is also used to describe any product made from a cannabis plant. This includes oils, powders, extracts, resins, or waxes. All cannabis plants contain THC and CBD.

Concentrates

Products such as cannabis oils and waxes that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Concentrates usually contain very high amounts of cannabinoids, like THC. Concentrates are often vaped, dabbed, or smoked. Different names include “shatter,” “budder,” “hash or hash oil,” “kief,” “sauce,” or “resin.” Each type of concentrate varies in texture, potency, and how it is produced.

Dispensary

In California, a cannabis dispensary is a business that is licensed by the state to sell cannabis products to adults aged 21 and older. A list of legal, licensed dispensaries in California can be found on the Department of Cannabis Control website.

Extraction

The process of making concentrates. Some extraction methods use chemicals such as alcohol, carbon dioxide, and butane.

Hemp

A plant in the same species as cannabis. Hemp plants have very low levels of THC. Hemp plants have been used for industrial purposes such as to make rope, cloth, and paper. Parts of the hemp plant can used in cooking and baking, supplements, and topical products. In recent years, hemp plants have been used to make products that have CBD.

Medical use

In California, adults between the ages of 18 and 20 may only purchase and use cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation. They may also obtain a California medical marijuana ID card. Applications and instructions for obtaining a medical marijuana ID card can be found on the Department of Cannabis Control website.

Recreational use

In California, adults aged 21 and older may use cannabis for recreational use, which is the personal use of cannabis for any reason.

Strain

The variety of the cannabis plant from which a cannabis product comes. There are two main strains of cannabis plant: indica and sativa. “Hybrid” strains are produced by crossing sativa with indica. It is believed, but not scientifically confirmed, that different strains will result in different feelings of a high.

Terpene

Natural substances that give food and scented products their unique tastes and smells. Terpenes are present in cannabis plants and can affect the taste and smell of cannabis products. Examples of terpenes that provide their unique smells include “pinene,” which are found in pine needles, and “limonene” which are found in citrus fruits.