The Ultimate Dispensary Glossary: Speak the Language of Cannabis Like a Pro

Ever walked into a cannabis dispensary and felt like everyone was speaking a different language? You’re not alone. The cannabis industry is rich with unique terms, acronyms, and slang that can be overwhelming.

Picture this: You walk into a dispensary, eager to explore the world of cannabis. But within minutes, the budtender starts throwing around words like “terpenes,” “shatter,” “live resin,” and “phenotype”—and suddenly, you’re lost.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This glossary is your cheat sheet to cannabis terminology—from common slang to industry-specific terms. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned cannabis connoisseur, you’ll walk out of your next dispensary visit feeling like an expert.

A – C: Core Cannabis Concepts

Adult-Use Cannabis

Cannabis is legally sold for recreational use to adults (typically 21+ years old, depending on the jurisdiction). Unlike medical cannabis, it does not require a doctor’s prescription or medical card. Regulations for purchasing limits, taxation, and product potency vary by state or country.

Aroma

The distinct scent of cannabis is influenced by its terpene profile. Terpenes are organic compounds that not only contribute to aroma but may also influence effects. Common aroma types include:

• Citrusy (Limonene) – Energizing, mood-boosting
• Piney (Pinene) – Alertness, anti-inflammatory properties
• Earthy/Musky (Myrcene) – Sedative, pain relief
• Skunky (Various terpenes) – Strong and pungent, commonly associated with high THC strains

Autoflowering Cannabis

A type of cannabis plant that transitions from the vegetative phase to flowering automatically, regardless of the light cycle. Typically, auto flowers originate from Cannabis ruderalis, making them ideal for beginners due to their short growing cycles and hardiness.

BHO (Butane Hash Oil)

A potent cannabis concentrate extracted using butane as a solvent. It is processed into various forms, including:

• Shatter – Glass-like, brittle concentrate
• Wax – Soft, opaque, and pliable texture
• Crumble – Dry, crumbly consistency
• Budder – Whipped, creamy texture

Due to the flammable nature of butane, BHO extraction is dangerous if done incorrectly. Commercial BHO should always be lab-tested to ensure residual solvents have been purged.

Blunt

A hollowed-out cigar or cigarillo filled with cannabis. Due to the tobacco wrap, blunts offer a slow burn and higher nicotine exposure compared to joints.

Broad-Spectrum Extract

A cannabis extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had the THC removed. This is common in CBD-focused products for users who want the entourage effect without psychoactive effects.

Bubble Hash

A solventless cannabis concentrate made using ice water, agitation, and fine mesh screens to separate trichomes from plant material. The final product is graded based on micron size and purity—higher-quality bubble hash melts fully when heated.

Bud

The flowering part of the cannabis plant is harvested for consumption. Buds contain trichomes, cannabinoids, and terpenes, which contribute to potency and aroma.

Budtender

A dispensary staff member responsible for guiding customers through product selections. Budtenders should be knowledgeable about:

• Cannabinoid and terpene profiles
• Consumption methods (smoking, vaping, edibles, topicals, etc.)
• Potency levels and dosing recommendations
• State and local cannabis regulations

Buds Per Watt (BPW)

A measurement of cannabis yield in indoor grows—used to assess how much flower is produced per watt of lighting power.

Cannabinoids

Naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis plants that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body. They influence mood, pain, appetite, and memory. The most common cannabinoids include:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The primary psychoactive component responsible for the “high.”
• CBD (Cannabidiol) – Non-intoxicating, known for potential anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and pain-relief properties.
• CBG (Cannabigerol) – Sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid” because other cannabinoids derive from it. Known for potential neuroprotective and antibacterial effects.
• CBN (Cannabinol) – Forms when THC degrades; associated with sedative properties.
• THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – A cannabinoid that may act as an appetite suppressant and promote mental clarity.

Cannabis Ruderalis

A wild subspecies of cannabis native to Russia and Central Asia, known for its auto-flowering traits. It has low THC content and is typically bred with indica or sativa strains to create autoflower hybrids.

Cannabis Sativa

A tall-growing cannabis species with long, narrow leaves. Sativa strains are generally known for:

• Energizing, uplifting effects
• Higher THC-to-CBD ratios
• Longer flowering periods (12+ weeks)
• Preferred for daytime use

Cannabis Concentrates

Highly potent cannabis extracts that contain significantly more cannabinoids than the raw flower. Popular concentrates include:

• Live Resin – Extracted from fresh-frozen plants to retain maximum terpenes.
• Rosin – A solventless extract made with heat and pressure.
• Distillate – A purified oil with nearly pure THC or CBD.
• Sauce – A mix of terpenes and high-potency cannabinoids, creating a viscous texture.

Capsules (Cannabis Softgels/Pills)

Pre-measured gel capsules or tablets containing cannabis oil or decarboxylated cannabis powder. Capsules offer precise dosing and a smokeless consumption method.

CO₂ Extraction

A clean and efficient method for extracting cannabis compounds using pressurized carbon dioxide (CO₂). This technique preserves terpenes and cannabinoids, making it preferred for medical-grade extracts and vape oils.

Clone

A genetically identical cutting taken from a mature cannabis plant used to propagate new plants with identical traits. Cloning helps preserve desirable genetics and ensures consistency in cannabis cultivation.

Combustion

The burning of cannabis when smoking it in a joint, blunt, or pipe. Combustion releases cannabinoids, but it also produces potentially harmful byproducts such as carbon monoxide.

Couch-Lock

A term used to describe intense body sedation caused by certain indica-dominant strains with high levels of myrcene and THC.

Crossbreeding

The process of breeding two different cannabis strains to create a new hybrid variety. Crossbreeding aims to enhance specific effects, flavors, and growing characteristics.

Curing

The post-harvest process of drying and aging cannabis to improve its flavor, potency, and smoothness. Curing allows the chlorophyll to break down and the terpenes to develop fully, enhancing the smoking experience.

D – F: Consumption Methods and Dispensary Essentials

This section covers essential cannabis terminology related to consumption methods, processing, and dispensary operations. Understanding these terms ensures informed product selection and compliance with industry standards.

Dab

A highly concentrated cannabis extract is vaporized using a dab rig, which heats the extract to create an inhalable vapor. Dabs are known for their potency and fast-acting effects, making them popular among experienced users.

Common types of dabs include:

• Shatter – A brittle, translucent concentrate that cracks easily.
• Wax – Soft and malleable, easier to manipulate.
• Live Resin – Extracted from fresh-frozen plants, retaining maximum terpenes.
• Rosin – A solventless extract made using heat and pressure, valued for its purity.
• Crumble – A dry, honeycomb-like consistency that crumbles easily.

Dabbing delivers higher cannabinoid doses than smoking flowers, making it a preferred choice for users with high tolerance or medical needs.

Decarboxylation (Decarb)

A heat-based chemical reaction that activates cannabinoids in raw cannabis. Without this process, cannabis remains largely non-psychoactive.

• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) must convert to THC for intoxicating effects.
• CBDA must convert to CBD for full therapeutic benefits.

Decarboxylation occurs naturally when smoking or vaping but is a required step for making edibles, tinctures, and cannabis oils. Without decarbing, edibles will lack potency.

Distillate

A purified cannabis extract that contains nearly pure THC or CBD, stripped of all plant compounds except cannabinoids. Distillates are used in:

• Vape cartridges
• Edibles
• Capsules and tinctures

Distillate is known for:

• High potency due to cannabinoid isolation.
• Odorless and tasteless properties that make it ideal for infusion.
• Versatility, as it can be incorporated into various products.

Since distillates lack terpenes, they do not provide the entourage effect unless reintroduced during formulation.

Dry Sift

A solventless concentrate made by sifting cannabis buds through fine mesh screens to collect trichomes. This method produces kief, which can be pressed into hash. Dry sift is valued for its purity and potency.

E-Rig (Electronic Dab Rig)

A battery-powered dab rig that heats concentrates without the need for a butane torch. E-rigs offer precise temperature control, improving flavor and efficiency.

Edibles

Cannabis-infused food and drinks that provide a longer-lasting high than smoking or vaping. Since edibles are metabolized by the liver, the effects are typically more intense and longer-lasting.

Types of edibles include:

• Baked goods such as brownies and cookies.
• Gummies and candies for precise dosing.
• Beverages including infused teas, sodas, and coffees.
• Tinctures are taken sublingually but also used in edibles.

Onset time: 30–90 minutes (depending on metabolism and stomach contents).
Peak effects: 2–4 hours.
Duration: 6–8 hours, sometimes longer.

Edibles can produce more intense psychoactive effects due to the conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver.

Eighth (3.5g)

A common unit of cannabis measurement refers to ⅛ of an ounce or 3.5 grams of dried flower.

• Quarter (7g) – Two eighths
• Half-ounce (14g) – Four eighths
• Ounce (28g) – Eight eighths

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

A complex cell-signaling system in the human body that interacts with cannabinoids to regulate:

• Mood
• Pain perception
• Appetite
• Sleep cycles
• Immune response

The ECS includes:

• CB1 receptors – Found in the brain and nervous system, responsible for THC’s psychoactive effects.
• CB2 receptors – Found in the immune system, linked to CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Entourage Effect

A theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically to enhance cannabis effects. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products provide a more balanced experience than THC or CBD isolates.

Excise Tax

A government-imposed tax is applied before sales tax, typically charged at the dispensary level. Cannabis excise tax rates vary by state and municipality.

Examples:

• California: 15% excise tax on retail sales.
• Colorado: 15% excise tax on wholesale transactions.
• Washington: 37% excise tax, among the highest in the U.S.

Excise taxes help fund cannabis regulation, education, and public health programs.

Extraction Methods

Techniques used to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plant material. Common methods include:

• CO2 Extraction – Uses pressurized carbon dioxide to create a clean, solvent-free extract.
• Ethanol Extraction – Efficient for large-scale production but may remove some terpenes.
• Hydrocarbon Extraction (BHO) – Uses butane or propane to create concentrates like shatter and wax.
• Rosin Pressing – A solventless method using heat and pressure.

The extraction method affects the potency, purity, and flavor of cannabis products.

Full-Spectrum Extract

A cannabis extract that contains a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, delivering a more complex and holistic experience than isolates.

Full-spectrum products retain more of the plant’s natural compounds, maximizing the entourage effect.

G – I: Growing, Effects & Infusions

Genetics (Strain Lineage)

The hereditary traits passed from parent plants to cannabis offspring. Cannabis strains are bred for specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles, affecting flavor, potency, and effects.

• Landrace Strains – Pure, naturally occurring strains from specific regions.
• Hybrid Strains – Crossbred plants combining sativa and indica characteristics.

Growth Cycle of Cannabis

Cannabis has four primary growth stages:

1. Germination – Seed sprouts (3–10 days).
2. Seedling – Small leaves begin to form (2–3 weeks).
3. Vegetative Stage – Rapid growth and branch development (3–16 weeks).
4. Flowering Stage – Bud production occurs, requiring a 12/12 light cycle for photoperiod plants.

Greenhouse Cannabis Cultivation

A hybrid growing method that uses natural sunlight while controlling environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Provides cost efficiency compared to indoor grows while offering better protection than outdoor cultivation.

Harvesting & Curing

Harvesting occurs when cannabis buds have matured, and trichomes appear milky or amber. After harvest, cannabis is:

• Dried for 7–14 days in a climate-controlled space.
• Cured in airtight containers to enhance potency and flavor.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

• Hemp – Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, used for industrial purposes and CBD extraction.
• Marijuana – Cannabis with higher THC levels, commonly used for medical and recreational consumption.

Infused Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolled joints are enhanced with concentrates like hash, kief, or cannabis oil for increased potency.

Indica

Indica is one of the three main cannabis types, alongside sativa and hybrid. It is typically associated with relaxation, pain relief, and sedative effects, making it ideal for nighttime use.

J – P: Potency, Processing, and Products

This section covers essential cannabis terminology related to potency, preparation, and product types. Whether you’re rolling a joint, selecting a concentrate, or monitoring the strength of your cannabis, understanding these terms is key.

Joint

A cannabis cigarette rolled in thin paper. Unlike blunts, joints contain only cannabis with no tobacco.

Common rolling paper types:

• Hemp – Slow-burning, natural flavor.
• Rice – Thin and slow-burning, with minimal flavor impact.
• Flax – Balanced burn rate, common in pre-rolls.
• Cellulose (Transparent) – Made from plant cellulose for a slow burn.

Joints can be hand-rolled or pre-rolled by dispensaries for convenience.

Kief

A fine, powdery substance composed of trichomes (the resin glands of the cannabis plant) that collect at the bottom of a grinder.

• High in THC and terpenes.
• Often used to increase potency in joints, bowls, or concentrates.
• It can be pressed into hash for consumption.

Macrodosing vs. Microdosing

Microdosing

Taking small, controlled amounts of cannabis (typically 2.5–5mg THC) to achieve subtle therapeutic effects without intense intoxication.

Benefits of microdosing:

• Can enhance focus without sedation.
• May reduce anxiety or stress at low doses.
• Good for beginners or medical users who want mild effects.

Macrodosing

Consuming high doses of THC (25mg+ or more per session) for strong effects, often used for:

• Chronic pain relief.
• Heavy relaxation or sleep aid.
• High-tolerance users seeking more potent effects.

Choosing between microdosing and macrodosing depends on experience, tolerance, and therapeutic goals.

Pinner Joint

A thin, lightly packed joint, usually made when conserving cannabis supplies. Often preferred for mild effects or personal use.

Potency

A measure of how strong a cannabis product is, primarily determined by THC percentage or cannabinoid content.

• Low-potency cannabis – Under 10% THC (mild effects, good for beginners).
• Moderate potency – 10–20% THC (standard for many flower strains).
• High-potency cannabis – 25%+ THC (strong effects, suitable for experienced users).
• Concentrates – often range from 60% to 90%+ THC.

Factors that influence potency:

• Strain genetics – Some strains naturally produce higher THC levels.
• Growing conditions – Light exposure, nutrients, and care have effects on potency.
• Curing process – Proper curing helps preserve potency and terpene content.

Pre-Roll

A ready-to-smoke joint or blunt sold at dispensaries. Some pre-rolls are infused with kief, hash, or cannabis oil for extra potency.

Processing Methods for Cannabis Products

How cannabis is harvested, cured, and extracted impacts its final quality and potency.

Common processing methods:

• Flash-Freezing – Used for live resin, preserving terpene content.
• Curing – Controlled drying of cannabis buds to enhance flavor and smoothness.
• Solvent Extraction – Uses chemicals like butane or ethanol to create concentrates.
• Rosin Pressing – A solventless technique using heat and pressure to extract oil.

S – U: Strains, Terpenes & Delivery Methods

Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid

• Sativa – Energizing, cerebral effects, good for daytime use.
• Indica – Relaxing, sedative effects, best for nighttime.
• Hybrid – A balance of both, depending on strain genetics.

Shatter vs. Wax

• Shatter – Hard, glass-like concentrate that “shatters” when broken.
• Wax – Softer, creamier consistency, easier to handle.

Both contain high THC levels and are used for dabbing.

Solvent vs. Solventless Concentrates

• Solvent-Based – Extracted using butane, propane, or CO2.
• Solventless – Uses heat, pressure, or water to extract cannabinoids (e.g., rosin and bubble hash).

THCA vs. THC

• THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – Found in raw cannabis, non-psychoactive.
• THC – Activated through decarboxylation, producing psychoactive effects.

Topicals

Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and creams provide localized pain relief without psychoactive effects.

Q – Z: Regulations, Strains, and Technology

Rosin vs. Resin

• Rosin: Solventless concentrate created using heat and pressure.
• Live Resin: Made from fresh cannabis plants using solvent-based extraction.

Shake vs. Trim

• Shake: Small leftover cannabis pieces from larger buds.
• Trim: Leftover leaves, often used in edibles and extracts.

Tinctures

Liquid cannabis extracts placed under the tongue for quick absorption. Popular for precise dosing.

Topicals

Cannabis-infused creams, balms, and lotions used for localized relief of pain or inflammation—no psychoactive effects.

Vape Cartridge (Cart)

A pre-filled cannabis oil cartridge used in vaporizers. Available in THC and CBD varieties.

Wholesale Cannabis

Bulk cannabis products sold to dispensaries by licensed cultivators or distributors.

Zoning Laws

Local regulations determine where dispensaries can operate, affecting business locations and accessibility.

Wrapping Up: Own Your Cannabis Knowledge

Nowadays, cannabis is more than just a plant—it’s a culture, an industry, and a science, each with its own evolving language. For the casual consumer, this glossary equips you with the knowledge you need to visit dispensaries with confidence, engage in informed discussions, and make smarter product choices. We hope that it will also be a useful tool for dispensary owners and industry experts. 

As the industry continues to grow, so will its terminology. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly—find what works best for you.

Want to streamline your dispensary operations? IndicaOnline has the tools to help.