A Beginner’s Guide to Weed Culture and Terms
The growing popularity of cannabis and its continued legalization around the world have led to a plethora of terminology. If you are an experienced user or a curious novice, understanding the cannabis vocabulary that surrounds you can make your exploration easier and help you make more informed decisions. Cannabis vocabulary can range from Indica to Sativa, bongs to blunts, and is used to describe many aspects of this plant. This guide will simplify common cannabis terminology and its meanings.
Let’s explore the world of cannabis weed, marijuana, etc, by starting with the terms we may encounter in this ever-evolving culture.
Essential Cannabis Terms Every Consumer Should Understand
With so many different languages, it can be challenging to understand what it means to be involved in the cannabis world. Whether you have been smoking for years or have never touched it, knowing basic cannabis language will help you enjoy the experience of using cannabis much more. Here is a list of cannabis terms you may want to know:
Cannabis / Weed / Marijuana
These words have distinct definitions. However, many people use them interchangeably. All these words refer to the psychoactive plant scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis.
Cannabis is the most formal and scientific term.
Weed is a common slang word used frequently in pop culture.
Marijuana is an outdated term with baggage, but it is still in general use. Many prefer the more neutral term cannabis these days.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the most prominent psychoactive component of cannabis. It is responsible for the exhilarating, euphoric, or high feeling that many cannabis users experience. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, particularly the brain’s CB1 receptors, which affect mood, perception, and appetite. Typically, higher THC levels equate to a more intense high; hence, the popularity in looking for this on every weed shopper’s wish list.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is non-psychoactive, unlike THC. CBD won’t get you high; however, it does provide benefits in relieving anxiety, reducing pain, and aiding inflammation. CBD can be used for medical purposes in various ways, including oils, tinctures, creams, and edible products.
Some CBDA users prefer to consume strains with a higher CBD content, or CBDA-rich strains, during the daytime or while treating a condition without the psychoactive effect of THC.
Indica
Indica strains are often classified as couch-lock, relaxing, and heavy-bodied. Indica strains are commonly used to help patrons sleep, reduce restlessness, or simply alleviate stress. Indica usually has a higher CBD to THC ratio and can be used for chronic pain or insomnia.
Sativa
Sativa is the opposite of indica. Sativa strains are generally uplifting and cerebral, or heady and high energy. Where indica reduces energy and promotes relaxation, strains metabolized as Sativa provide a sense of euphoria and stimulation for creativity and social contexts. Sativa strains typically have a higher THC component than CBD and are most popular when creating art or in a social setting.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are genetically comprised of both Indica and Sativa. They offer a balanced experience that can sometimes be tailored to help produce specific outcomes, such as relaxation without drowsiness or creativity without anxiety. It all depends on what strain in the cross is dominant, whether it is Indica, Sativa, or a balanced hybrid.
Bud / Flower
Bud or flower is the smokable part of the cannabis plant where the majority of the THC and CBD are contained. When you are purchasing cannabis, especially in its natural state, you are typically buying cured buds that are ready for smoking, vaping, or turning into edibles.
Joint
A cannabis cigarette rolled with thin rolling papers, as opposed to a blunt wrap or another type of paper. Joints are probably the most iconic way to consume weed, or at least the most accessible. A joint can be filled with just cannabis flower, and most joints do include a crutch or filter to help with airflow and to hold on to.
Blunt
A blunt is similar to a joint in that it represents both a rolled and smoked cannabis product. However, it is rolled with either cigar or blunt wraps made from tobacco leaves. Blunt wraps are used to roll a larger cannabis product than a joint and may contain nicotine from the wrap itself, which can enhance the buzz and flavour of the experience. Blunts are also often smoked more socially than joints, primarily due to their size.
Bong
A bong is a water pipe used for the consumption of cannabis. Bongs act as a filtration system by filtering the water in the bong, cooling the smoke to a lower temperature, which allows for smoother hits. They can vary in complexity and size, all of which can provide your lungs with powerful hits.
Edibles
Edibles are foods or drinks that are infused with cannabis. Edibles can be anything from brownies to gummies to tea to chocolate, and can be an accessible and long-lasting way to consume weed without people noticing. The effects of edibles take longer to kick in (30 minutes to 2 hours) than smoked or vaped cannabis, but the effects tend to last for a significantly longer time.
Vape
Regarding cannabis, vaping involves heating cannabis oil or flower at a temperature that releases the cannabinoids as a vapor. Vape pens and portable vaporizers have become popular because of their convenience, absence of smell, and lesser respiratory impact compared to smoking cannabis.
Weed Grinder
A weed grinder is a tool used to break down cannabis buds. The goal of a weed grinder is to break large cannabis buds down into consistently smaller pieces, which will allow for more airflow and more consistent burns when smoking or vaping. Weed grinders will often have multiple compartments, including one to collect the kief if the grinder has a fine screen.
Hit
A hit refers to a single inhalation of cannabis smoke or vapor. It can be from a joint, blunt, bong, or vape. Regardless, a hit is one puff or inhale. How many hits and how big a hit you take will determine the strength of your experience.
Munchies
The munchies refer to the strong appetite that many people experience after consuming some level of THC. It is a well-known side effect that may cause users to crave snacks, usually sweets or salty foods. This is simply because THC interacts with the brain.
Dank
Dank refers to high-quality, potent cannabis. If someone says the weed is dank, it means it is fresh, aromatic, sticky, and probably very potent. Dank buds usually smell strongly, have a wealth of trichomes, and are rich in color.
Loud
Much like dank, loud refers to cannabis that has an aroma that is strong and pungent, to the point where it can reveal itself from a bag or pocket. Loud weed is typically premium and high in terpenes, which preserves the scent and flavor of the cannabis.
Kief
Kief is the fine, powdery residue made from fallen trichomes from cannabis flowers. It tends to build up in the bottom chamber of your grinder. Kief is also very rich in cannabinoids, and a great way to get an extra kick is by sprinkling kief on your bowl or joint.
Trichomes
Trichomes are little granular, glass-like glands of the cannabis flower/oil that contain the highest concentrations of THC, CBD, and terpenes. These resinous structures contribute to the frosty appearance and potent effects of the bud.
Hemp
Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC; therefore, it will not produce psychoactive effects. Hemp is used for a variety of industrial products, including clothing, paper, ropes, and biofuels. Hemp is also a popular source of CBD.
Terpenes
Terpenes are organic aromatic compounds found in cannabis as well as many other plants. They contribute to the smell and flavor of your weed and can also possibly indicate its effects. Myrcene is relaxing, while limonene is uplifting.
Concentrates
Concentrates are potent cannabis extracts that contain high amounts of THC or CBD. Examples of concentrates include: shatter, wax, oil, and live resin. Concentrates are consumed in small quantities, often dabbing or vaping.
Dab
A dab is a small amount of cannabis concentrate that takes the place of vapor that you can then inhale into your lungs. Dabbing provides a heavier and faster-acting high, which is not suitable for beginners. Dabs are used with specific tools, such as a dab rig and torch.
Tincture
A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract that is created by soaking cannabis in either alcohol or another oil-type substance. Most people take tinctures sublingually (under the tongue), and their effects can get into the bloodstream very quickly; tinctures are often an excellent way to dose cannabis accurately and are predominantly used for treating medical conditions.
Microdosing
Microdosing is consuming tiny amounts of cannabis, in most cases using a THC or CBD extract, to achieve very subtle effects without the high. Microdosing is often used for improving kids with anxiety, focus, and creative problems, while still being able to complete their daily functions.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking to maximize your vape, experience the relaxing effects of an Indica Cannabis strain, or try edibles and tinctures, the vernacular of cannabis can enrich your experience. There are so many consumption methods, varieties, and experiences happening that we are all uniquely invited into cannabis culture.
Make sure to start slowly, especially if you plan on using edibles or dabs, and always consider quality. The more you know, the higher you will go.