Glossary For The Canna-Curious
Santillán Law P.C. has provided the Canna-Curious glossary for those people who may not have used any cannabis or CBD products but who are curious to learn more about them. You will find a variety of terms here everything from terms referring to items used to smoke cannabis or CBD to terms reffering to the chemical processing of CBD/Cannabis. This glossary is not and should not be construed as legal advice it is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute “Legal Advice” For proper legal advice please consult a qualified attorney.
For more information about the industry and industry trends we recommend visiting the follow sites.
Healthline – How to take CBD & Cannabis Products
- NORML – A nonprofit public-interest advocacy group.
FDA – Federal Food & Drug Administration
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- AdaptogenA natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. Read More
- Alcohol ExtractionAn extraction process that involves using ethyl or isopropyl alcohol as a solvent to filter and strip away plant matter, oils and trichomes of cannabis, with hash remaining. Read More
- AnandamideKnown as the “bliss molecule,” anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is considered an endocannabinoid because it is produced in the brain and binds to cannabinoid receptors to promote homeostasis. It is named after “ananda,” the Sanskrit word for “joy, bliss, or happiness." Anandamide was the(...) Read More
- AromaA term used to describe the smell or taste of a plant or flower. Read More
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- BioavailabilityThe degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into a living system. Read More
- Broad-SpectrumReferring to a full-spectrum cannabis extract without any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It contains the synergistic benefits of full-spectrum extract with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids, without any traces of THC. Read More
- BudAn embryonic plant shoot, otherwise known as the flower of the mature cannabis plant. Buds are the fluffy flowers that are harvested and used, as they contain the highest concentration of active cannabinoids Read More
- BudtenderThe name used to describe the attendant at a dispensary or cannabis store who works behind the counter and helps answer questions and make suggestions on products based on individual needs. Read More
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- CannabacitranAlso known as CBT, is a minor cannabinoid with the same structure as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Read More
- CannabichromeneAlso known as CBC is a minor phytocannabinoid with preliminary research showing its efficacy for acne treatment. A 2013 study by the Italian Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry suggests that Cannabichromene (CBC) may boost neurogenesis (the production of neurons in stem cells) by improving(...) Read More
- CannabichromevarinAlso known as CBCV is a minor phytocannabinoid with similar structure and effects to Cannabichromene (CBC). Read More
- CannabicyclolAlso known as CBL is a minor phytocannabinoid with limited clinical research available. Read More
- CannabidiolAlso known as CBD is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis with enormous therapeutic potential. CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce the “high” feeling associated with marijuana. Scientists refer to CBD as a “promiscuous” compound because it causes positive(...) Read More
- Cannabidoil AcidAlso known as CBDA The acidic form of Cannabidiol (CBD), considered “inactive” until it heats to become Cannabidiol (CBD) through a process known as decarboxylation. When cannabis is heated, through smoking, cooking, or vaporization, decarboxylation occurs and the CBDA becomes Cannabidiol (CBD). Read More
- CannabielsoinAlso known as CBE is a minor phytocannabinoid classified as a byproduct of Cannabidiol (CBD) with limited clinical research available. Read More
- CannabigerolAlso known as CBG is a minor phytocannabinoid that is being studied for its promising medical potential as an antibacterial agent, appetite stimulant and muscle spasm inhibitor. Read More
- CannabinoidsThe most studied group of naturally occurring chemical compounds in cannabis, mainly due to their wide range of therapeutic effects in mammals. The cannabis plant contains about 85 known cannabinoids with varying effects. When Endocannabinoid receptors in the body are stimulated by(...) Read More
- CannabiolAlso known as CBN is a minor phytocannabinoid that is currently being studied for its potentially beneficial properties. Read More
- Cannabis (definition 2)A family of flowering plants that includes Cannabis ruderalis, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis indica. Cannabis is one of the oldest sources of food, fiber, oil and medicine, containing rich phytochemicals including cannabinoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds. Read More
- Cannabis IndicaThe scientific name for marijuana, the psychoactive variety of the cannabis plant, with high levels of THC, responsible for producing a “high.” Compared to a sativa plant, Indica plants are smaller, broader and produce more bud. It is unclear whether Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa are(...) Read More
- Cannabis RuderalisA species in the Cannabis family that is rarely farmed due to its low THC content, small stature, and inability to survive harsh climates. Unlike Cannabis sativa and indica, which use light cycles to flower, the ruderalis plant flowers with age. Read More
- Cannabis SativaThe scientific name for “hemp,” an annual herbaceous plant in the Cannabis genus originating from Central Asia that has been widely used as a medicine and industrial fiber. Cannabis sativa L. contains lower levels of THC compared to Cannabis indica, therefore it does not produce a psychoactive(...) Read More
- CapsuleA small ingestible container containing an herb or medicine that you swallow. Capsules are a common product in the medical, cannabis and supplement industries. Read More
- CB1 and CB2 ReceptorsReceptors found in the human body that mediate the effects of cannabinoids. Read More
- CBD OilAn oil containing Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. Concentrated CBD oil is commonly used as the active ingredient in cannabis tinctures, vaporizers, topicals, capsules, edibles and other products. Read More
- CO2 ExtractionThe process of pressurizing liquid or gas CO2 to its “supercritical state” and passing it through cannabis to extract the active compounds from the plant. This is considered a preferred extraction method because it does not require synthetic solvents and maintains the integrity of the plant. Read More
- ColaA cluster of buds that grow tightly together, with the main cola forming at the very top of the plant. Read More
- ConcentrateAny type of cannabis product that is refined from flowers into a more purified and potent form. Concentrates are available in a wide array of forms such as oils, wax and tinctures. They are highly potent and concentrated, containing high levels of cannabinoids and other compounds. Read More
- Cross-breedingThe process of breeding multiple cannabis plants to produce a new strain. In order to cross-breed, first the grower must grow a male plant to maturity so that it is ready to release pollen. The pollen is collected and sprinkled onto a female plant in the early stages of flowering, which causes(...) Read More
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- DecarboxylationA heating process that converts the acidic form of the cannabinoid (CBDa) to the non-acidic form (CBD). Decarboxylation is essential in activating the cannabinoids and other compounds in the plant to produce the physiological benefits. Read More
- Delta(8)-TretrahydrocannabinolA minor phytocannabinoid similar to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but with less psychoactivity. Early research has shown that Delta(8)-THC may be an appetite stimulant. Read More
- DispensaryA general term for a facility where medical cannabis patients or consumers can legally and safely access and purchase cannabis products. Read More
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- Endocannabinoid DeficiencyClinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) is an umbrella term for a group of illnesses, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. A growing number of respected scientists in the medical community believe low levels of endocannabinoids are the root cause of these conditions. Read More
- Endocannabinoid System (Definition 2)The homeostatic regulatory system of the body. The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, found in all mammals, affects every physiological process, including appetite, regulation of mood and perception of pain. It is considered one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing(...) Read More
- Endocannabinoids (Definition 2)Cannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells, and they regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including stress and mood, digestion,(...) Read More
- Entourage EffectThe natural synergy of the cannabis plant’s complementary compounds. While we don’t yet fully understand exactly how the Entourage Effect works, we know that cannabinoids, terpenes and phenols activate each other and work best together. The theory behind The Entourage Effect is that(...) Read More
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- FlavonoidsA group of phytonutrients known for providing color pigmentation to plants. Over 6,000 varieties of flavonoids have been found in nature, some of which are responsible for protecting plants against the elements, such as harmful UV raps, pests, and diseases. Cannabis flavonoids, called(...) Read More
- Flowering TimeThe period in which a plant produces flowers (bud). A plant enters the flowering time when its exposure to light hits 12 or fewer hours a day, in nature or in an artificial growing ecosystem. After plants have entered the flowering phase and are subjected to a schedule of 12 hours of darkness(...) Read More
- Full-SpectrumReferring to a cannabis extract that contains the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids found in the plant. Compared to other extracts, full-spectrum contains everything the plant contains. The extraction technique is designed so that no active compounds are lost(...) Read More
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- GenotypeReferring to the genetic building blocks that the plant was created from, specifically which genes were isolated and combined to create the genetic makeup. Read More
- GenusA generic term used in the classification of living organism. This term is a rank below the family and above the species of the biological organism. Read More
- GerminationThe start of the plant’s growth cycle, specifically referring to when the seed cracks and sprouts a seedling. This process is intentionally triggered to force cannabis seeds out of their dormant state and back into the normal growth life cycle. Read More
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- HashShort for hashish, hash is concentrated cannabis produced by removing the plant’s trichomes through filtration. Once the powder is collected, it is pressed and ready for usage. Hash is more potent than cannabis flowers because everything but the active part of the plant has been removed Read More
- HeirloomA virgin breed of cannabis that has not been mixed or crossbred with another, thus maintaining its original genetics. Read More
- Hemp Seed OilAn oil extracted by pressing the seeds of the hemp plant to extract an oil that is commonly used in skincare and food products. This oil is high in linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and essential fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3), which are beneficial to the skin and help support immunity.(...) Read More
- HomeostasisThe body’s state of balance that enables cells and systems to live and function. When external forces like stress or environmental chemicals disturb homeostasis, our body is able to push back and regain balance and stability. Compounds such as cannabinoids perfectly bind to receptors in the(...) Read More
- Homeostasis ImbalanceAn inability to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis imbalance occurs when cells in the body experience a deficiency, such as nutritional deficiencies resulting from an unhealthy diet or when cells are exposed to toxins. Stress also threatens homeostasis. Homeostatic imbalance (leading to(...) Read More
- HybridA strain of cannabis that is a cross between two genetically different strains of cannabis, occurring randomly or intentionally. Hybrids are typically created by cross-breeding two or more preferred traits of a plant to make a more desired combination. Read More
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- IntoxicatingCausing or capable of causing intoxication. Unlike Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) causes intoxicating effects. Read More
- IsolateThe extraction of a compound such as CBD from the cannabis plant so the subsequent product is a concentrated amount of a single molecule, lacking other cannabinoids and terpenes. Read More
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- KiefA concentrated amount of trichomes that have been separated from the marijuana flower, known to be extremely potent. Kief is the main ingredient in hashish. Read More
- KushReferring to cannabis plants that originate from the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush strains are indica with an earthy and piney aroma. Read More
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- Major CannabinoidsThe main constituents of cannabis, referring to Tetrahydrocannaidiol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Read More
- Minor CannabinoidsAny and all cannabinoids from the plant other than Tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Read More
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- NeurotransmitterOften referred to as the body's chemical messengers. They are the molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons, or from neurons to muscles. Communication between two neurons happens in the synaptic cleft (the small gap between the synapses of neurons). Read More
- Non-toxicatingNot intoxicating; incapable of causing intoxication. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabidol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating, as it does not cause intoxicating effects. Read More
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- OrganicRelating to a living matter produced without the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers or other man made artificial agents. Read More
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- PhenolActive compounds produced by cannabis and other plants and microorganisms consisting of aromatic hydrocarbons, which contribute to the unique scent of every strain. Read More
- PhenotypeA term used to identify a plant’s inherit characteristics and physical traits, including scent, taste, appearance, impact and efficacy. Phenotypes are the expression of genetics in the physical growing environment. Plants with the same genetics can display different phenotypes if they are(...) Read More
- PhytocannabinoidsMedically active compounds found in the hemp and marijuana plants that are similar in structure and function to endocannabinoids naturally produced by mammals. Phytocannabinoids interact with and support the ECS to “regulate regulation,” promoting homeostasis, or “balance.” Read More
- PistilPart of the female cannabis plant’s anatomy, referring to all of the reproductive parts of the female plant, including an ovule and two stigmas. Pistils are small, hair-like features on the flower, ranging in color from white to red. When female plants are fertilized, the pistil is activated(...) Read More
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- ReceptorsA chemical group or molecule on or in our cells that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus. In the Endocannabinoid System, receptors have an affinity for endocannabinoids. Read More
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- SativaThe scientific name for the Cannabis Sativa species of cannabis. It is commonly used to describe a type of marijuana that produces more stimulating and cerebral effects, compared to indica strains. Read More
- SeedThe flowering plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another plant. In order to reproduce, the flower of a female plant must be pollinated by a male plant so the female plant produces seeds. Once the seeds are mature, the female plant begins to die and seeds are either(...) Read More
- SinsemillaSeedless female plants that grow large cannabinoid-rich buds with no seeds. Read More
- StigmaThe vibrant, hairlike strands of the pistil used to collect pollen from males. The stigmas of the pistil begin with a white coloration and progressively become yellow, orange, red, and brown throughout the plant’s maturation. They play a critical role in reproduction by providing a passageway(...) Read More
- StrainA specific variety of a plant species. Strains are usually named by their breeders, and they are developed to produce specific desired effects. Strains are distinguished by appearance, aroma, location of origin and cannabinoid and terpene content. Read More
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- TerahydrocannabinoilAlso known as THC, the main phytocannabinoid in the marijuana plant responsible for the "high," the euphoric and psychoactive effects on the body. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the only known intoxicating phytocannabinoid that can alter behavior, consciousness, mood, appetite and perception.(...) Read More
- TerpenesTerpenes are a group of chemical compounds found in nearly all plant life on Earth, with Cannabis being no exception. Terpenes are responsible for the wide variety of smells and flavors associated with different Cannabis strains. Read More
- Tetrahydocannabinolic AcidAlso known as THCA, the acidic form of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), considered “inactive” until it heats (through decarboxylation) to become Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Read More
- TetrahydocannabivarinAlso known as THCV, A psychoactive phytocannabinoid known as the “sibling” of THC that may be effective in suppressing appetite. Read More
- TincturesTinctures is a term used to refer to cannabis extracts/concentrates that are typically delivered under the tongue (sublingually) or in a mucous membrane via an eyedropper. Tinctures are intended to be a fast delivery method without smoking. Read More
- Topicals / TransdermalsTopicals and transdermals area type of cannabis product where the active compounds in the flowers have been extracted and added to a product that is applied directly to the skin. As the body’s biggest organ, the skin allows for transdermal absorption of compounds like cannabinoids into the(...) Read More
- TrichomesCrystal-like components of the cannabis plant that hold the most cannabinoid content. Read More
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- Vape / Vaporizer / Vape Pen / Vape CartridgeA vape, vaporizer, or vape pen is a convenient method of consumption that takes a vape cartridge full of concentrate or extract and heats it up with a small coil. The vaporized contents are then inhaled by the user. This method of consumption is very common, due to the small size of vape(...) Read More
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- WeedA slang term referring to marijuana, or Cannabis Sativa Read More
- Whole PlantBroad extracts containing a spectrum of cannabinoids and other components of cannabis, such as terpenes and phenols. Unlike isolated CBD or THC, whole-plant products maintain the integrity of the plant by featuring multiple compounds that work together to create The Entourage Effect. The main(...) Read More
More Resources From The Web
Vote Hemp – Washington, DC based grassroots nonprofit organization working since 2000 to bring back hemp farming in the U.S.
DISA – MAP OF MARIJUANA LEGALITY BY STATE
Harvard Health Publishing – What we know about cannabinoids
NIH – Cannabis (Marijuana) Drug Facts
NIH – Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
WebMD – What is legal and where
Us Hemp Roundtable – Leading the way forward for safe and legal CBD and Hemp products
APIS – About Cannabis Policy
FDA – Cannabis and CBD Research
GoodRx Health – Guide to Safe and Healthy Cannabis Use
Other Cannabis & Hemp Related Glossaries
Learn! Cannabis and Hemp Law Glossary
Noted and Interesting Terms in the Hemp and Marijuana Industry
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