Weed Terminology 101: Strains, Weight Measurements, and More Cannabis Terms and Definitions

If you're new to the world of cannabis, whether you're planning on visiting a dispensary for the first time, or you just want to learn more about the plant, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the different terms and jargon used to describe the products. Here is a guide to some of the basic cannabis terminology:

Why Do They Call it Cannabis?

The word "cannabis" is the scientific name for the plant species that includes both marijuana and hemp. The name "cannabis" comes from the Latin word "cannabis" which is thought to have originated from the Greek word "kánnabis", which referred to the hemp plant. The word was then adopted by Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy when he was naming the species in 1753. The use of the word "cannabis" to refer to marijuana is thought to have originated in the early 20th century as a way to distinguish the psychoactive form of the plant from the non-psychoactive form (hemp).

Where Did the Term Weed Come From?

The term "weed" as slang for cannabis is thought to have originated in the early 20th century as a way to refer to marijuana in a discreet manner. Since the use and possession of marijuana was illegal during that time, people used the term "weed" as a way to talk about the drug without drawing attention to themselves. The term "weed" was also used because marijuana can grow wild and be found in many different locations, much like a common weed. Additionally, the term "weed" might have been used to describe marijuana due to the negative connotation that the word has, which could have been used to stigmatize marijuana usage and users.

What is a Cannabinoid?

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that acts on the body's cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in the brain and throughout the body, and play a role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, mood, appetite, and memory.

The cannabis plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with the two most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana and is responsible for the drug's characteristic "high." It acts on the CB1 receptors in the brain and can cause changes in perception, mood, and cognitive function.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been found to have a range of potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. CBD acts on both CB1 and CB2 receptors and can modulate the effects of THC.

Other cannabinoids found in cannabis include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Each of these compounds have their own unique properties and effects that are being studied for their therapeutic potential.

What is THC?

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive compound (yes, a cannabinoid!) found in cannabis that is responsible for the "high" feeling. It is the most well-known cannabinoid and it is present in varying amounts in different strains.

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol), also a cannabinoid, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that can help to counteract some of the negative effects of THC, it is known for its medicinal properties.

What is Sativa?

A subspecies of the cannabis plant that is known for its uplifting and energizing effects. Sativa strains typically have higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD.

What is Indica?

Indica: A subspecies of the cannabis plant that is known for its relaxing and sedating effects. Indica strains typically have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC.

What a Hybrid Strain?

A strain that is a combination of sativa and indica strains, hybrids can offer a more balanced and moderate high.

What is a Bud?

The flowering top of the cannabis plant, where the majority of the THC is found.

What is Trim?

The leaves and small buds of the cannabis plant that are removed during the harvesting process.

What is Dank?

A term used to describe high-quality, potent cannabis. When it comes to cannabis, you may have heard the term "dank" being used to describe high-quality marijuana. But what exactly does it mean?

Dank is a slang term used to describe cannabis that is potent, high-quality and has a strong aroma. It is often used to describe buds that have a high concentration of trichomes, which are the small, hair-like structures on the surface of the buds that contain the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes.

Trichomes give cannabis its characteristic aroma and flavor, and they also play a major role in the plant's psychoactive effects. So, the more trichomes a bud has, the stronger its aroma, flavor, and potential effects will be.

Dank buds typically have a strong, pungent aroma, and they may have a range of colors, including green, purple, and orange. They also tend to be dense and sticky to the touch, which is a sign of high trichome content.

It's important to note that dankness can be subjective, as different people may have different preferences when it comes to aroma, flavor, and effects. So, while one person may consider a certain strain to be dank, another person may not.

In summary, dank is a slang term used to describe high-quality cannabis that is potent, has a strong aroma, and a high concentration of trichomes. It is a subjective term, and what one person considers dank may differ from another person's perspective.

How many grams are in an ounce of cannabis?

When it comes to purchasing cannabis, you may have heard people talking about buying it by the ounce. But how much does an ounce of cannabis actually weigh? The answer is 28 grams.

An ounce is a unit of measurement commonly used in the United States and a few other countries, and it is equivalent to approximately 28 grams. This makes it easy to understand how much cannabis you are purchasing when buying by the ounce.

It's important to note that when buying cannabis, the weight may vary depending on the type of product you are buying. For example, cannabis buds will weigh more than cannabis oil. But in general, an ounce of cannabis is equal to 28 grams.

Knowing how much cannabis is in an ounce can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and ensure that you are getting the amount you want. Additionally, it's good to know that you can buy smaller amounts like 1/8th, 1/4th, 1/2 and 1 ounce, which are 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 grams respectively.

In summary, an ounce of cannabis is equal to 28 grams, making it a convenient and standard unit of measurement when buying cannabis. Understanding this measurement can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and ensure you are getting the amount of cannabis you want.

What are the Weight Measurement Guidelines of Cannabis?

It can be measured in grams, ounces, and pounds. An ounce is roughly 28 grams and a pound is roughly 453 grams.

What is a Cannabis Dose?

The amount of cannabis you consume at a time, it can vary from person to person and the effects can vary depending on the individual tolerance and the strain consumed.

What is a Terpene?

Terpenes are a group of organic compounds that are produced by many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains. Terpenes are found in the essential oils of the cannabis plant and are produced in the trichomes, which are the small, hair-like structures that cover the surface of the plant. Terpenes are not only responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of cannabis, but they also have potential therapeutic benefits. They have been known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and pain relieving properties. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, and linalool.

Are Cannabinoids Terpenes?

No, cannabinoids and terpenes are different chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds that act on the body's cannabinoid receptors, which are found in the brain and throughout the body. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Other cannabinoids include cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects and is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are a group of organic compounds that are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains. They are found in the essential oils of the cannabis plant and are produced in the trichomes.

Both terpenes and cannabinoids can have therapeutic benefits and work together to create the "Entourage Effect" which is the phenomenon where all the compounds in the plant work together to create a greater effect than any one of them in isolation.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

No, we are not referring to the TV series about Hollywood Brahs. The entourage effect is the phenomenon where all the compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes, work together to create a greater effect than any one of them in isolation. The idea behind the entourage effect is that the different compounds in the plant interact with each other in a way that enhances the plant's therapeutic properties.

For example, some terpenes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When these terpenes are combined with cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, they can work together to provide greater relief from pain and inflammation than either one alone.

Additionally, some terpenes can also interact with the endocannabinoid system and modulate the effects of the cannabinoids. Myrcene, for example, increases the blood-brain barrier permeability allowing a greater amount of THC to enter the brain. This makes the effects of THC more potent and longer lasting.

The concept of the entourage effect highlights the importance of studying the whole plant and its compounds, rather than just individual ones, in order to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

What are trichomes?

When it comes to cannabis, you may have heard the term "trichomes" being used to describe the small, hair-like structures on the surface of the buds. But what exactly are they, and why are they important?

Trichomes are small, crystal-like structures found on the surface of the cannabis plant, particularly on the buds, leaves, and stems. They are responsible for producing the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes, which give cannabis its characteristic aroma and flavor, as well as its medicinal and psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that are responsible for its medicinal and psychoactive effects. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. Another important cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which is non-psychoactive and has been found to have medicinal properties.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are the compounds responsible for the plant's aroma and flavor. They are also found in many other plants and play an important role in the plant's defense mechanism. Each strain of cannabis has its unique profile of terpenes, which is responsible for its unique aroma and flavor.

Trichomes are also responsible for the sticky feeling of the buds and that is one of the reasons why buds with more trichomes are considered to be of higher quality.

In summary, trichomes are the small, crystal-like structures found on the surface of the cannabis plant that are responsible for producing the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds give cannabis its characteristic aroma, flavor, and medicinal and psychoactive effects, making trichomes an important aspect to consider when evaluating the quality of cannabis.

It's important to keep in mind that cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction and it's essential to be aware of the laws in your area.