Other Names for Cannabis: Terms from A to Z
How many do you know? For newbies and seasoned users alike, here’s an A-Z list of common cannabis-related words and what they mean.
Over the years and across the globe, cannabis has been known by many names. The words we use to describe this plant are as varied as its uses; from medicinal to recreational. This diversity reflects the cultural importance of marijuana in different societies around the world, its legality and the social issues surrounding it. Plus these terms refer not only to language differences but also to how attitudes towards cannabis have changed over time. In this post we’ll be looking at some of the names for marijuana. Whether you call it marijuana, weed, pot or herb every term means something and how people view and treat it today.
History of Cannabis Terminology
There is a long history behind the words we use for cannabis which shows how long cannabis has been part of human society. It’s the word ‘cannabis’ that was taken from Latin and Greek, probably from older Semitic languages like Hebrew “kaneh bosm” (aromatic reed or hemp). This term has been around for centuries in botanical and academic texts so the plant was known to people of different cultures for a long time.
Weed is a modern term that started in the mid 20th century. It means an increasingly casual acceptance of cannabis in popular culture and among young people. Pot—a media buzzword—is probably from Mexican words potiguaya or potaguaya meaning cannabis leaf. Here are a few more terms for marijuana.
Aroma
The nose knows. Cannabis’s aromas come from terpenes, chemical compounds that give each strain its smell—from sweet and floral to spicy and woody to funky skunk. Notable terpenes include Alpha-pinene (pine, rosemary), Beta-caryophyllene (spicy, citrus), Caryophyllene oxide (clove, pepper, woody), Limonene (lemon, citrus), Myrcene (skunk, clove, fruit), and Phytol (floral, woody). Which is your favorite?
Bud
Also known as the flower, cannabis buds are covered in resinous trichomes, the plant’s most prized, concentrated and cannabinoid rich part. The bud is the most consumed part of the plant and is highly valued for its high THC and CBD content.
Concentrates
Cannabis products made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant to create a concentrated form. These can be in various consistencies, wax, shatter, oil or tinctures and are popular for their potency and versatility. Concentrates have much higher THC levels than dried flower so are a strong choice for experienced users.
Dab
A small amount of cannabis concentrate vaporized using a special device called a dab rig. Dabs are potent and quick acting so are great for those looking for immediate and intense effects. The process involves heating a surface (nail) and placing the dab on it to produce vapor which is then inhaled.
Edibles
Any food product infused with cannabis or cannabis extracts like butter or oil. Popular edibles include baked goods (brownies, cookies), gummies and chocolates. Edibles are a smoke free way to consume cannabis but their effects take longer to kick in compared to inhalation methods and can be more intense. This is because the cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system and liver and convert THC into a more potent form. So edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect but their effects last longer, often for several hours. Start with a low dose and wait before consuming more to avoid overconsumption.
Flower
Individual flowers of the cannabis plant come together to form the trichome rich bud, the most prized part of the plant. The flower is harvested, dried and cured before being consumed in various forms, smoking, vaporizing or as an ingredient in concentrates. It’s valued for its high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Ganja
Although thought to be Jamaican in origin, “ganja” is the Hindi word for cannabis. It was popularized in the West through the Rastafarian movement and reggae music and is now synonymous with cannabis culture worldwide. The term is often associated with spiritual and ceremonial use of cannabis.
Hash
Hash, short for hashish, is a concentrated form of cannabis made by compressing and processing trichomes from the flower. These trichomes are separated from the plant then pressed into blocks or rolled into balls. Hash can be dry and crumbly or sticky and malleable depending on how it’s prepared. Hash is consumed by smoking, vaporizing or as an ingredient in edibles.
Indica
One of the three main species of cannabis, Cannabis indica is characterized by its broad leaves, stocky growth and sedative effects. Indica strains are often recommended for evening or nighttime use as they promote relaxation, relieve pain and aid sleep. It’s used for insomnia, chronic pain and anxiety.
Joint
A rolled cannabis cigarette, usually made with rolling paper or hemp wraps. Joints are a popular and easy way to consume cannabis. Some users add a filter or “crutch” to the end of the joint to improve airflow and not inhale plant material.
Kief
The fine powdery trichomes that fall off the cannabis flower during handling. Kief is collected and used as a concentrate, often sprinkled onto ground flower or pressed into hash. Kief is potent because of its high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, makes it a great addition to any smoking or vaping session.
Live Resin
A type of cannabis concentrate made from fresh, frozen cannabis plants instead of dried or cured buds. This method preserves higher levels of terpenes and cannabinoids resulting in a flavorful and aromatic product. Live resin is known for its more vibrant and complex flavor profile compared to other concentrates.
Microdosing
A consumption method where very small amounts of cannabis are taken, usually for medical use, to get the therapeutic benefits without feeling “high”. Microdosing is used to manage conditions like anxiety, depression or chronic pain while maintaining functionality throughout the day.
Nug
A slang term for high quality cannabis flower. Nugs are dense, well formed and covered in trichomes, means high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. The term is often used to describe premium cannabis products.
OG
Short for “Original Gangster”, OG is often associated with strains derived from OG Kush, a legendary hybrid strain known for its potency. OG strains are usually recognized for its strong, earthy and piney flavors and balanced effects which can be both mentally stimulating and physically relaxing.
Pre-roll
A pre-made cannabis joint available for purchase at dispensaries. Pre-rolls are a convenient and ready to use option for consumers who prefer smoking. They are usually sold as singles or in multi-packs and can vary in strain and size.
QWISO
Quick Wash Isopropyl, a method of extracting cannabis concentrates using isopropyl alcohol as a solvent. The process involves washing cannabis flower or trim in isopropyl alcohol to separate the trichomes from the plant matter. The alcohol is then evaporated leaving behind a cannabis extract. QWISO is a relatively easy DIY extraction method.
Ruderalis
A lesser known species of cannabis that is native to central and eastern Europe. Cannabis ruderalis is known for its autoflowering trait, meaning it flowers based on age rather than light cycles, unlike indica and sativa strains. It has lower THC levels but is sometimes crossbred with other strains to create autoflowering hybrids.
Sativa
One of the three main species of cannabis, Cannabis sativa is known for its tall, thin plants with narrow leaves. Sativa strains are associated with uplifting and energizing effects, makes them popular for daytime use. They are recommended for conditions like depression, fatigue and ADHD due to its cerebral, stimulating nature.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that gives it its smell and flavor. Terpenes also plays a role in the effects of cannabis, certain terpenes are thought to enhance relaxation, focus or mood. Common terpenes are limonene, myrcene and pinene. The presence of certain terpenes helps to differentiate strains beyond just THC and CBD content.
Uplifting
A term used to describe the energizing and mood boosting effects of certain cannabis strains, especially sativas. Uplifting strains are chosen by users looking for mental stimulation or relief from fatigue and low moods.
Vape
A vaporizer is a device used to heat cannabis or cannabis concentrates to a temperature where the active compounds are released as vapor without burning the plant material. Vaping is often considered a cleaner alternative to smoking because it produces fewer byproducts. Vaporizers come in many forms, from portable pens to desktop devices.
Wax
A soft, pliable cannabis concentrate high in THC. Wax gets its name from its waxy texture, which can range from soft and gooey to firm and crumbly depending on the extraction process. It’s one of the most potent form of cannabis, often consumed via dabbing or vaping.
X-traction
A term used to describe the process of extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis to create concentrates. X-traction methods include solvent based (like butane and CO2 extraction) and solventless (like ice water extraction). The goal is to create a pure and potent product with minimal plant material.
Yield
Refers to the amount of usable cannabis produced from a plant or a specific growing operation. Growers use the term to describe the weight of the harvested flower or concentrate, usually measured in grams or ounces per plant or per square meter.
Zen
A term used to describe the calming, meditative or peaceful effects of certain cannabis strains, especially indica dominant varieties. Zen strains or experiences are for users looking for relaxation, stress relief or a quiet, introspective state.
Legal and Medical Terminology
The language used in law and medicine regarding cannabis has evolved as it has gone from being largely stigmatized to being recognized for its therapeutic benefits. It’s important to understand these terms to be able to navigate through the regulatory landscape and medical discussions on cannabis.
Medical Cannabis: This is the term used when referring to cannabis prescribed by doctors for various illnesses. The term “medical cannabis” usually means the use of plant cannabis and its cannabinoids in the management of disease or symptoms under medical supervision. Often this phrase is used in legal texts and within healthcare institutions to distinguish it from just using it for recreation. In some areas, access to medical cannabis is strictly regulated and requires documentation or prescription.
Adult-Use Marijuana: Also known as “recreational marijuana,” differentiates between cannabis used for pleasure rather than health related purposes. Adult-use marijuana’s legal framework varies greatly across jurisdictions, some have decriminalized while others still have strict prohibition. These words are often used in laws and public debates to either enforce or contest the boundaries around how people use cannabis.
CBD (Cannabidiol): CBD is different from other cannabis related terms in the medical and scientific community because it doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. As such, scientists don’t associate it with ‘getting high’ like they do THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so it’s a key area of focus for medical research and healing programs. Most of the talk about CBD is about its ability to reduce symptoms of several conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, inflammation and pain without the intoxicating effects of other cannabinoids.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is generally categorized under pain relief and appetite increase. In medical terms, dosing considerations must be taken especially with THC content and finding the right balance between treatment plan’s effectiveness and side effects.
Precise language in legal and medical field defines the uses of marijuana and controls its use while ensuring it’s distributed safely. As cannabis becomes more accepted and recognized for its medical benefits, the associated terms will continue to evolve with new research and policy changes worldwide.
