"A" is for Appetite Stimulant
The munchies are a real thing. While stoner stereotypes abound, the stimulating effects of THC on the appetite also make it a useful tool when battling ailments that make calorie intake difficult. Curiously, cannabis consumers are statistically skinnier than non-consumers of the plant.
"B" is for Bong
The infamous term disallowed in headshops nationwide, bong is synonymous with waterpipe, piece and glass. These cannabis consumption devices come in all shapes and sizes, vary in their functionality, and should always be kept clean.
"C" is for Cultivar
While the term strain remains more widely used, cultivar is the more appropriate designation when discussing plants – and strain is more appropriate in the reference of variants of viruses and bacteria. Just think of how many different cultivars of apples or onions there are in existence.
"D" is for Dab
“Taking a dab” is a reference to consuming cannabis concentrates, where small amounts of high potency, concentrated material is vaporized and inhaled. Dabs come in a multitude of types and textures, indicative of the extraction method utilized and the form of the end product.
"E" is for Edible
Food infused with cannabis. Way beyond the traditional pot brownie, today cannabis edibles come in everything from savory snacks to gummies to beverages – and vary in milligram dosage of THC. Patience is key with edibles. Remember, you can always consume more, but you can’t take it back once it goes down the hatch.
"F" is for Fire
A reference to very high quality weed. If she “has the fire” she isn’t an arsonist – she’s in possession of exceptional cannabis. Synonymous with top shelf.
"G" is for Glass
If someone asks if you “have any glass” – they’re not inquiring about glassware from the kitchen. Interchangeable with bong, waterpipe and piece, glass is a device used in the consumption of cannabis.
"H" is for Hybrid
Referring to a cultivar that possesses both traditional sativa and indica effects, the majority of cannabis cultivated today falls in the hybrid realm. Cultivars are often referred to as indica-leaning or sativa-leaning hybrids, while some claim more of a 50-50 balance. Nonetheless, the cannabis industry is adopting new definitions and moving toward cannabinoid and terpene testing when discussing a cultivar’s profile and effects.
"I" is for Indica
Referring to the more stony and relaxing traits of cannabis cultivars, indicas can bring a heavier hit and induce what’s commonly known as couchlock – or INDAcouch. Indicas are native to dryer, colder and harsher terroir, and grow in shorter and stockier fashion with wide fan leaves.
"J" is for Jack
As in Jack Herer – the cannabis advocate, author of “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” and the legendary sativa cultivar that bears his name. Expect an energetic boost with high vibes from this 1994 High Times Cannabis Cup winner bred by Sensi Seed Bank.
"K" is for Kush
Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range that runs between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Kush genetics are some of the most celebrated in the cannabis world. Classics such as OG Kush, Purple Kush and Bubba Kush are known for being heavy-hitters that’ll sit you down for a serious couchlock session.
"L" is for Limonene
One of the more popular and abundant terpenes found in cannabis. It is known for its bright and citrus-forward aroma and flavor, as well as being a mood enhancer and anxiety fighter. Cultivars with lemon, lime or orange in the name are likely to have limonene in them.
"M" is for Myrcene
The most dominant terpene found in the cannabis plant. Known for the earthy aroma often associated with weed, myrcene is celebrated for its calming attributes – great for a good night’s sleep or relieving stress and tension. Beyond cannabis, myrcene is found in hops and lemongrass.
"N" is for Nug
Colloquial term for the smokable bud of the cannabis plant. Nugs come in varying sizes and densities, and must be ground utilizing a grinder or broken up by hand before smoking.
"O" is for Ounce
Comprised of 28 grams, an ounce is a common amount/weight of cannabis sold. Recreational cannabis consumers purchasing limits are typically capped at an ounce per day in dispensaries, while medical cannabis patients can purchase larger quantities at a time.
"P" is for Pinene
With a scent that most certainly matches its name, pinene is the most abundant terpene found in nature. Reminiscent of freshly cut pine, this fragrant terpene is known for being a reliever of pain and fighter of anxiety.
"Q" is for Suzy Q
For when you find yourself a touch too high on THC, this CBD-rich cultivar is a fabulous tool for bringing you back down to Earth. Piney and earthy with top-secret genetics, this is a stash-worthy smoke that’s great to have on hand.
"R" is for Rig
Device for consuming cannabis concentrates, aka dabbing. Smaller than the classic waterpipe/bong. Most often accompanied by a torch for heating, as opposed to a lighter when smoking flower. “Smart Rigs” are consumption devices with a built-in heating element, negating the need for a torch.
"S" is for Sativa
Referring to a cannabis cultivar with more uplifting and energetic effects, sativas are known to grow in a tall and sometimes spindly fashion, featuring thin and pointed leaves. Classic sativas include Durban Poison, Jack Herer and Blue Dream.
"T" is for Top Shelf
Colloquial term for the highest quality cannabis in a shop. Top Shelf cannabis typically hovers in the $15+ per gram range, with eighths oftentimes exceeding $60. Synonymous with fire.
"U" is for Ultra
Does MK Ultra ring a bell? It’s more than just the CIA’s notorious experimentation with mind-control and psychedelics – it’s a wildly potent cannabis cultivar known for its cerebral spin and heavy couchlock.
"V" is for Vaporizer
A cannabis consumption device that utilizes a range of temperature to heat flower or concentrates for inhalation. A healthier alternative to traditional smoking, vaporizers come in a wide variety of pens and portable devices, as well as tabletop versions. Temperature control of these devices allows users to enjoy more flavorful vapor at lower temps, or achieve more potent highs by turning up the heat.
"W" is for Waterpipe
The legally accepted terminology for bong. A cannabis consumption device that utilizes water in percolation and inhalation, and can vary significantly in size and shape. Also synonymous with piece and glass.
"X" is for Extraction
A reference to a solvent-based methodology by which the resin glands or trichomes of cannabis are separated from the plant matter, resulting in a concentrated form. Although variable in its final texture and viscosity, extracted cannabis is found in vape pens, dab concentrate and edible formulations.
"Y" is for Yield
The amount of usable cannabis harvested from an individual plant or larger cultivation. Also used in reference to the resin/trichome collection in hash-making.
"Z" is for Zig-Zags
In many ways the quintessential rolling paper, Zig-Zags have been around for over 140 years. These days, varieties are abundant and give both seasoned rollers and newcomers several options for producing a joint – including traditional rolling or the less-skilled packing of a pre-rolled cone.