The range of marijuana-related terms covers everything from slang and strains to chemical components and products. To truly understand the complexity surrounding the plant, its cultivation and consumption, it’s important to be familiar with these terms:
Indica
One of the two main cannabis strains, indica grows in warmer temperatures and is smaller than sativa plants. It is short with a wide shape and produces a more relaxing effect on the body. Medicinally, indica is often used to treat anxiety, pain and sleep disorders.
Sativa
Sativa is the other main cannabis strain. It grows in cooler climates and grows tall – up to 25 feet – with a thin shape. It has a more energizing effect on the body and is often used in cases of depression. It is the choice of many artists.
Hybrid strain
Hybrid strains are mixes between indica and sativa cannabis to produce different effects on the body as well as different plant characteristics. These mixes are often dominant in one strain or the other.
Cannabinoid
Active ingredient in cannabis. More common ones are THC and CBG, while lesser known ones include THCA, CBDA, THCV and CBC.
CBG
Cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid which alters the general effects of cannabis consumption. Research indicates it may have antibacterial properties.
THC
The best-known cannabinoid, THC is responsible for most of cannabis’s psychoactive effects.
CBD
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid which researchers believe may have the most medical potential of any cannabinoid. It reduces the effects of THC, eases anxiety and may have cancer-fighting properties.
CBN
Cannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid which results from the breakdown of THC. It is responsible for most of cannabis’s mellowing effect.
Hemp
The fibrous stalks and stems of the cannabis plant, which can be used to make a variety of products, from paper to rope to fabric.
Hash
Hash is the THC-rich resin of cannabis flowers. The resin can either be smoked or eaten.
Marijuana
Often used as a generic term for cannabis, specifically refers to the smokeable leaves and buds of female plants.
