The terms “psychoactive” and “intoxicating” are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the effects of cannabis, but they have different meanings.  

Psychoactive refers to something that affects the brain, causing changes in perception, cognition, mood and behaviour. It can be used to describe substances such as cannabis, medications and chemical compounds that alter your mental state but are not necessarily intoxicating. Intoxicating refers to something that causes impairment, temporarily affecting judgment, behaviour and the ability to think clearly.  

Both CBD and THC are psychoactive, as they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. However, only THC is considered intoxicating and produces the “high” associated with cannabis consumption.  

Edibles are cannabis products meant to be consumed in the same manner as food or drinks that have been infused with cannabis extracts or concentrates. Edibles include gummies, chocolates, soft chews, beverages, lozenges and baked goods. Health Canada currently limits the potency of edibles to 10 mg THC per package.  

Cannabis ruderalis is less common than Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. This species is short and stalky, and shaggier than the others, with light green leaves. It tends to be rugged and autoflowering, which is ideal for breeding. It’s used mostly by breeders to enhance their hybrids. 

Trichomes are sticky secretions that develop on many kinds of plants to deter pests as they grow and flower. Terms such as “frosted” and “sticky” are used to describe trichome-dense cannabis flower. Trichomes contain most of the plant’s cannabinoids and are extracted to make certain cannabis concentrates. 

The pistil is the part of a female plant reproductive system that receives pollen to create flowers or fruit. Pistils appear early in the flowering stage and help growers determine when cannabis is ready for harvest. 

Cola is the botanical term for clusters of buds on a female cannabis plant. Colas are harvested, dried and packaged as whole flower or processed to make edibles, concentrates, beverages and other cannabis products. Colas can be all shapes and sizes, though the top cola is usually largest and forms at the apex of the plant.  

A set of plants of the same strain of cannabis that have been grown, harvested and processed together by the same Licensed Producer is called a lot. Health Canada mandates that each lot of cannabis be tested for potency and contaminants.  

Curing is the final step in the process of cannabis flower preparation. It involves storing dried buds in an airtight, controlled environment to allow the moisture to distribute evenly through them. Proper curing helps improve the flavour, aroma and overall quality of the cannabis. 

Decarboxylation, or decarbing, uses high temperatures to activate the psychoactive effects of cannabis. When you heat cannabis flower, through smoking, vaporizing or cooking, for example, it causes a chemical reaction that turns cannabinoid acids like CBDA and THCA into their active counterparts, CBD and THC.