Glossary of Terms
Find definitions to the key cannabis terms and language you’ll find on our site.
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borosilicate glass
Often used to make bongs, bubblers and other types of water pipes, as well as dab rigs, borosilicate glass is known for its durability and capacity to withstand higher temperatures than traditional glass. The glass is a blend of silica and boron oxide, and is often used for lab equipment, lighting and glass cookware such as Pyrex. When it does break, borosilicate glass tends to crack into larger pieces instead of shattering, which means it’s less dangerous than standard glass. -
bong
A type of water pipe, a bong is a device used for smoking dried cannabis flower. It’s typically made up of four components: a bowl, downstem, base and tube. Dried cannabis is placed in the bowl and lit. The resulting smoke is drawn through the downstem and into the water in the base, where it bubbles. It then rises into the tube and is inhaled through the mouthpiece. Bongs come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made of glass, acrylic, wood, metal, silicone and other materials. -
feminized
Feminized refers to a cannabis seed that has been manipulated to guarantee it produces a female plant. Growers prefer female plants because, unlike males, they produce the trichome-covered flowers that contain THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. Cannabis seeds can also be regular (not genetically engineered in any way) or autoflowering. Learn more about seeds. -
autoflowering
Autoflowering refers to a cannabis seed that has been manipulated to flower without the usual specific lighting and growing cycle requirements of regular seeds — it will automatically flower after about 10 weeks of germination, regardless of the light conditions. Cannabis seeds can also be regular (not genetically engineered in any way) or feminized. Learn more about seeds. -
terpene profile
Terpenes are fragrant oils that give plants unique tastes and aromas. Each cannabis strain or cultivar has its own unique combination of these compounds, which mix to produce a particular aroma or terpene profile that can be anywhere from earthy, woodsy, herbal, spicy, diesel or cheesy all the way to citrusy or sweet. -
510-thread
A term used in relation to vapes, 510-thread is a common type of connection that makes vape cartridges universally compatible with a large variety of batteries. Some vape cartridges can be used only with batteries specific to the brand, so double-check which type you have before purchasing. The name “510” refers to the five-millimetre width of the 10 threads, or grooves, used in the connection. -
CBC
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid that has not been well studied. Limited experimental research has shown its promise in providing an anti-inflammatory effect, and other studies have hinted at possible medical uses. -
CBG
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a minor cannabinoid with non-intoxicating effects. It is present in trace amounts in most strains, starting as cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, before converting to other cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA.
Research is ongoing to uncover CBG’s potential to treat neurological disorders, including Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as inflammatory bowel disease. Other studies are underway to investigate its antibacterial properties.
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CBN
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a minor cannabinoid that develops when THC oxidizes over time. Exposure of dried cannabis to oxygen and heat, a process called decarboxylation, speeds up this process. Little research has been done to date, but CBN is being studied for its usefulness in regulating sleep and relaxation. -
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCA, is the non-active form of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and it’s found in fresh cannabis plants. The THC becomes activated through decarboxylation when cannabis is heated, dried or cured. Unlike THC, THCA is not thought to produce psychoactive effects. -
CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA, is the non-active form of cannabidiol, or CBD, and it’s found in fresh cannabis plants. The CBD becomes activated through decarboxylation when cannabis is heated, dried or cured. -
clone
A clone is a plant that is an exact genetic copy of its original mother plant. Instead of being grown from seed, a clone is produced by taking a cutting from a healthy plant with desirable characteristics. The cutting is placed in a solution that helps it form roots so it can eventually be transplanted into soil. -
carrier oil
Carrier oils are used in beverages, edibles, cannabis oil, topicals and other products consumed through ingestion or topical application. In these products, cannabis extracts are blended with a neutral carrier oil that can bind with fat molecules in your body and help it process the cannabinoids. The most commonly used carrier oil is medium-chain triglyceride, or MCT. It’s a fat found in foods such as palm kernel oil, coconut oil and butter that is broken down and quickly absorbed into the body. Other types of carrier oils include grapeseed, sunflower, olive and hemp seed. -
capsule
A capsule, or cap, is a small sphere or cylinder often made of gelatin that’s filled with cannabis extract (often mixed with a carrier oil) and meant to be swallowed (a cannabis consumption method also referred to as ingestion). Capsules purchased through the OCS are sold in a fully active state, so the cannabinoid content level is the same in each one, as listed on the packaging. -
cannabis oil
Cannabis oil is a cannabis extract — a concentrated substance derived from the plant — that is mixed with a carrier oil, such as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) or sunflower oil. It can be packaged in a bottle with a spray top or dropper and is taken orally. It can be used as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing dried cannabis. Learn more about cannabis oil. -
endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating and balancing various processes in your body. When cannabis is consumed, its cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce changes to your cognitive and/or physical state. Learn more about how the endocannabinoid system works. -
endocannabinoid
Both cannabis plants and people have chemical compounds in our systems called cannabinoids. In humans, they’re called endocannabinoids (in plants, they’re phytocannabinoids).
Endocannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system, binding to cannabinoid receptors all over our bodies to help regulate stress recovery, nervous system protection, immune system response and homeostatic balance (our overall condition of optimal health and stability). -
Cannabis Act
The Cannabis Act is a federal law that came into force Oct. 17, 2018, legalizing access to recreational cannabis in Canada. The law governs the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada and protects public health and safety.
Each province and territory is responsible for setting its own rules around how cannabis can be sold and where stores may be located, among other regulations. In Ontario, recreational cannabis is available for purchase only by adults 19 years of age or older and only through Authorized Cannabis Stores and OCS.ca. It is illegal to purchase cannabis from non-licensed sources.
Learn more about who does what in the sale of legal cannabis.
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nanoemulsion
Often used in the production of edibles and infused beverages, nanoemulsion refers to cannabinoids that are broken down into microscopic molecules that are suspended in a lipid, or fat, allowing them to travel to their desired destination in the body more quickly and in greater quantities. Instead of being gradually metabolized in the liver and stomach, these tiny cannabinoids move directly into the bloodstream, producing a faster onset of effects.
Products formulated with nanoemulsion may feature terms like “quick onset” or “fast-acting.” Research into the nanoemulsification of cannabinoids and the potential effects is ongoing.
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tolerance break
A tolerance break, or T-break, is a self-determined period of eliminating or cutting back on cannabis to restore sensitivity to cannabinoid receptors. It can also help to reduce dependence and unwanted symptoms. -
phytocannabinoid
Phytocannabinoids are natural compounds found in cannabis, like THC and CBD. Different from the endocannabinoids that our bodies produce, phytocannabinoids interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors to produce various psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects. -
phenotype
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pheno-hunting
Short for “phenotype hunting,” pheno-hunting is the search for the best traits in a plant strain or cultivar. Breeders grow numerous plants, looking for specific characteristics in structure, flavour, aroma, cannabinoid content and more. The chosen phenotype becomes the seed source for commercial production, ensuring desirable and consistent qualities in future crops. -
cultivar
Cultivar is a horticultural term that means “cultivated variety,” which refers to a plant that has been selected and improved on by humans. It is considered a more accurate term than strain when referring to plant varieties. -
gummy
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dispensary
A dispensary is a term used for a store that sells cannabis. Legal cannabis products are sold through Authorized Cannabis Stores, which are privately owned retail stores that have been licensed by the AGCO. A legal store can be identified by the Provincial Retail Seal, which must be displayed outside the entrance. Find your nearest Authorized Cannabis Store. -
flavonoid
Flavonoids are natural compounds in cannabis and other plants, known for their vibrant colours and potential health benefits. In cannabis, flavonoids like cannflavin A and cannflavin B are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and work with cannabinoids and terpenes to produce various effects. In plants, they attract pollinators and protect against UV rays, pests and diseases. -
psychoactive
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 and produce intoxicating effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound in cannabis that’s primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects. -
edibles
Cannabis products such as brownies or beverages that have been infused with cannabis extracts or concentrates, all of which contain active ingredients such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
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cannabis ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis is a less-common type of cannabis plant that is often used by breeders to enhance their hybrids. It is short and stalky with light green leaves, and tends to be rugged and auto-flowering. Learn more about types of cannabis here.
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resin
Resin is released from the trichomes of the cannabis plant and has a high THC concentration. Learn more about the cannabis plant here. -
bud
Bud is another term for the flower of the cannabis plant.
