Glossary of Terms
Find definitions to the key cannabis terms and language you’ll find on our site.
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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. -
trichome
From the Greek word “Tríchōma,” meaning “growth of hair,” these mushroom-shaped glands are found on the cannabis plant’s leaves, stems and calyxes. Trichomes secrete resin, where terpenes and cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are produced. Learn more about the cannabis plant here.
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pistil
The pistil contains the reproductive parts of a female flower, including those on the cannabis plant. Learn more about the cannabis plant here.
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cola
A cluster of buds on a female cannabis plant where the highest concentration of cannabinoids are found. Cola is the botanical term that describes the flowering site of a female plant that consists of the entire flower, as well as its connection to the larger plant. Learn more about the cannabis plant here.
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lot
A set of plants of the same variety of cannabis that have been grown, harvested and processed together by the same Licensed Producer.
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curing
The slow drying process that contributes to developing cannabis’s distinct taste and aroma. Learn more about how to grow cannabis.
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decarboxylation
A chemical process that occurs when cannabis is heated, which removes the carboxyl of cannabinoid molecules, turning non-psychoactive cannabinoids such as THCA or CBDA into their psychoactive derivatives, THC or CBD.
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Licensed Producer
A Licensed Producer (LP) is an organization licensed by Health Canada to perform activities with cannabis that include cultivation, processing, research and development (R&D), and selling cannabis for medical or non-medical purposes. See the full list of Licensed Producers in Canada here. -
papers
Used to combine ground cannabis into a roll for inhalation.
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hemp
A fibre that can be made from male cannabis plants and used to manufacture rope, fabric, paper, food and more.
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flower
The part of the cannabis plant that is dried, smoked, vaped or used to make products such as edibles, concentrates and topicals. Only female plants flower. -
Cannabis indica
A species of cannabis that originates from the Hindu Kush mountain range within Afghanistan and Pakistan. The plants are normally bushier than Cannabis sativa.
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tincture
Liquid cannabis extract that can be mixed into drinks or flavoured and used as drops under the tongue.
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topical products
Cannabis topicals are products such as lotions and oils that have been infused with cannabis extracts and are meant to be applied to the external body surface which includes hair, skin and nails.
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water pipe
This is an accessory used to inhale cannabis. Smoke is passed through water to cool it and into a mouthpiece, from which it is inhaled.
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pipe
An accessory that is used to inhale dried flower. It can be made of many materials, including metal, glass, wood and acrylic.
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strain
Cannabis indica, sativa or a hybrid, cultivated specifically for its effects. There are hundreds of strains with wide-ranging properties. It is also another term for cultivar.
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hybrid
A cannabis plant that is a genetic cross between two or more strains. A lot of cannabis consumed today is hybrid.
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grinder
An accessory that breaks up larger pieces of dried cannabis flowers. This helps prepare it for use in pipes, vaporizers and other accessories. -
Cannabis sativa
A species of cannabis that originates from South America, the Caribbean and Africa. The plants are normally taller and more slender than Cannabis indica.
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vaporizer
Also called a “vape,” this is an accessory used to inhale dried cannabis by gently heating instead of burning it and decarboxylate the product, thereby releasing the THC and CBD.
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terpene
Compounds found in all organic material. Terpenes are responsible for variations in fragrance and character of cannabis, also called the aroma or terpene profile.
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THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol. The primary component in cannabis, it has a psychoactive effect. Its concentration in dried cannabis can be less than 1% or as high as 30%.
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CBD
Cannabidiol, one of the close to 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a psychoactive effect, but rather a “body” effect. It can also modify THC’s psychoactive properties. Average CBD levels in cannabis are between 1 and 4%, although it can be as high as 15%.
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cannabinoid
A chemical compound found in cannabis that is thought to produce effects such as pain relief, appetite stimulation and anxiety reduction. THC and CBD are just two of around 100 known cannabinoids.
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cannabis
A term for many different kinds of plants, including Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, which are used recreationally to alter mood.