Glossary of Terms

The term blunt describes cannabis flower that’s rolled in a thicker, cigar-like wrap, often made of hemp. Traditionally, blunts are created by emptying a cigar of its loose-leaf tobacco and replacing it with cannabis. In Canada, legal cannabis products may not contain nicotine. 

Note that the OCS does not carry products that contain nicotine. 

Harvesting is a step in the growing process when ripe cannabis flower is removed from the plant and cured.  

Cannabis plants can be harvested in the flowering stage (usually between 56 and 75 days after flowering), once approximately 60% of the trichomes on the buds turn from milky white to amber.  

Germination is the process by which seeds begin to grow into plants. The seed first produces a root and then a shoot above ground and, finally, leaves to capture nutrients from the sun.  

The OCS cannot guarantee that the seeds it sells will germinate, because there are too many variables, such as the correct temperature, water and soil, involved in the growing process.  

A dab is a small amount of concentrated cannabis, such as shatter or wax, that is consumed using a dab rig or dab pen, or vaporizer. A small amount of concentrate is touched against a heat source, in most cases a titanium, glass, quartz or ceramic nail, to create a vapour, which is inhaled through the mouthpiece. Dabbing requires more equipment and setup than other methods of consumption, and caution should be used due to the high temperatures. 

Concentrates, as their name suggests, offer a much higher potency than other cannabis products. Concentrate products include hash, rosin, kief, shatter, wax, budder, resin, distillate and isolate.

Extracts are a subcategory of concentrates. All extracts  are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. Extracts are created with the use of solvents, such as butane or ethanol, and then combined with a carrier oil for ingestion. Extract products include oils, oral sprays, capsules, soft gels, lozenges and sublingual strips.

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.

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. 

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. 

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 intoxicating effects.

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.

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.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a combination of endocannabinoids, enzymes and cannabinoid receptors that helps regulate several functions in the human body.  

Research on the ECS is still fairly recent. We know cannabinoids are structurally similar to endocannabinoids and enter the body through ECS cannabinoid receptors, offering certain therapeutic and psychoactive effects. 

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). 

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. 

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. 

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. 

The phenotype of a plant refers to the physical traits its growing environment pulls from its genetic makeup, or genotype. These characteristics include shape, size, smell, taste, colour and potency. Breeders search for the best traits in a plant, a process called “pheno-hunting.” 

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. 

A gummy, also called a “soft chew,” is a sweet or tangy edible, often fruit-flavoured, that is made with ingredients such as gelatin, sweeteners, flavouring and colouring. Consumed through ingestion, gummies are infused with cannabis extracts that contain cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. 

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 Cannabis Retail Seal, which must be displayed outside the entrance. Find your nearest Authorized Cannabis Store.  

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 immediate container and up to 30 g of dried cannabis equivalent 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.  

A Licensed Producer, or LP, is a cannabis cultivator, processor or seller that holds a licence issued by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act. All federal licence holders can conduct related activities such as possession, transportation, storage, destruction, research and development and sale of bulk cannabis to other federal licence holders.

Rolling papers are used to make pre-rolls, also known as joints. They are sold as sheets and are most commonly made from wood pulp, as well as hemp, rice, flax and other non-wood plant fibres. Some products are coloured or flavoured and may include pre-made filters. For those who prefer not to roll, cones are pre-rolled cylinders with filters that can be filled with ground dried flower.  

Hemp and cannabis are the same plant with one key difference — the amount of THC. In Canada, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC and typically has higher levels of CBD. Hemp oil and seeds are found in skincare, food and health products. 

Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range within Afghanistan and Pakistan, Cannabis indica plants are generally faster-growing, bushier and up to six feet shorter than Cannabis sativa, with dark green leaves. It was once thought that sativa and indica produced distinct effects, but these names are simply botanical terms for the structure of each plant type.  

Topical products are infused with cannabis extracts and are meant to be applied to the external body surface, such as hair, skin and nails. Topical products include bath salts, lotions, gels, face masks, bath bombs, exfoliants and more. 

A pipe is used to smoke dried cannabis flower. It can be made of many materials, including metal, glass, wood and acrylic. This accessory is typically used without water, unlike a bong, which is also known as a water pipe. 

Strain is an umbrella term that describes the genetic properties of a cannabis product, including its name, whether it is an indica, sativa or hybrid and its potential effects. While the term “strain” is widely used, it doesn’t accurately capture the deliberate breeding and agriculture techniques that affect the final product and its properties. Cultivar is the more appropriate word to describe modern-day cannabis varieties grown by Licensed Producers.

A hybrid is a genetic cross between Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa strains. Although most of the cannabis consumed today is hybrid, it is often identified as either indica or sativa dominant. 

Originating from Eastern Asia, Cannabis sativa can grow up to 25 feet and has long serrated light green leaves. It’s typically taller and more slender than Cannabis indica. Sativa and indica were once thought to produce distinct effects, but these are simply botanical terms for each unique plant structure.  

A vaporizer is an accessory used to inhale dried cannabis or cannabis concentrates by gently heating them to produce a vapour, instead of burning to create smoke. Vaporizers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be recharged and refilled. Some vaporizers are designed solely for dried cannabis flower, while others are made exclusively for cannabis concentrates. While they also produce vapour instead of smoke, vapes differ from vaporizers.  

A terpene is a naturally occurring substance that gives cannabis and other plants their unique aromas and flavours. How cannabis is grown, dried, cured and produced all affect its terpene profile. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, responsible for its euphoric and intoxicating effects. While multiple cannabinoids have “THC” in their names, such as THCV and delta-8 THC, cannabis products that simply refer to “THC” are referencing delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, unless otherwise stated. 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. While CBD is psychoactive and does interact with the endocannabinoid system, it doesn’t produce the intoxicating effects of THC. Clinical studies have shown possible health benefits from CBD, but more research is required to fully understand these effects. 

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in cannabis that can be isolated for different uses. They are responsible for producing the intoxicating and non-intoxicating effects associated with consuming cannabis.

While the most commonly known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, over 100 have been discovered, including many minor cannabinoids, such as CBN and CBG.

Cannabis is the proper name for the plant that’s also referred to in slang terms as weed, pot, reefer, ganja and marijuana. Cannabis typically describes the whole plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems and roots.