Defining Cannabis Industry Lingo
Learning the terms that are used in the Marijuana World makes you an educated consumer, and good education leads to good legislation.
Marijuana Terms T – W
- Terpenes
- Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin
- Tincture
- Topical
- Trichomes
- Vaporizer
- Weed
- Whole Plant
The beautiful marijuana plant we’ve all learned to love and appreciate has a long list of terms that come along with it.
We put together a short list of marijuana terms T through W, that will help you out whether it’s your first time smoking weed or the next time you’re smoking a glass bowl with friends. If you’re going to smoke marijuana you might as well know as much as you can about it, right?
Terpenes – compounds found in the marijuana plant that are instrumental to the physiological effects of cannabis. Over 200 terpenes have been discovered in the marijuana plant. With that being said only a small portion of that 200 have been studied to understand what pharmacological effect they have on people. Similar to cannabinoids, terpenes activate in the body’s Endocannabinoid System. Different combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes give strains their distinct taste, scent and flavor.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – is the main phytocannabinoid in the cannabis plant that gives users the high effect. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid unlike CBD. THC is known for its intoxicating effects that can alter behavior, consciousness, appetite and perception. Studies have shown that when people consume THC there is increased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for decision-making, attention and function of other motor skills. The amount of THC in a joint varies from joint to joint, so pay attention to how it makes you feel.
Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THCA) – is the acidic form of THC. This cannabinoid is considered inactive until it is heated and it turns into THC through decarboxylation. What is decarboxylation? It is a function of time, temp, and atmosphere.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) – is another psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. THCV is considered a sibling of THC that may be effective in suppressing appetite.
Tincture – a common form of cannabis made by extracting the cannabinoids out of the plant material using alcohol, glycerol or a carrier oil and ingested orally. Marijuana tinctures are dosed with a dropper that is typically placed under the tongue, and when made with alcohol as the solvent, enables quick absorption. Tinctures can also be made with hemp seed oil or MCT oil rather than alcohol or glycerol, but if they are then they are absorbed through the digestive system which takes a bit longer for the user to feel the effects. Whether you use weed tinctures or cbd tinctures, it is a great alternative to smoking.
Topical – these are cannabis products which are made from extracted cannabinoids and mixed with balms and lotions that can be applied directly to the skin. Skin allows for transdermal absorption of compounds like cannabinoids into the bloodstream. This is evidence that the skin has its own Endocannabinoid System which is why marijuana topicals are so effective.
Trichomes – these are crystal-like compounds that are found on the cannabis plant. These trichomes hold most the cannabinoid content of the plant.
Vaporizer – a device that uses technology to heat cannabis to a vapor form that can then be smoked. These popular vaporizer devices can heat flowers or oils to a specific temperature so you can find the perfect level of vapor to inhale. Vaporizers are very popular nowadays for both CBD and THC products.
Weed – a very common slang term referring to cannabis or marijuana.
American Addiction Centers
Whole Plant – Whole-plant products are also referred to as broad or full spectrum extracts or full spectrum edibles. Both refer to the fact that the final product will contain all of the beneficial components found in the natural plant. This is a mix of cannabinoids and terpenes which give the user the entourage effect. Unlike isolate which is one single cannabinoid that will give you one single feeling.
The More You Know
We hope you learned something from this list of marijuana terms, and you have a better understanding of the marijuana plant. Cannabis terminology is forever changing and evolving so don’t be surprised if at your next smoke sesh one of your buddies blind sides you with a new term.
