Cannabis Glossary

 
 

Cannabis Glossary — Hashtag Cannabis Redmond

New to cannabis or just trying to decode what your budtender is saying? You're in the right place!

This glossary covers the most common cannabis terms, slang, and technical vocabulary you'll encounter when shopping at Hashtag Cannabis in Redmond or exploring our blog. From classic slang like "bud" and "kief" to technical terms like "terpenes" and "decarboxylation," we've got you covered.

Browse alphabetically below or use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find a specific term instantly.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Ask a Hashtag budtender — we love this stuff.

 
 

510 Threading

A threading size for cannabis vaporizing cartridges and batteries. Batteries for cartridges with a 510 threading can be found at Hashtag and most shops in Washington state. Learn more: Vapes & Cartridges

Aroma

A combination of distinctive, typically pleasant smells. Learn more: Cannabis Terpenes & Your Experience

BHO

Short for “Butane Hash Oil,” BHO is a type of cannabis concentrate made by dissolving marijuana in butane. This potent and sticky oil is also referred to as honey oil, dabs, ear wax, or shatter, depending on the product’s consistency. Learn. more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Blunt

Traditionally a hollowed out cigar filled with marijuana, blunts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Hashtag carries a wide variety of hemp-wrapped blunts, as well as hemp wraps so you can roll your own!

Bud

A common term referring to cannabis flowers. Learn more: Cannabis “Cola” vs. “Bud” vs. “Nug - What’s the Difference?

Budtender

A friendly and knowledgeable customer service professional. Budtenders can help you to learn more about cannabis and to find the cannabis products that are best for your needs.

C-Cell Cartridge

A brand name for ceramic coil vaporizing cartridges. C-Cell cartridges are reliable, durable, and compatible with both 510 batteries and magnetic batteries. Learn more: Vapes & Cartridges

Cannabinoids

Naturally occurring molecules that are found in cannabis plants. There are dozens of types of cannabinoids, including: CBD, CBG, CBN and ,the most famous of all, THC. Learn more: What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, pot, weed, ganja, reefer, devil’s lettuce, and jazz cabbage, is a plant. When smoked, eaten, or vaporized, cannabis and cannabis-based products can produce a wide variety of therapeutic and psychoactive effects. Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Caryophyllene

A spicy, peppery terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it also directly binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body — making it both a terpene and a cannabinoid of sorts. It is associated with anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Learn more: Terpenes 101: Caryophellene

CBD, or Cannabidiol

Short for cannabidiol (pronounced "Can-Ab-Oh-Dial"), CBD is a non-intoxicating molecule that can produce a floating, “glowing” sensation throughout the body. Research suggests that CBD can reduce inflammation and can counteract some of the adverse effects of a THC high (particularly anxiety). Learn more: Why Isn't CBD Intoxicating Like THC?

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Often called "the mother of all cannabinoids," CBG is the first cannabinoid a cannabis plant produces. CBGA (its acid form) is the precursor from which THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are derived. CBG is non-intoxicating, present in only small amounts in mature plants, and is associated with uplifting, mood-brightening effects that budtenders affectionately call "CBGiggles." Learn more: CBG: Everything You Need To Know About CBG

CBN (Cannabinol)

A minor cannabinoid produced when THC oxidizes and degrades over time. CBN is mildly psychoactive at most and is best known for its association with sleep support. It is commonly found in aged cannabis and in products specifically formulated for sleep. Learn more: CBD vs. CBN: What's Best For Sleep?

Cross (Genetics)

Short for cross-pollination, cannabis plants can be bred or “crossed” to produce new varieties (just like apples or any other plant). Learn more: Cannabis & Genetics: Why Don’t They Make ‘Em Like They Used To?

Clone

A cannabis clone is a genetic copy of another cannabis plant. Like most plants, clones can be created by removing a cutting of the original plant and cultivating it like you would a plant which had freshly sprouted from seed. Learn more: Cannabis & Genetics: Why Don't They Make 'Em Like They Used To?

Concentrates

Concentrates include all types of cannabis products that are produced by concentrating the cannabinoids from a cannabis plant and eliminating the waxy fats and lipids from the plant, in part or completely. Some of the concentrates you’ll find at Hashtag include: whole-plant extract, CO2 oil, distillate oil, BHO, wax, shatter, hash, and kief! Learn more: What Are Concentrates? RSO, Distillate, Live Resin, Shatter & More

CO2 Extraction

A concentrate extraction method that uses CO2 to separate cannabinoids from the fatty, waxy material of cannabis flowers. CO2 concentrate is a sticky, potent product that is also referred to as "oil". Some CO2 extraction methods can separate the flavor and aromatic molecules from the plant during extraction. Other methods include the removal of these flavor & aromatic molecules before extraction begins so that they can be reinfused into the oil later in the process. Learn. more: Different types of cannabis vape cartridges

Cure

Cannabis plants, like all plants, contain sugars and starches (so the plant can store energy for later use). Locking cannabis flower in an airtight container for weeks or months allows for these sugars and starches to break down. The result? The flower is much smoother when smoked!

Dabs

Dabs are a slang term for cannabis concentrates. Dabs are most often consumed by inhalation using a dab rig or a dab pen. Learn more: How to “Dab”: Vaporizing Cannabis Concentrates

Decarboxylation

The heat-activated process that converts THCA (the raw, non-intoxicating acid form of THC found in fresh cannabis) into active THC. Decarboxylation happens automatically when you smoke or vape cannabis. When making edibles at home, cannabis must be decarboxylated first — typically by baking ground flower at a low temperature — before it can be infused into butter or oil. Without this step, homemade edibles will have little to no psychoactive effect. Learn more: Making Edibles for Beginners: Simple Steps to THC-Infused Treats

Distillate

A highly refined, purified cannabis extract that typically isolates THC or CBD to 90%+ concentration. Distillate is clear or light golden in color, nearly odorless, and delivers a potent but narrow cannabinoid experience — most of the terpenes and minor cannabinoids are removed during the refinement process. It's the most common base ingredient in vape cartridges and many commercial edibles. Learn more: Why Is Distillate So Clear?

Edibles

Cookies, brownies, sodas, crackers, you name it! Edibles, also known as medibles, are any food-based product infused with marijuana. Learn more: Edibles Deep Dive: Understanding Onset Time, Metabolism & Dosing

Entourage Effect

The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis work better together than in isolation. Full-spectrum products like RSO preserve the complete plant profile and are believed to deliver a richer, more therapeutically nuanced experience than single-compound extracts like THC isolate or CBD isolate. The entourage effect is one of the primary reasons many consumers and medical patients prefer whole-plant cannabis products. Learn more: What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil)

Closely related to RSO, FECO is a full-spectrum cannabis extract that preserves the complete cannabinoid and terpene profile of the original plant. The primary difference from RSO is the solvent used during extraction. Both produce a potent, whole-plant extract with similar therapeutic profiles. Learn more: What's the Difference Between FECO and RSO?

Flowering Time

Flowering time refers to the amount of time a particular type of cannabis plant requires to produce fully matured and resinous flowers. Flowering times can range from 6 weeks to 16 weeks, depending on the cannabis plant’s genetic makeup. Learn more: How Is Cannabis Grown? 

Flower

The female sex organ of the cannabis plant. Cannabis flowers, in particular, come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small and dense to large and fluffy. The most potent cannabis flowers are sticky to the touch, due to the high concentration of resin on the flower. The resin is not only useful for the cannabis plant in pollination but also contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants. Learn more: Cannabis “Cola” vs. “Bud” vs. “Nug - What’s the Difference?

Ganja

A common term for marijuana derived from Hindi, ganja also refers to premium cannabis flowers cultivated for the purpose of smoking. Hooray! Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Hash

Hash, short for hashish, is a form of cannabis concentrate. It's made by applying heat and pressure to mature cannabis flowers. Although the origin of hashish is unknown, the first accounts of hash production included squeezing cannabis flowers by hand to collect its resin and then rolling the resin in one’s hands into a ball. Today, hash is typically smoked in a pipe or mixed in with flower in a joint or bong. Learn more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Heirloom

Heirloom cannabis refers to rare and exotic types of cannabis genetics. Heirloom cannabis strains are rare and can produce unique cannabinoid profiles, flavors and effects. Learn more: Cannabis Strain Guide: Origins, Genetics & Stories

Hemp

Hemp is a member of the cannabis family of plants. Unlike cannabis that we smoke or eat, hemp is often cultivated in large quantities for industrial purposes. Hemp has been used historically in the production of paper, rope, and textiles. Today, hemp is cultivated for its high CBD content as a low-cost alternative to cannabis-derived CBD. However, research suggests that hemp grown in industrialized areas can produce lower quality CBD than cannabis-derived CBD and often contains unwanted pesticides/heavy metals found in the soil. Learn more: Understanding Cannabis Law: What’s Legal In Your State?

Hybrid

A hybrid is the result of two genetically distinct strains of cannabis that are bred together. Hybrids can be healthier, more robust plants than their parent plants and often have unique flavors, aromas and effects. Learn more: From OG Kush to Gelato: The Genetic Timeline of Modern Hybrids

Hydroponics

Hydroponics refers to the practice of growing plants in water. Growing plants hydroponically allows growers to adjust their plants’ nutrient intake easily and is a water conserving way to grow cannabis. Learn more: How Is Cannabis Grown? 

Indica

One of the three major types of cannabis, indica plants are short and shrub-like in form. Growing originally in mountainous regions, indica plants are easily recognizable by their short and thick 7-pointed leaves. Learn more: How Is Sativa Different Than Indica?

Joint

When cannabis flower is ground and rolled up in a smoking paper (typically made of rice or hemp), a joint is born! Joints are easy to use, lightweight and a convenient way to get high. Learn more: The Easiest Way To Roll A Tasty And Beautiful Joint

Kief

Kief, a form of cannabis concentrate, consists principally of the microscopic trichome heads present on all cannabis flowers. In fact, if you use a four-piece grinder to grind your flower, you’re naturally collecting kief on the bottom layer of your grinder! Typically, kief is mixed in with cannabis flower and smoked. The result? You get super high! Learn more: Lazy Kief Infused Brownies

Kush

Referring to the Kush region of India, kush describes not only to a line of cannabis genetics (e.g., OG Kush or Hindu Kush), but also the flavor associated with these varietals (imagine a combination of pine, citrus, and freshly cut grass). Learn more: Cannabis Strain Guide: Origins, Genetics & Stories

Landrace

Cannabis strains that are descended from ancient strains that grew naturally in their original growing regions. Historically grown in places like Thailand, India, Hawaii and Africa, landrace strains are famous for their unique flavors, aromas, and effects. Learn more: Landrace Strains 101

Limonene

A bright, citrusy terpene found in cannabis as well as lemon, orange, and other citrus fruit rinds. Limonene is associated with elevated mood, mental alertness, and stress relief. It is commonly found in sativa-dominant and Haze-family strains. Learn more: Terpenes 101: Limonene

Live Resin

Live resin is produced by flash-freezing freshly cut, uncured cannabis plants to preserve the most volatile aromas and flavors. After flash-freezing, the cannabinoids and terpenes of the frozen cannabis plants are extracted using solvents. The result in a flavorful and potent concentrate that can be vaporized or dabbed. Learn more: How Are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Marijuana

A common term for cannabis derived from Spanish, marijuana refers to the dried flowers of female cannabis plants. Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Myrcene

The most common terpene found in cannabis, myrcene is associated with earthy, musky, and slightly fruity aromas. It is often linked to relaxing, sedating effects and is found in high concentrations in many indica-dominant strains. Myrcene is also found in hops, mangoes, and thyme. Learn more: Terpenes 101: Myrcene

Nanoemulsion

A technology used in cannabis beverages and fast-acting edibles that breaks THC or CBD into microscopic water-soluble particles. Because cannabinoids are naturally fat-soluble and don't mix with water, nanoemulsification allows them to absorb more quickly through the digestive system — producing effects in as little as 10 to 15 minutes compared to the 30 to 120 minute onset of traditional edibles. Learn more: Nanoemulsions, Water-Soluble Cannabis, and Fast-Onset Edibles

OG

Short for “ocean-grown” or “original gangster”, the term was first applied by the Cypress Hill Gang to cannabis in reference to L.A. Kush, a particularly popular strain which was available in Los Angeles during the 1990s. Learn more: How Did OG Kush Get Its Name?

Pesticides

Pesticides include both synthetic and natural pest deterrents. They are commonly used in cannabis cultivation. Some pesticides can produce harmful effects when consumed. As a result, the state of Washington has approved only a small number of pesticides for use on cannabis plants. When you buy cannabis from Hashtag, rest assured that any and all of the pesticides used on the products you buy have been researched & approved for safety. Learn more: What does “DOH-Compliant” Really Mean for Medical Cannabis Buyers?

Phenotype

A phenotype is the observable characteristics of a plant. Like many plants, cannabis plants display different traits under different growing conditions. As a result, cannabis strains grown in different environments can differ significantly in their effects and appearances. Learn more: Girl Scout Cookies: How One Strain Shaped Modern Cannabis Genetics 

Pinene

A terpene found in pine needles, conifers and sage. Known to increase alertness and dilate blood vessels, pinene is renown for its sharp, sweet, and piney aroma. Learn more: Terpenes 101: Pinene

Pistil

Pistils are the red, hair-like projections that emanate from cannabis flowers. Generally speaking, pistils come in all shapes and sizes and serve as the female reproductive organ in the plant world. Learn more: Cannabis “Cola” vs. “Bud” vs. “Nug - What’s the Difference?

Pot

A slang term for cannabis. Some evidence suggests that the term “pot” may come from a traditional Mexican beverage made from cannabis steeped in wine, called "potación de guayaya". Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Pre-roll

Pre-rolls are ground cannabis flower wrapped in paper and rolled into a cone. Also known as joints, they’re perfect for folks on the go or in a rush!

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

A full-spectrum, whole-plant cannabis extract made by dissolving cannabis plant material in a solvent and evaporating it to produce a thick, dark, highly concentrated oil. Named after Canadian cannabis activist Rick Simpson, RSO preserves the complete cannabinoid and terpene profile of the original flower, delivering the entourage effect in a small, precisely dosed amount. RSO is one of the most potent cannabis products available and is popular among medical cannabis patients. Learn more: Why Is RSO So Powerful?

Ruderalis

One of the three major types of cannabis, ruderalis plants are small and wildflower-like in form. Growing originally in Asia and Eastern Europe, ruderalis plants are easily recognizable by their small, 5-pointed leaves. Learn more: How is Sativa cannabis different than Indica?

Rosin

Rosin is a translucent, sappy form of cannabis concentrate. Like hash, rosin is produced when heat and pressure are applied to cannabis flower. Unlike hash, a large amount of heat and pressure is required to produce exceptional rosin. Typically, two metal plates and a pneumatic press are used to squeeze ground cannabis flower, forcing the rosin on the plant to seep out. The result? You get a sticky, tasty, solvent-free cannabis concentrate! Learn more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Sativa

One of the three major types of cannabis, sativa plants are tall and tree-like in form. Growing originally in tropical regions, sativa plants are easily recognizable by their thin, 7-pointed leaves. Learn more: How Is Sativa Different Than Indica?

Sinsemilla

A common term for cannabis flower which, when translated from Spanish, literally means “without seeds.” Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Shatter

A popular form of BHO concentrate, shatter is made by dissolving marijuana in butane. Once the extraction is complete, the concentrate is left to sit and cool on a flat, even surface. The resulting texture is sticky, brittle, and glass-like in texture. Learn more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Solvent

A solvent is any chemical that is used to dissolve a solid into a solution. In cannabis extraction, solvents like BHO, CO2 and Alcohol are used to turn cannabis flower into different types concentrates. Learn more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Spliff

Spliffs are joints that include both cannabis and tobacco. Popular throughout much of Europe, spliffs are also known as a "marijuana cigarette". Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Strain

A strain is any genetically unique form of cannabis. Like apples, cannabis strains can be cultivated by growers using selective breeding techniques to bring out their most desirable qualities, such as: flavor, effects, or cannabinoid content. Learn more: Cannabis Strain Guide: Origins, Genetics & Stories

Suppository

A small, solid object that’s designed to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to dissolve. Cannabis infused suppositories are used principally for muscle-relaxing and discomfort-relieving effects and bypass the body’s digestive system. Learn more: Cannabis & Wellness

THC

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing the euphoric, relaxing, and perception-altering effects cannabis is known for. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, non-intoxicating precursor form found in fresh cannabis that converts to THC through heat in a process called decarboxylation. Learn more: THC

Tinctures

Tinctures are the oldest and most popular form of cannabis concentrate. Produced by dissolving dried cannabis flowers in ethanol, tinctures can be ingested orally for slower, longer-term effects or sublingually for fast-acting effects. Tinctures may be suspended in a base of alcohol, oil, or a water-soluble glycerine. Learn more: Microdosing THC: A Balanced Approach To Cannabis Use

Topicals

Topicals include all cannabis-infused gels, lotions, and balms. When placed externally on the skin, they are absorbed through the skin over time. Although many topicals contain THC, their effects are almost always non-intoxicating when applied to the external skin, making them an ideal product for people looking to address localized discomfort without feeling a heavily altered state. Learn more: Beauty In Cannabis: CBD Serums, Topicals & The Wellness Economy

Terpenes

The aromatic and flavor-bearing molecules of cannabis. There are hundreds of cannabis terpenes and some research suggests that they can have a significant effect on the quality of a cannabis user’s high. Learn more: Cannabis Terpenes & Your Experience

Trichomes

Trichomes are fine, hair-like appendages found commonly on plants, including algae, lichens, and cannabis. Although trichomes are incredibly small, they contain much of the cannabinoid and terpene content you’ll find in cannabis flower. Learn more: What Makes Cannabis Flower Sticky?

Trim

As the name suggests, trim refers to the leafy plant matter, like sugar leaves, that is traditionally trimmed from cannabis flower before the drying & curing process begins. Trim is commonly used in cannabis cooking and joint rolling. Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo

Vape Cartridge

A discreet and portable way to enjoy cannabis. Vape cartridges are terrific for many apartment-dwelling, professional cannabis users. Learn more: Vapes & Cartridges

Wax

A popular form of cannabis concentrate, wax gets its name from its creamy, opaque, “ear wax” appearance. This form of concentrate is produced like shatter. However, instead of being left to cool on an even, dry surface, wax is whipped up to incorporate air bubbles into the final product. The result? Wax is one of the most malleable and easy-to-use cannabis concentrates around.  Learn more: How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?

Weed

A common slang term for cannabis, possibly related to the plant’s eagerness to grow (even in places it shouldn’t!). Learn more: Loud Dank and Terpy: Decrypting Cannabis Lingo