Managing the world of medical marijuana can be disconcerting for someone new to it. As marijuana is getting legal in the world, you need to be aware of certain terms before walking into a dispensary. Here is a compiled list of some of the most frequently used terms related to marijuana to help you get started.
Cannabinoids (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
When you are looking for marijuana, you need to know beforehand which species will work best for you. Dispensary workers guide you in the right direction, but being already knowledgeable about the cannabinoids can be more helpful.
For example, what is a cannabinoid?
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – It is one of the most popular and abundantly available cannabinoids that are present in marijuana plants. THC works against the “high” effect of marijuana. It is known for curing different conditions i.e. to alleviate neuropathic pain, spasticity, and overactive bladder, etc. The compound is not fatal at all in its natural form.
- Cannabinoids – It is a chemical compound found in marijuana and acts upon the body’s cannabinoid receptors. There are more than 85 known varieties of cannabinoids, all of them have different effects i.e. relaxation, pain relief, and anxiety, etc.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) – It is the second-most predominant cannabinoid (CBD) that is used for treating the pain, anxiety, and inflammation without any psychoactive effects that are generally found in THC. Presently, CBD is continually gaining support from the medical community, and CBD-strong strains are appearing more frequently in dispensaries.
Marijuana Types
It’s not possible to list all the available varieties of marijuana, but some of the most popular strains are:
- Hashish/Hash Oil – This type of oil is extracted from the trichomes of cannabis or hashish. It is the concentrated form of cannabis that contains terpenes and resin. Once it is removed, it is then pressed and is ready to be used. It is consumed in a variety of ways i.e. smoking, vaporizing, and eating, etc.
- Ruderalis – It is a low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) variety of marijuana that is specifically grown for its Cannabidiol (CBD) rich genetics. This marijuana species have originated from Russia and it is capable of surviving very harsh climates.
- Kush – It is one of the more popular lines of marijuana. Kush hails from the mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is generally described as having aromas of sweet, earthy, citrus, and piney.
- Indica – These marijuana species are imported from Asia and the Middle East and it contains both the Afghan and Kush lineages. Indica is known to cause a more relaxing effect and has a calming quality.
- Sativa – The popular species of Sativa has originated from Asia and the Middle East. When it is consumed, it’s more likely to produce a cerebral effect instead of physical and sedative effects.
Terms You Might Hear In a Dispensary
When talking about different marijuana species, the dispenser may start throwing out a lot of terms that you’re not aware of. Firstly, if you ever go to a dispensary and you are unable to understand the meaning of any term etc., always ask about its meaning. Dispensers/Budtenders are always there to help. Secondly, here are some of the terms that you might hear at a dispensary. Have a look at them so you’re a little more comfortable when you encounter such terms.
- Cross – When two different species of plants are bred together to produce a new one.
- Backcross (BX) – It is a hybrid plant that has been bred with one of its parent plants to produce a plant that is similar to the original parent. This is often done to maintain unusual species, or to strengthen species with desired recessive genes.
- Hydroponics – It is a system of gardening that’s done using only water and lighting. Hydroponic gardeners say they have more control over the stability and nutrition of the plants, and some say that plants produced from hydroponic gardening have more distinct flavors.
- Hybrid – It is a variety of marijuana that has been produced from a genetic crossed between one or more different varieties of marijuana. Hybrids form naturally but are often bred to get the desired plant varieties. Many types of marijuana are a result of a hybrid.
- Co-op – It is a community of consumers and patients who come together to get and share marijuana. There are usually membership requirements. In some states, co-ops exist along with the dispensaries, while in some, they exist instead of dispensaries.
- Strain – It is one of the most popular and specific varieties of plant species.
- Heirloom – A cannabis variety that has been cultivated from its native area to another geographical location.
- Pre-roll – It is a very commonly used term that refers to marijuana before it has been rolled into a cigarette. Most of the dispensaries have pre-rolls available.
- Concentrates – As the name clears, it is a fusion of cannabinoids. The concentrates are made by dissolving marijuana plants into a solvent, which results in the high levels of THC. They are known by multiple terms and are dependent on their manufacturing method and the consistency of the final product. The concentrates can be found in varies forms i.e. sticky oils (BHO), moldable putty (wax) and resinous bits (shatter), etc.
- Edibles – These are the edibles that have been infused with concentrations of marijuana. They are most commonly found in brownies and cookies, but can also be found in flavored drinks, and candies, etc. Some dispensaries also sell marijuana-infused butter and oils.
These are many of the terms that you might hear at a marijuana dispensary. But still, if you come across any term about which you’re not sure, just ask! When you are more educated about medical marijuana, you get closer to its legalization.
Did you ever visited any local marijuana dispensary and heard any of the terms you were unaware of? What were they? Let us know!