Anyone joining a conversation about cannabis for the first time will encounter its own specific vocabulary: English words, botanical terms and expressions that are taken for granted. This glossary brings together the most common ones, explained without technical jargon.
The plant
Cannabis sativa. Botanical name of the species. Within this species, there are varieties with very different shapes and appearances.
Indica and Sativa. Two traditional categories that primarily describe the plant’s form: Indicas are short with broad leaves, whilst Sativas are tall with narrow leaves. Nowadays, almost all strains are hybrids, so the label is less meaningful than it seems.
Hybrid. A strain resulting from a cross between Indica and Sativa genetics. It is by far the most common type.
Genetics or strain. A specific variety of a plant, with its own name. Each strain has a distinctive aroma, colour and structure.
Heart. The flower of the female plant, the part where the trichomes are concentrated.
Trichomes. Small, crystal-like glands that cover the bud. This is where cannabinoids and terpenes are produced.
Compounds
Cannabinoids. A family of compounds found in cannabis. The two best known are THC and CBD, but over a hundred have been identified.
THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBD. Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has become very popular in recent years.
Terpenes. Aromatic compounds responsible for the aroma of each variety: citrus, pine, earth, spices. If you’re interested in this topic, we cover it in depth in our guide to terpenes.
Profile. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in a strain. Two strains with the same THC content can have very different profiles.
Growing and curing
Indoors and outdoors. Indoor cultivation, with controlled lighting and climate, or outdoor cultivation, using natural light.
Autoflowering. A variety that flowers according to age rather than the number of hours of daylight. Its cycle is shorter.
Cured. The slow process of drying and resting after the harvest. Proper curing plays a major part in determining the final aroma and texture.
Relative humidity. A key tip for keeping flowers fresh. We explain this in how to store cannabis.
Extractions
Extract. A general term for products that concentrate the trichomes separated from the plant.
Hashish. The most traditional method: resin pressed from the trichomes.
Rosin. Extraction carried out using only heat and pressure, without solvents.
Live resin. Extraction carried out using frozen plant material immediately after harvest to preserve more terpenes.
Cannabis culture
Cannabis association. A private, not-for-profit organisation made up of adults who share a space. If you have any questions about how ours works, please have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.
Member. A person who is a member of the association.
Session. A get-together, whether formal or informal, centred around cannabis. At Green Palace we organise several of these throughout the week; you can find out more at our events.
420. A well-known phrase in cannabis culture. The most commonly cited origin of the phrase dates back to a group of Californian students in the 1970s who used to meet up at 4.20.
Is there a word you can’t find? Just ask us next time you pop into the club.
