Cannabis culture has its own vocabulary, and it can feel like a different language at first. This glossary covers the terms you are most likely to hear, explained in plain words.
The plant
Strain. A specific variety of cannabis with its own name, genetics and characteristics.
Indica and sativa. Traditional categories that mainly describe the plant’s shape: indicas are short with broad leaves, sativas are tall with narrow leaves. Today almost every strain is a cross of both.
Hybrid. A strain bred from indica and sativa genetics. By far the most common type.
Bud. The flower of the female plant, where most of the resin is found.
Trichomes. Tiny crystal-like glands covering the bud. They produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
Compounds
Cannabinoids. The family of compounds unique to cannabis. THC and CBD are the best known, but there are more than a hundred.
THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBD. Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
Terpenes. Aromatic compounds that give each strain its smell and flavour.
Growing and curing
Indoor and outdoor. Grown under controlled artificial light or under the sun.
Autoflower. A strain that flowers based on age rather than light hours, with a shorter life cycle.
Curing. The slow drying and resting process after harvest. It shapes much of the final aroma and texture.
Extracts
Hash. The traditional form: resin collected from trichomes and pressed.
Rosin. An extract made using only heat and pressure, with no solvents.
Live resin. An extract made from freshly frozen plants to keep more terpenes.
Culture
CSC. Cannabis Social Club, a private, non-profit association of adult members.
420. A popular code in cannabis culture, traced back to a group of Californian students in the 1970s who met at 4:20 pm.
Missing a word? Ask us next time you visit. Meanwhile, read about our club or our FAQ.
