Cannabis and Cannabinoid Glossary

How to use this glossary

Cannabis words are used loosely in shops, on labels and online, and the same word can mean different things in different places. Each entry below gives a plain definition, a short technical note, and a link to the guide that covers the topic in full. Terms are alphabetical. Definitions come from the sources listed at the bottom, and where no standard definition exists the entry says so. This is education only, not medical or legal advice, and the owner of this site does not sell cannabis products. Laws change and differ by country and state; see cannabis laws by country.

2018 Farm Bill

A US federal law that changed how hemp is defined. FDA describes it as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which defines hemp by a delta-9 THC limit of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. [1] Technical note: it preserved FDA's authority over products containing cannabis-derived compounds. [1] See hemp legal definitions.

Batch or lot number

A code printed on a product that ties it to one production run. A clinical framework paper lists a lot or batch number among the label items to check. [2] Technical note: a laboratory result describes that batch only. See batch numbers and test dates.

Bioavailability

The share of a dose that reaches the bloodstream. A 2005 review reported that THC bioavailability from smoking averages about 30 percent, while oral THC is only 4 to 12 percent and highly variable. [3] Technical note: the number depends on the compound, form and person. See why composition and preparation matter.

Broad-spectrum

A label word for a product that is not a single purified compound. No single standard definition was found in the sources read; a 2022 chemistry paper noted much confusion about the composition of products sold as "full spectrum" or "broad spectrum." [4] Technical note: only a batch report shows what is inside. See full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate CBD.

Cannabinoid

A chemical from the cannabis plant. NCCIH calls cannabinoids a group of substances found in the cannabis plant; the main ones are THC and CBD, and more than 100 others have been identified. [5] Technical note: NIDA counts at least 125. [6] See cannabinoids explained.

Cannabinoid acetates (THC-O)

Lab-modified forms of cannabinoids with an acetate group added. NIDA names THC-O-acetate among intoxicating compounds with limited research. [6] Technical note: a 2025 review links cannabinoid acetates to ketene formation when vaped. [7] See cannabinoid acetates.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)

Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain after long-term, heavy cannabis use. [6] Technical note: NCCIH describes it as recurrent severe vomiting in some long-term users of high amounts. [5] See cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Cannabis

The plant Cannabis sativa L., and its dried parts. NIDA says cannabis, which some people call marijuana, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems and seeds of the plant. [6] Technical note: NCCIH says the plant contains about 540 chemical substances. [5] See what is cannabis.

Cannabis use disorder

A pattern of cannabis use that causes significant impairment or distress. NIDA associates chronic, heavy use of THC products with developing it, and says it is a type of substance use disorder diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria. [6] Technical note: NIDA describes behavioral treatments and says no FDA-approved medicines exist for it. [6] See adverse effects and use disorder.

CB1 and CB2 receptors

Docking sites in the body that cannabinoids can bind. A 2026 review says CB1 receptors are predominantly in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors are mainly on immune cells. [8] Technical note: binding in a dish does not predict effect in a person. See the endocannabinoid system.

CBC (cannabichromene)

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid whose acid form is CBCA. [9] Technical note: a 2025 review found a gap in clinical research on CBG and CBC. [9] See CBC.

CBD (cannabidiol)

A cannabinoid that NIDA says is not intoxicating like THC. [6] Technical note: one purified CBD medicine, Epidiolex, is FDA-approved for specific seizure disorders. [1] See CBD.

CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)

The acid form of CBD made in the plant; it becomes CBD when it loses a carbon dioxide group. [8] Technical note: research on it is mostly preclinical. [10] See CBDA.

CBG (cannabigerol)

A minor cannabinoid made when CBGA decarboxylates. [8] Technical note: one small trial and one small safety study exist in healthy adults. [11][12] See CBG.

CBGA (cannabigerolic acid)

Called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the central precursor of THCA, CBDA and CBCA. [8] Technical note: the conversion uses plant enzymes. [8] See CBGA.

CBN (cannabinol)

A cannabinoid linked to the breakdown of THC-related compounds; heating THCA too much accelerates oxidative degradation to by-products such as CBN. [8] Technical note: a 2021 review found insufficient evidence for sleep claims. [13] See CBN.

Certificate of analysis (COA)

A laboratory report on a product. A clinical framework paper describes best practice as a COA from a third-party laboratory showing quality-control results. [2] Technical note: it describes one batch, not the brand. See how to read a COA.

Chemotype (chemovar)

A group defined by chemical makeup. A 2022 study says the chemical phenotype ("chemotype") of plants can be used to classify cannabis into chemical varieties ("chemovars"). [14] Technical note: it found three chemotypes based on THC to CBD ratios. [14] See THC-dominant, CBD-dominant and mixed chemotypes.

Concentrate

A product with far more cannabinoids than flower. One 2025 review defined a concentrate, for its own purposes, as a sample with at least 50 percent cannabinoids by weight. [7] Technical note: product names are inconsistent. See cannabis concentrates explained.

Cultivar

A named plant variety. A 2022 study says distinct varieties or cultivars have been cultivated to express certain traits. [14] Technical note: a cultivar name is not proof of genetics or consistent potency. See cultivars, chemotypes and strain names.

Dabbing

NIDA defines dabbing as smoking or vaporizing highly concentrated oils or extracts, also called wax or shatter. [6] Technical note: NIDA says dabbing can rapidly deliver large amounts of THC. [6] See concentrate potency and risks.

Decarboxylation

The loss of a carbon dioxide group from an acid cannabinoid, turning THCA into THC, CBDA into CBD and CBGA into CBG. [8] Technical note: it is non-enzymatic and thermal, and can also occur slowly in storage. [8] See decarboxylation explained.

Delta-8 THC

An intoxicating THC isomer. FDA says it is found in the plant but not in significant amounts, and concentrated delta-8 is typically manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. [15] Technical note: it is a positional isomer of delta-9 THC. [16] See delta-8 THC.

Delta-10 THC

Another intoxicating THC variant. NIDA lists it among compounds with limited research on health effects. [6] Technical note: no more is claimed here. See delta-10 THC.

Distillate

A refined, viscous, translucent, flavorless oil made by distilling crude extracts. [2] Technical note: a retailer glossary says distillates can contain a range of cannabinoids. [17] See distillates and isolates.

Dronabinol and nabilone

Approved drugs related to THC. NCCIH says dronabinol is synthetic THC and nabilone a synthetic substance similar to THC, used for chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, and dronabinol also for appetite loss in HIV/AIDS. [5] Technical note: they are prescription products, not flower. See approved cannabinoid medicines.

Edible

NIDA says cannabis can be mixed into baked goods, candies, gummies and drinks; edibles typically take longer to show effects, and people may use more as a result. [6] Technical note: this is NIDA's description for THC products. See THC edibles.

Endocannabinoid system (ECS) and endocannabinoids

The body's own cannabinoid signaling network. A 2026 review describes it as endogenous ligands, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that make and break them down; the main endocannabinoids are 2-AG and anandamide. [8] Technical note: "endo" means made inside the body. See the endocannabinoid system.

Entourage effect

The idea that cannabis compounds work better together than alone. A 2023 scoping review found the literature is in its infancy and contradictory, and critics say the term is used mainly for marketing. [18] Technical note: the authors suggest ordinary pharmacology terms may explain it. [18] See the entourage effect.

Epidiolex

FDA's approved purified-CBD prescription medicine for seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. [1] Technical note: its results do not transfer to oils or gummies. See prescription cannabinoid medicine regulation.

Extract

A product made by processing cannabis flower into a concentrated solid or liquid; a retailer glossary uses extract and concentrate as the same idea. [17] Technical note: terms vary by region. See concentrates explained.

Flower (bud)

The dried flowering part of the plant. NIDA mentions people smoking dried plant material, called "buds" or "herb." [6] Technical note: trichomes on female flowers make the resin. [19] See cannabis plant anatomy.

Full-spectrum

A label word for a product with more than a single purified compound. No single standard definition was found in the sources read. [4] Technical note: one analyzed "CBD oil" held CBD plus CBG, CBDV, CBC, CBN and delta-9 THC forms. [4] See full-spectrum and isolate.

Gas chromatography (GC) and HPLC

Two lab methods for measuring cannabinoids. A 2025 review says liquid chromatography (HPLC) is generally preferred because it can measure acidic cannabinoids directly, while GC uses high temperatures that decarboxylate them. [20] Technical note: GC heat can also degrade cannabinoids and skew results. [20] See testing methods.

Hash

A concentrate of trichomes. A clinical framework paper describes bubble or ice water hash as trichomes collected from the flower, leaving a paste. [2] Technical note: a retailer glossary describes hash as trichomes simply pressed into a ball or brick. [17] See hash and kief.

Hemp

In US law, the plant and its derivatives with a delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis (7 U.S.C. 1639o, read 2026-10-22). [21] Technical note: an amendment effective 365 days after November 12, 2025 changes the measure to total THC including THCA. [21] Not legal advice. See hemp vs marijuana.

HHC (hexahydrocannabinol)

A semi-synthetic cannabinoid. A 2026 review says HHC-related compounds currently dominate the semi-synthetic cannabinoid market and literature, mostly case reports and small studies on intoxication. [22] Technical note: NIDA lists HHC among compounds with limited research. [6] See HHC.

Hybrid

A retail label, not a chemical measurement. A 2022 study notes products are routinely labeled Indica, Hybrid or Sativa and that folk theories predict different effects. [14] Technical note: samples under different labels were highly intermingled. [14] See what does hybrid mean.

Indica

A retail label. The 2022 study found that a product labeled Indica may have a terpene profile indistinguishable from ones labeled Sativa or Hybrid. [14] Technical note: the study found certain labels do show a biased association with specific chemotypes, but not a consistent match. [14] See what does indica mean.

Intoxicating vs psychoactive

Words used for compounds that change thinking or mood. NIDA uses "intoxicating" for effects that can temporarily alter mood, thoughts and perceptions. [6] Technical note: reviews call CBD and acid forms "non-psychoactive," but sources use the words differently, and the 2026 review limits this to unheated use. [8] See intoxicating vs nonintoxicating cannabinoids.

Isolate

A purified product made of a single cannabinoid. A clinical framework paper describes crystalline or powder form with other cannabinoids and plant impurities removed. [2] Technical note: terpenes can be added to the final product. [2] See distillates and isolates.

Isomer

A compound with the same atoms arranged differently. The delta-8 THC review calls delta-8 THC the positional isomer of delta-9 THC. [16] Technical note: the US hemp definition text lists isomers among covered compounds. [21] See delta-8 vs delta-9.

Kief

The loose trichome powder. A framework paper describes kief as flower ground and sifted, leaving complete trichome glands. [2] Technical note: a retailer glossary describes hash as trichomes pressed into a ball or brick, and kief as hash before it is pressed. [17] See hash and kief.

Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ)

LOD is the lowest concentration that can be reliably detected; LOQ is the lowest that can be measured with acceptable precision and accuracy. [20] Technical note: "not detected" does not mean zero. See limits of detection and quantification.

Limonene

A terpene that is one of the commonly named monoterpenes in cannabis. [23] Technical note: the same review says monoterpenes such as limonene, myrcene and pinene usually predominate in the fresh plant. [23] See limonene.

Linalool

A terpene alcohol common to lavender; a 2011 review lists it among cannabis terpenoids. [23] Technical note: this entry defines the compound only; findings in that review do not prove effects from cannabis. See linalool.

Live resin

A hydrocarbon (solvent-based) extract made from fresh rather than dried plant material, which preserves a higher concentration of terpenes. [2] Technical note: the word "resin" also means other things. See rosin, resin and live products.

Marijuana

NCCIH says marijuana refers to parts of or products from the plant that contain substantial amounts of THC; plants with very little THC are considered industrial hemp under US law. [5] Technical note: the word has legal and historical baggage; this site mostly uses "cannabis." See hemp vs marijuana.

Milligrams vs percent

Two ways to state amounts. A framework paper says flower is commonly labeled in percent or mg per gram, oils in mg per milliliter, and edibles in mg per serving. [2] Technical note: the numbers are not directly comparable. See percentages vs milligrams.

Myrcene

A terpene described as another common monoterpenoid in cannabis. [23] Technical note: that review's sedative reasoning draws on hops use and mouse data. [23] See myrcene.

Nabiximols

A mouth spray containing THC and CBD, approved in some countries but not in the United States. [5] Technical note: it is a medicine product, not a consumer product. See prescription cannabinoid regulation.

Phytocannabinoid

A cannabinoid made by the plant ("phyto" means plant). A 2025 review says cannabis can make over 100, most present only in trace amounts. [24] Technical note: the term separates plant compounds from body-made ones. See cannabinoids explained.

Pinene

A terpene; alpha-pinene is one of the cannabis terpenoids reviewed in 2011. [23] Technical note: monoterpenes usually predominate in fresh plant. [23] See pinene.

Potency

The strength of a product. NIDA reports that THC potency in illegal products seized by law enforcement rose substantially between 1995 and 2022, and that higher THC concentrations are linked to a greater likelihood of cannabis use disorder. [6] Technical note: this is a seizure statistic, not a norm for any product. See percentages vs milligrams.

Residual solvents

Leftover processing chemicals. A framework paper says concentrate extraction may introduce harmful solvents such as naphtha, butane and petroleum ether. [2] Technical note: a batch report can test for them. See residual solvents.

Resin

The sticky material made by glandular trichomes, containing cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA. [19] Technical note: retail "resin" and pine "rosin" are different things. See trichomes and resin glands.

Rosin

A solventless concentrate extracted using high pressure and gentle heat. [2] Technical note: "solventless" is a method, not a tested result. See rosin vs resin.

Sativa

A retail label. The 2022 study reports consumers often believe Sativa labels mean energizing effects, but that commercial labels do not consistently align with measured chemistry. [14] Technical note: studies cited found limited differences by label. [14] See what does sativa mean.

Schedule I

A US Controlled Substances Act category. FDA says marijuana is listed in Schedule I due to its high potential for abuse and the absence of a currently accepted medical use of the plant in the United States, as read 2026-10-22. [1] Technical note: the same page says hemp is outside it. [1] Not legal advice. See laws by country.

Semi-synthetic cannabinoid

A cannabinoid made by chemically modifying a plant cannabinoid. A 2026 review defines them as chemically modified derivatives of naturally occurring phytocannabinoids. [22] Technical note: it lists HHC analogues and delta-8 THC as examples. [22] See natural, semisynthetic and synthetic cannabinoids.

Strain

A common word for a named cannabis product. A 2022 study says the legal industry markets products using labeling systems purported to predict effects of different "strains." [14] Technical note: it found labels do not consistently match chemistry. [14] See cultivar names vs lab profiles.

Synthetic cannabinoid

A lab-made substance chemically similar to cannabis compounds. NIDA says these products, known as Spice or K2, can cause serious, potentially life-threatening effects. [6] Technical note: this is a different group from plant-derived cannabinoids. See synthetic cannabinoids.

Terpene (terpenoid)

An aromatic plant compound. A 2011 review says terpenoids, not cannabinoids, are responsible for the aroma of cannabis, and over 200 have been reported in the plant. [23] Technical note: terpenoids share a precursor with cannabinoids. [23] See terpenes in cannabis.

Beta-caryophyllene

A terpene described as generally the most common sesquiterpenoid in cannabis. [23] Technical note: it is also found in black pepper. [23] See beta-caryophyllene.

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)

The main intoxicating compound in cannabis. NIDA says delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the plant. [6] Technical note: synthetic THC is an approved medicine for some uses. [5] See THC.

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)

The acid precursor of THC; it becomes THC with heat. [8] Technical note: reviews call it non-psychoactive, mostly for unheated use. [8] See THCA.

THCP

A cannabinoid NIDA lists among intoxicating compounds with limited research on health effects. [6] Technical note: nothing more is claimed here. See THCP.

THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)

A cannabinoid that a 2011 review lists among other phytocannabinoids of research interest. [23] Technical note: NIDA lists THCV among compounds with limited research. [6] See THCV.

Tincture

NIDA describes tinctures as cannabis-infused alcohol or oils consumed in small amounts under the tongue or added to foods or drinks. [6] Technical note: alcohol-based and oil-based products differ. See tinctures vs oil-based products.

Topical and transdermal

Products applied to or through the skin, such as lotions and patches. A 2022 study covered products designated for topical or transdermal application. [25] Technical note: in 105 products, labeled and measured CBD often differed. [25] See topical vs transdermal products.

Total THC

A figure meant to count both THC and THCA. The amended US hemp definition text measures total tetrahydrocannabinols including THCA. [21] Technical note: "dry weight basis" means measured against the plant's dry mass. [21] See total THC and total CBD.

Trichome

A tiny gland on the plant. Stalked glandular trichomes on female flowers produce the resin containing cannabinoids. [19] Technical note: Russo's review says trichomes make both cannabinoids and terpenoids. [23] See trichomes and resin glands.

Vaping

NIDA says dried cannabis, oils and concentrates can be vaped with devices like e-cigarettes or dry herb vaporizers. [6] Technical note: FDA warns against THC-containing vaping products, which have been implicated in serious lung injuries. [5] See vape liquids and cartridges.