If Michiganders are going to enter the marijuana industry, they’re going to have to learn the lingo.
From THC and CBDs to shatter and dabs and wax, the lexicon has changed since the days of pot and weed and reefer.
With the state’s medical marijuana market about to take off as Michigan starts handing out licenses for marijuana business and a ballot proposal to legalize marijuana for recreational use potentially on Michigan’s November ballot, cannabis is about to explode in the state.
So here for a quick lesson is some of the terminology to describe everything from the plant to the products.
Cannabis: The actual plant that produces hemp and the psychoactive drug used for medical and recreational purposes (where it’s legal).
Indica: One of three families of cannabis, known for producing a relaxing high and aiding in sleep and chronic pain and stress relief.
Ruderalis: The least common family of cannabis, known for quick flowering. It is sometimes bred with Indica or sativa to increase the speed of growing.
Sativa: One of three families of cannabis, known for its energizing effects and used to treat depression, stimulate appetite and reduce nausea.
Blunt: A marijuana cigarette made by dumping the tobacco out of a cigar and replacing it with marijuana.
Bong: A glass, ceramic or plastic device used to smoke marijuana that also has a chamber for water to cool the smoke before it’s inhaled.
Budtender: The person who consults with marijuana customers at dispensaries and sells the product.
Cannabinoids or CBDs: The chemical compounds found in cannabis. Some of the compounds contain THC and others don’t, but they can be used in creams and oils for pain relief.
Dab: A smaller quantity of cannabis concentrate, which, when mixed with a heat source, turns to vapor and is inhaled. The product is vaporized using a dabber or dab rig.
Edibles: Marijuana infused products (also known as MIP) – cookies, candies, butters and drinks – that are meant to be consumed rather than smoked.
Flower: The hairy, often sticky bud of the marijuana plant that is used to smoke or infuse in a variety of marijuana products.
Hash Oil: An extract of cannabis that is smoked or vaporized.
Hemp: The fiber of the hemp plant can be used in ropes, fabrics and paper. Close relative of Cannabis.
Joint: A rolled marijuana cigarette.
Kush: A specific and well-known strain of the indica cannabis plant.
Ounces and Grams: The measurements used to sell marijuana.
Shatter: A type of potent marijuana concentrate used with a bong-type of device.
THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol, which accounts for the psychoactive effects — or high —associated with marijuana.
Terpenes: Chemical compound found in cannabis that produces the flavor and smell of the flower.
Tincture: Liquid form of marijuana dropped underneath the tongue.
Topical: A marijuana-infused lotion, balm or cream that is used to relieve pain. It produces no high since any THC in the product is absorbed through the skin.
Trim: Excess snipping of leaves from the buds of marijuana plants and used to make extracts, tinctures and edibles.
Vape Pen: A battery-charged, portable vaporizer that uses pre-filled cartridges of cannabis oils. Similar to an e-cigarette.
Wax: An especially potent and concentrated form of marijuana that is used with a vaporizer or bong.
