Cannabis Vocabulary: Key Terms Every Fan Should Know

Do the terms " trichomes ," "LST," or "entourage effect" sound familiar, but you're not quite sure what they mean? Here are the 28 most important cannabis terms, explained clearly and without technical jargon. It's not EVERYTHING that exists (that would be impossible!), but it's what you'll read most often in seed banks, forums, and articles.

A – D

Autoflowering (Auto)
This variety transitions to flowering based on internal age, not a change in light. It inherits this trait from ruderalis , a subspecies from cold climates that matures quickly (8-10 weeks total).

BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
Oily concentrate: butane dissolves resin from dried flowers and evaporates. Very potent (up to 90% cannabinoids), known for its crystalline texture.

Seed bank
Companies that cross and stabilize cannabis genetics, selling seeds with predictable traits such as aroma or chemical composition.

Cannabis indica vs. sativa
Traditional classification by morphology and origin:

• Indica (mountainous regions): Compact, broad leaves, short cycle, associated with relaxing effects.
• Sativa (equatorial zones): Tall, narrow leaves, long cycle, linked to mental stimulation.
• The current trend is for hybrids , with characteristics of both.

Cannabinoids
Unique chemical compounds in cannabis (more than 100). They interact with the human endocannabinoid system, such as THC (psychoactive) or CBG (anti-inflammatory).

CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, abundant in certain varieties. Studies have linked it to calming and therapeutic properties.

Cultivar / Strain
Stabilized specific variety (e.g., Amnesia Haze). "Strain" is the popular term for these unique genetics.

Indoor Growing
System in enclosed spaces with artificial lights, allowing precise control of environmental conditions.

Outdoor Growing
Outdoor method, using natural sunlight, common in regions with favorable climates.

Defoliation
Selective removal of large leaves to optimize light exposure and ventilation in the plant.

E – H

Entourage Effect
Synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds: they enhance each other, explaining why complete profiles vary in impact.

Feminized
Genetically treated seed to almost always produce female plants, which develop resinous flowers.

Phenotype
Observable expression of genetics: shape, color, aroma of a specific plant, influenced by environment.

Genotype
Inherited genetic code, potential basis of traits such as power or resistance.

Germination
Initial process: the seed absorbs water, breaks through the shell, and the radicle (primary root) emerges in 2-7 days under optimal conditions.

I – M

LST (Low Stress Training)
Gentle guiding method: tying or bending branches to create horizontal structure and even light exposure.

Maceration
Prolonged soaking process of plant material (flowers or hash) in a solvent such as ethanol or oil to fully extract cannabinoids and terpenes.

N – S

Nutrients
Essential elements for the plant: NPK (nitrogen for leaves, phosphorus for flowers, potassium for general health) plus micronutrients such as magnesium.

Pistils
Filaments in female flowers that capture pollen; they change from white to orange/brown as they mature, a visual sign of ripeness.

Apical pruning
Cut at the main apex to promote bifurcation and multiple flower sites.

Rosin
Concentrate obtained by pressure and heat on plant material, without chemical solvents.

ScrOG (Screen of Green)
Mesh technique: branches are interwoven to form a flat canopy and maximize light efficiency.

SOG (Sea of ​​Green)
Strategy with many compact plants for short cycle and uniformity.

Regular seeds
Unmodified: produce ~50% males (with pollen) and 50% females.

Sinsemilla
Female plant without pollination, dedicating all energy to resin instead of seeds.

T – Z

Terpenes
Volatile aromatic molecules (>200 types): give smells (citrus=limonene, earthy=myrcene) and modulate effects together with cannabinoids.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Main psychoactive cannabinoid, responsible for euphoria and sensory alterations via CB1 receptors.

THCA
Acidic form precursor of THC in fresh plant (not psychoactive); it is activated by heat (decarboxylation).

Trichomes
Microscopic resinous glands in flowers/leaves, producing ~90% cannabinoids and terpenes. Types: milky heads (peak potency), amber (sedative).

Vaporize
Controlled heating (160-220°C) for pure vapors, preserving compounds without combustion.

In summary...

Knowing cannabis vocabulary allows you to better understand the characteristics of each strain and navigate modern genetics with confidence. But this is just the beginning, because the cannabis world is constantly evolving!

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