A
ACMPR
An acronym for “Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations“, also known as Canada's medical marijuana law
Activated Cannabinoids
Prior to heating, cannabis is considered in an inactivated state that will not cause psychoactivity. See also 'decarboxylation'
Addiction
Refers to compulsive and repeated use of a psychoactive substance, causing regular or constant intoxication to the user, especially when the user has difficulty voluntarily stopping the use of the substance or acts irrationally if the substance is not available.
Alpha Bisabolol
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, anti-microbial, antioxidant. Also found in chamomile flowers.
Analgesic
reduces/relieves pain
Anti-Fibrosis
manages the creation of excess fibrosis as a result of injury
Anti-Fungal
Inhibits the growth of fungus
Anti-inflammatory
reduces inflammation
Anti-insomnia
manages sleep disorders
Anti-nociceptive
An agent (medication) that blocks the perception of pain
Antibacterial
Slows bacterial growth
Anticonvulsant
reduces convulsions
Antiemetic
manages nausea and vomiting
Antioxidant
boosts immunity by preventing oxidative damage in the body
Antispasmodic
reduces spasms
Anxiolytic
reduces anxiety
Apigenin
combats anxiety, anti-inflammatory. Also found in chamomile tea, celery and parsley
Appetite stimulant
increases appetite
Autoflowering
Strains of cannabis that automatically create flowers based on the age of the plant (vs strains that are dependent on specific light/dark periods to induce flowering). See also Ruderalis.
B
BDC
Blood-drug concentration
BHO
aka Butane Hash Oil. A potent cannabis concentrate created using butane oil as a solvent. Typically BHO has very high levels of THC and is strongly psychoactive.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
Blood-drug concentration
The amount of a drug found in a person's blood, measured by toxicology (blood or urine) tests. aka BDC
Blunt
Cannabis cigar. Cannabis is rolled or wrapped in a tobacco leaf and smoked.
Bong
Also known as a water pipe, a bong is a smoking pipe, usually made of glass. The smoke is drawn through water prior to inhalation in order to cool it down.
Bootlegging
Buying cannabis or alcohol for a minor or for a person who is not allowed to purchase cannabis or alcohol at a store. Also known as 'second-party sales'
Borneol
analgesic, anti-fibrosis, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant. Also found in camphor, mint and rosemary.
Bubble Hash
Bubble Hash is a concentrated cannabis extract made by removing the sticky, resinous trichomes from the other plant material through a process of agitation in ice water to separate the trichomes from the rest of the plant material; and then poured through a series of filters
Bud
The flower of the cannabis plant that contains the highest amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. 'bud' or 'dried bud' also refers to the dried cannabis flower that is sold intact (rather than pre-ground)
Bud
Slang for cannabis flower bud
Budder
Highly potent THC concentrate (over 90% THC). Budder is a light golden colour with a soft consistency of lip balm. It is consumed by dropping a tiny amount on a heated coil or knife and inhaling the smoke.
Budtender
A cannabis-aware worker at a retail cannabis store that helps customers choose products.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
aka BHO. A potent cannabis concentrate created using butane oil as a solvent. Typically BHO have very high levels of THC and is strongly psychoactive.
C
C02 Extraction
Also known as Supercritical CO2 extraction. A manufacturing process used to extract different constituents of a plant. It works by applying pressure to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas until it turns into a liquid. Liquid CO2 is a safe solvent, alleviating the safety concerns of toxic solvents.
CCSA
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction regulations
Cannabichromene
aka CBC. Non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Anti-biotic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, stimulates bone growth, increases neurogenesis (development of new brain cells). 10 times more effective than CBD in treating anxiety and stress.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD. Non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
Cannabidiolic acid
aka CBDA. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the raw, unprocessed cannabis plant. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, strong immune booster, improved intestinal function, improved neural function, neuroprotective, rebuilds bone.
Cannabidivarin
aka CBDV. Non-psychoactive. Slightly degraded form of CBD. Anti-epileptic, anti-nausea, shows promise on its own as an anticonvulsant and seems to work synergistically with CBD.
Cannabigerol
aka CBG. Considered the 'mamma' cannabinoid, CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids. CBGA is present in the developing plant, however not much remains in the fully mature plant. Early studies show it may prove to stimulate brain cell and bone growth and shows promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine Early studies found to stimulate brain cell and bone growth, Demonstrates promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine. Is a strong appetite stimulant. Effective treatment for IBS. Antibacterial. Shows promise as an antitumour agent, especially in cases of prostate and oral cancers. CBGA is the 'raw' or unheated version of CBG.
Cannabigerolic acid
aka CBGA. Considered the 'mamma' cannabinoid, CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids. CBGA is present in the developing plant, however not much remains in the fully mature plant. Early studies show it may prove to stimulate brain cell and bone growth and shows promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine Early studies found to stimulate brain cell and bone growth, Demonstrates promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine. Is a strong appetite stimulant. Effective treatment for IBS. Antibacterial. Shows promise as an antitumour agent, especially in cases of prostate and oral cancers. CBGA is the 'raw' or unheated version of CBG.
Cannabinoid
A compound produced by the cannabis plant. Currently, over 200 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant. Examples of cannabinoids are: THC, CBD, CBN, etc
Cannabinol (CBN)
aka CBN. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis, but abundant in aged Cannabis. CBN is a metabolite of THC. As cannabis ages, THC slowly converts to CBN.
Cannabis
Latin and common name of all varieties of the cannabis plant. Can refer to the plant, or any products made from the plant.
Cannabis Accessories
“Cannabis accessory” means a thing, including rolling papers or wraps, holders, pipes, water pipes, bongs and vaporizers that is represented to be used in the consumption of cannabis or a thing that is represented to be used in the production of cannabis.
Cannabis Oil
A product that contains cannabinoids (usually THC, CBD or both) mixed into a carrier oil. Cannabis oil can be eaten, mixed into food, or made into lotion or salve.
Cannaflavin
A flavinoid unique to cannabis; strong anti-inflammatory
Carrier oil
Cannabis extraction processes result in a highly concentrated product. Health Canada currently (2018) requires that concentrated cannabis products be diluted to a lower potency prior to sale. A carrier oil is used to dilute the concentrate.
Caryophyllene
alcohol craving reduction, analgesic, anti-anxiety, anti-cancer, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory. Also found in basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, hops, oregano, rosemary
CBC
Cannabichromene. Non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Anti-biotic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, stimulates bone growth, increases neurogenesis (development of new brain cells). 10 times more effective than CBD in treating anxiety and stress.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol. Non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
CBDA
Cannabidiolic acid. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the raw, unprocessed cannabis plant. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, strong immune booster, improved intestinal function, improved neural function, neuroprotective, rebuilds bone.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin. Non-psychoactive. Slightly degraded form of CBD. Anti-epileptic, anti-nausea, shows promise on its own as an anticonvulsant and seems to work synergistically with CBD.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Cannabigerol. Considered the 'mamma' cannabinoid, CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids. CBGA is present in the developing plant, however not much remains in the fully mature plant. Early studies show it may prove to stimulate brain cell and bone growth and shows promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine Early studies found to stimulate brain cell and bone growth, Demonstrates promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine. Is a strong appetite stimulant. Effective treatment for IBS. Antibacterial. Shows promise as an antitumour agent, especially in cases of prostate and oral cancers. CBGA is the 'raw' or unheated version of CBG.
CBGA
Cannabigerolic acid. Considered the 'mamma' cannabinoid, CBGA is the precursor to all other cannabinoids. CBGA is present in the developing plant, however not much remains in the fully mature plant. Early studies show it may prove to stimulate brain cell and bone growth and shows promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine Early studies found to stimulate brain cell and bone growth, Demonstrates promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-insomnia medicine. Is a strong appetite stimulant. Effective treatment for IBS. Antibacterial. Shows promise as an antitumour agent, especially in cases of prostate and oral cancers. CBGA is the 'raw' or unheated version of CBG.
CBN (Cannabinol)
aka Cannabinol. A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis, but abundant in aged Cannabis. CBN is a metabolite of THC. As cannabis ages, THC slowly converts to CBN.
CCSA
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
CDSA
Controlled Drugs & Substances Act
Chemotype
A chemically distinct entity in a plant or microorganism with differences in the composition of the secondary metabolites. Also referred to as 'chemovar'.
Chemovar
Refers to differences in the chemical composition of individual plants from the same variety. The differences occur from differences in environmental growing conditions such as soil, light, temperature, etc. Also referred to as 'chemotype'.
Clone
Clipping taken from a 'mother' cannabis plant that is then grown as an exact copy of the mother.
CO2 Oil
Cannabis concentrate made using a supercritical CO2 extraction method. See also supercritical CO2 extraction.
Concentrates product High potency Cannabis products that have undergone an extraction process using some type of solvent.
Cultivar
Plant varieties that have been selected and propagated for specific characteristics. Cultivars are rarely pure Indica or Sativa varieties that we see in Landrace strains and commonly referred to as 'hybrid' strains.
D
Dab, Dabbing
Refers to the process of heating cannabis concentrates on a hot surface (285 and 400°C) and inhaling the resulting smoke.
Dank
Slang word referring to potent cannabis strains or products
Dealer's License
also referred to as 'DL' Laboratories licensed by Health Canada to conduct activities with cannabis. The list can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/list-licensed-dealers.html
Decarbed
A cannabis product that has been activated through a heating process.
Decarboxylation
A heating process that changes the chemical makeup of cannabinoids and making the cannabinoids 'active' within the body. Cannabis requires decarboxylation for the THC to cause psychoactivity. See also Decarb.
Decriminalization
Refers to the removal of criminal penalties with regards to previous criminal law.
Dependence
Physical dependence on a substance especially if removal of the substance creates short-term negative consequences. See also 'Addiction' and 'Substance use disorder'.
Dioecious
A botany term that refers to plants with separate male and female plant (vs other plants that have both male and female features on the same plant.) Cannabis is a dioecious plant.
Dispensary
A cannabis retail store.
DL
Dealer's License. Laboratories licensed by Health Canada to conduct activities with cannabis. The list can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/list-licensed-dealers.html
doobie
Slang word for a cannabis cigarette
dope
Slang word for cannabis.
DRE
Drug Recognition Expert
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
A Certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is an evaluator who is accredited by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is recognized as an evaluating officer by the Criminal Code of Canada. A DRE determines if a driver is under the influence of drugs and if their ability to operate a vehicle is impaired
E
ECS
Endocannabinoid System. A biological system in the body that is essential to health and well-being. The ECS is largely responsible for regaining and maintaining homeostasis within the body. The ECS works by creating cannabinoids that interact with receptors to affect change or correct imbalances. Cannabinoids from cannabis will also react with these same receptors, which is how cannabis works as a supplement for the endocannabinoid system.
Edibles
Food products that have been infused with cannabis. These include oils, baked goods, butter, candies, drinks, etc. Cannabis edibles take 30 - 90 minutes to take effect.
Endocannabinoid cannabinoid Naturally occurring cannabinoids created in the body. Examples are 2-AG and Anandamide. (see also 'cannabinoid', 'phytocannabinoid', and 'synthetic cannabinoid'
Endocannabinoid System
also referred to as 'ECS'. A biological system in the body that is essential to health and well-being. The ECS is largely responsible for regaining and maintaining homeostasis within the body. The ECS works by creating cannabinoids that interact with receptors to affect change or correct imbalances. Cannabinoids from cannabis will also react with these same receptors, which is how cannabis works as a supplement for the endocannabinoid system.
Entheogens
Any psychoactive substance used to stimulate a spiritual experience, the purpose of which is to alter a person's outlook on life. Entheogens are traditionally used by shamans and other religious leaders.
Errl
A concentrated cannabis product made with butane extraction. Also known as 'Honey Oil' or 'Hash Oil'
Eucalyptol terpene anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
F
Fat-soluble
Any substance that requires a fat component in order to be properly absorbed through the digestion system.
FDA
Food & Drugs Act
Feminized
Cannabis plants that have been bred to only produce female plants.
Fibrosis
scarring that occurs as a result of injury to tissue. Excessive fibrosis, especially on organs, can interfere with its proper functioning
G
Ganja
Slang word for cannabis.
Genomics
"the branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes."
Geraniol terpene anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-tumour, anti-viral, antioxidant, neuroprotectant. Also found in geranium, lemon, tobacco and made by honey bees.
GPP
Good Production Practices [https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/licensed-producers/additional-information-licensed-producers-under-access-cannabis-medical-purposes-regulations.html#a2]
Guaiol
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory. Also found in pine and guaiacum tree.
H
Half-life
A term used to describe how long it takes for half of the amount of a substance taken into the body to fully be removed from the body.
Hallucination
seeing images or hearing sounds that are not real
Hallucinogen
Any substance that induces hallucinations, such as seeing images or hearing sounds that are not real.
Hashish aka Hash
Hashish (aka hash) is a solventless concentrated cannabis extract made from the pressed and heated sticky, resinous trichomes pressed and heated under pressure to form small 'cakes'. The trichomes contain higher concentrations of cannabinoids, including THC, which makes Hashish a potent and concentrated form of cannabis. Hashish can contain up to 60% THC. Hashish can be vaporized or smoked. (See also Kief.)
Hemp
Cousin to the cannabis plant, hemp is grown for its nutritious seeds, strong fibres for making textiles, rope, paper and other products, including a type of plastic.
Herb
Slang word for cannabis.
Honey Oil
A concentrated cannabis product made with butane extraction. Also known as 'errl'
Honeycomb product Slang for a concentrated form of hash that resembles a honeycomb.
Humulene
analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative (inhibits cancer cell growth), anorectic (appetite suppressant, promotes weight loss). Also found in hops, sage and ginseng.
Hybrid
Strains that are a combination of Indica and Sativa varieties. Hybrid strains will be indicated as either ‘Indica dominant’ or ‘Sativa dominant’ and should be chosen accordingly. See also 'indica' and 'sativa'.
Hydroponics
A growing system that utilized fertilized water rather than soil.
I
Indica
A category of cannabis strains. Indica strains are short, bushy plants with wider leaves. THC and CBD from Indica strains tend to influence the body … relaxing muscles, slowing down a busy mind, and producing a sedative effect. Indica strains are best for nighttime use in order to take advantage of Indica’s sedating properties.
Indica dominant
Cannabis hybrid that with characteristics from the Indica strain.
Intoxication
Impaired control of the physical body and emotions brought on by the intake of an intoxicating substance. "Intoxication happens when a person's physical and mental capabilities are reduced by the effects of alcohol or a drug. When liquor or drugs are consumed faster than the body can get rid of them, the person becomes intoxicated. Their behaviour begins to change and they will show signs of intoxication."
J
Joint
A cannabis cigarette
K
Kief
Kief is a solventless concentrated cannabis extract made from the sticky, resinous trichomes that have been separated from the rest of the plant material. Separation is usually done through sifting. The trichomes contain higher concentrations of cannabinoids, including THC, which makes Kief a potent and concentrated form of cannabis, containing up to 60% THC. Kief can be vaporized, smoked, or pressed and heated under pressure to form Hashish. The word Kief is from an Arabic word meaning "pleasure or intoxication". (See also Hashish.)
Kush
Cannabis strains which have their origins in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Typically kush strains are Indica dominant with an earthy smell.
L
Landrace strains
Landrace strains are considered the 'original' strains, having developed long ago within the plant's natural environment. To be considered a landrace, the plant’s genetics are usually 100% Indica, or 100% Sativa rather than hybrid varieties of cultivars. Landrace strains were the strains available during the 1960s and 1970s, and are relatively rare in today's cultivated market.
Legalization
Removing criminal consequences from something that used to be illegal.
Licensed Producer
LP. Cannabis grower licensed to grow and sell cannabis in Canada
Limonene
Antidepressant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative (inhibits, cancer cell growth), anxiolytic (relieves anxiety), reduces acid reflux, immunostimulant. Also found in the rinds of citrus fruit.
Linalool
Analgesic, antidepressant, reduces seizures and convulsions, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (relieves anxiety), sedative. Also found in lavender.
Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines
A paper published by the Canadian Medical Association and based on research evidence on the adverse health effects of cannabis and factors that appear to modify the risk of these harms. Relevant English-language peer-reviewed publications on the health harms of cannabis use were reviewed and LRCUG was drafted by the authors on the basis of a consensus process. aka LRCUG. https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/cma_policy_canadas_lower_risk_cannabis_use_pd16-06-e.pdf
LP
Licensed Producer. Cannabis grower licensed to grow and sell cannabis in Canada
LRCUG
Lower Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.
M
Marijuana
Slang word for cannabis. Also used to refer to dried leaves and flowers of the plant, and any product made from cannabis.
Mary Jane (MJ)
Slang word for cannabis.
Membrane Receptor Endosome Internalization
A technical term for Tolerance.
Myrcene
Analgesic, antibacterial, helps mitigate the effects of diabetes, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, anti-proliferative/anti-mutagenic (inhibits cell mutation, including cancer cells), antispasmodic. Also found in mangos, hops, and sweet basil.
N
Narcotic
A substance with psychoactive properties that induces sleep. Many narcotic drugs are highly addictive.
Nerolidol
Antifungal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic. Also found in jasmine, lemongrass and tea tree.
Neuroprotective
Protects the brain
O
Ocimene
antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, decongestant, antibacterial. Also found in basil, mango, mint, orchid, parsley, pepper.
Opiate / Opioid
A narcotic drug, either synthetic or derived from the opium poppy plant, binds to opioid receptors in the brain. Examples of opiates are codeine, heroin, opium, and morphine. Opiates usually refer to drugs derived from plant material, whereas Opioids are synthetically created in a lab. Examples of opioids are hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone.
P
Pharmacodynamic
Pharmacodynamics is the study of how a drug affects an organism, whereas pharmacokinetics is the study of how the organism affects the drug. Both together influence dosing, benefit, and adverse effects.
Pharmacokinetic
Pharmacodynamics is the study of how a drug affects an organism, whereas pharmacokinetics is the study of how the organism affects the drug. Both together influence dosing, benefit, and adverse effects.
Pharmacokinetic Pharmacology
A branch of pharmacology dedicated to understanding the fate of substances administered to a living organism.
Phenotype
Physical attributes of individual cannabis plants.
Phoenix Tears
Another name for Rick Simpson Oil
Phytocannabinoid
Naturally occurring cannabinoids created in the cannabis plant. Examples are THC and CBD. (see also 'cannabinoid', 'endocannabinoid', and 'synthetic cannabinoid'
Pinene (Alpha & Beta)
Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative (inhibits cancer cell growth), antioxidant, helps with focus & concentration, a bronchodilator, may counteract THC induced short-term memory loss and paranoia. Also found in pine trees and rosemary.
Pipe
A device used for smoking cannabis.
Pistal
The female reproductive part of a plant, usually located in flower.
Pot
Slang for cannabis.
Potency
The number of cannabinoids in a cannabis product. Usually expressed as a %, the potency of cannabis is important for the user so they can regulate their intake.
Prohibition
Laws that ban the use of a substance.
Psychoactive
Any substance that alters a person's mental state. Used interchangeably with 'psychotropic'
Psychoactive effect
Substances that change a person's neurochemistry causing altered behaviour, cognition, mood, and perception.
Psychotropic
Any substance that alters a person's mental state. Used interchangeably with 'psychoactive'
Q
Qualified Cannabis Worker (QCW)
Alberta: a person who has passed the qualifications of becoming a worker in Alberta's cannabis industry.
Quality Assurance Person
Licensed Producers are required to have a quality assurance person on staff. This person must have the appropriate technical training, experience, and knowledge to ensure that cannabis products, including fresh, dried, plants, seeds and oils meet required quality standards prior to the products being approved for sale.
Quercetin
Antioxidant, antiviral, and some anticancer properties. also found berries, green tea and red wine. Very high boiling temperature (250C) and therefore not reachable with a vaporizer.
R
Regulations
Standards and rules that govern how laws are enforced
Rick Simpson
A Canadian cannabis activist. After successfully treating his own health issues with cannabis, Simpson began a crusade to teach others how to make and use his signature product, a thick, gooey cannabis concentrate that has become known as Rick Simpson Oil or RSO for short.
Rick Simpson Oil
A concentrated cannabis product made by dissolving cannabis into a solvent. The solvent is then evaporated off leaving a thick, gooey concentrate that can be taken orally or topically. Also known as RSO and Phoenix Tears.
Roach
The leftover end part of a joint after the joint has been smoked. One needs to use a roach clip in order to smoke this part of the joint, otherwise, the user will burn their fingers and lips.
Roach Clip
A clip used to hold a joint so the user doesn't burn their fingers and lips.
Rosin
The resinous sap of cannabis extracted using a combination of pressure and heat.
RSO
Acronym for Rick Simpson Oil
Ruderalis
Considered the 'wild cousin' cannabis strain that produces short but fast-maturing plants. Ruderalis strains contain some CBD but low amounts of THC. This strain has become important in breeding, as it is not dependant on specific light cycles to produce flowers.
S
Sativa
A strain of the cannabis plant that grows tall with loose branches and narrow leaves. Effects of Sativa varieties are cerebral, (possibly) hallucinogenic. Sativa strains tend to be uplifting and energizing which makes them a good choice for daytime use.
Sativa dominant
Refers to a cannabis plant that has predominant characteristics of Sativa strains. See also Sativa
Second-party sales
Buying cannabis or alcohol for a minor or for a person who is not allowed to purchase cannabis or alcohol at a store. Also known as 'bootlegging'
Sensitization Protocol
A sensitization protocol allows one to reset the sensitivity of the ECS which usually requires 24 hours - 6 days of abstinence from Cannabis. Some require 3 months or more to reset the receptors. If abstinence, not an option, changing strains can help avoid or manage tolerance levels. Keeping THC intake as low as possible can help avoid tolerance buildup. See also Tolerance.
SFST
Standardized Field Sobriety Test
Shatter
A type of concentrated cannabis product
Skunk
Slang word for outdoor-grown cannabis with a particularly pungent skunky smell.
Solventless
Cannabis extraction method that involves the collection and concentration of resinous trichomes without the aid of (possibly) harmful or risky solvents. Examples of solventless concentrates are kief, rosin, hand-rolled hash and water hash.
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Spliff
A cannabis cigarette made with a mixture of cannabis and tobacco
Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)
An SFST test is typically administered roadside and consists of a police officer putting a suspected impaired driver through a series of standardized sobriety tests.
Strains
Cannabis comes in three major strains: C. indica, C. sativa and C. ruderalis. These strains have been cross-bred to create many varieties of strains, each with unique properties that create different effects in the body.
Substance Use Disorder
Also known as 'SUD'. Chronic use of a substance (usually a psychoactive drug) that leads to deleterious changes in mental and physical health, especially if the use of the substance creates negative and unintended consequences in the user's life. See also 'addiction' and 'dependence'
SUD
Acronym for 'Substance Use Disorder'
Supercritical CO2 extraction
A manufacturing process used to extract different constituents of a plant. It works by applying pressure to carbon dioxide (CO2) gas until it turns into a liquid. Liquid CO2 is a safe solvent, alleviating the safety concerns of toxic solvents.
T
Terpene
Chemical compounds found in all plants, including cannabis, which produce distinct smells and flavours. Research shows that Terpenes found in cannabis contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Terpenoid
Another word for Terpene.
Terpineol
Antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-proliferative (inhibits cancer cell growth), sedative (mild), anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). Also found in lilacs, pine trees, lime blossoms, and eucalyptus sap.
Terpinolene
Antibacterial, anti-fungal, sleep aid, anti-proliferative (inhibits cancer cell growth), antioxidant. Also found in apple, cumin, lilac and tea tree.
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Aka THC. The psychoactive cannabinoid found in varying amounts in cannabis plants.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid
Aka THCA. Non-psychoactive for most people. Found in the raw, unprocessed cannabis plant. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, strong immune booster, improved intestinal function, improved neural function, neuroprotective, rebuilds bone.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
Aka THCV. Strongly psychoactive, but lasts about half the time of THC. Pronounced energetic effects. May effectively counter anxiety, stress, & panic disorders without suppressing emotion. Reduces tremors associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders. Diminishes appetite.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Aka Tetrahydrocannabinol. The psychoactive cannabinoid found in varying amounts in cannabis plants.
THC sensitivity
Refers to the sensitivity one has to the psychoactive effects of THC. People who are highly THC sensitive may have an extremely uncomfortable experience when taking in even small amounts of cannabis.
THCA
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Non-psychoactive for most people. Found in the raw, unprocessed cannabis plant. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, strong immune booster, improved intestinal function, improved neural function, neuroprotective, rebuilds bone.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin. Strongly psychoactive, but lasts about half the time of THC. Pronounced energetic effects. May effectively counter anxiety, stress, & panic disorders without suppressing emotion. Reduces tremors associated with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurological disorders. Diminishes appetite.
Tolerance
Aka “membrane receptor endosome internalization” the cell literally pulls cannabinoid receptors inside, reducing the availability of that receptor to react to THC. If the receptor is no longer available to be stimulated a person requires more and more product to achieve the same health benefits. Tolerance can be experienced in a few hours, days, weeks or months. The antidote to tolerance is cannabis abstinence for 24 hours to several days. Some people avoid tolerance by frequently changing strains. Keeping THC intake as low as possible can help avoid tolerance buildup. See also Sensitization Protocol.
Toxicity
The poisonous quality of a substance.
Trichomes
Crystal-like outgrowths on some plants, including cannabis. Trichomes are sticky and resinous and are a component of the plant's immunity. Trichomes contain the majority of the medicinal aspects of Cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Variances in the makeup of trichomes contribute to distinct differences of cannabis strains.
V
Vaporizer
A device used to deliver cannabis medicine into the body through the lungs. The vaporizer heats the cannabis plant material just until the active components (cannabinoids and terpenes) are released as a vapour that can be inhaled. The advantage to using a vaporizer vs a smoking device is that the vaporizer does not burn the plant material, so the user is not subjected to tar and the other carcinogens of smoke.
W
Wax
A concentrated form of cannabis.
Weed
Slang word for cannabis.