The Little Cannabis Glossary
By SQDC.ca | Edited on November 24, 2025
Marijuana, weed, ganja, grass, cheeba, pot... Cannabis terminology is colourful and continues to develop alongside the cannabis industry. In North America, cannabis culture has been shaped by English-language terms, which have quickly entered everyday use, even in French. Think, for example, of all the variety names like Mango Haze and Girl Scout Cookies, product types like shatter and rosin and common expressions like buzzé (buzzed) and trip de bouffe (literally “grub trip,” i.e. food that satisfies the munchies).
The terms and definitions offered in this glossary provide an opportunity to learn more about this fascinating industry. With simple, clear definitions covering everything from harvest to trimming, from dried flowers to vaporizers and from cannabinoids to genotypes: learn more about cannabis terminology.
Bract
The bract is a tiny, trichome-covered leaf located at the base of the plant’s calyx.
Botanical terpene
Comparable to essential oils, botanical terpenes are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants, including herbs, spices and trees. They are mainly responsible for producing various aromas and flavours. More than 100 botanical terpenes have been identified.
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabichomene (CBC) is a minor cannabinoid derived from the same precursor as THC and CBD. Unintoxicating according to Health Canada, it is found mainly in CBD-rich strains and some full-spectrum extracts.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD is a non-psychotropic major cannabinoid that corresponds to the decarboxylated form of CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). It generally occurs in smaller amounts than THC and has few if any euphoric properties. While its properties remain to be confirmed, CBD is currently the focus of research that will determine whether it can moderate THC’s unpleasant effects, such as paranoia and anxiety. However, none of these claims has yet been proven.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol (CBG) in a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in small quantities in cannabis plants. It is unintoxicating and plays a key role in the formation of other cannabinoids, including THC, CBD and CBC.
Cannabinoid
Chemical compounds that act on a person’s endocannabinoid system. There are three cannabinoid categories: endogenous, herbal and synthetic.
Cannabinoid acids
Cannabinoids in acid or “neutral” form that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. In their natural state, cannabinoid acids have no psychoactive properties. To become psychoactive, they have to be activated through the decarboxylation process.
Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol (CBN) forms naturally as THC degrades over time and with exposure to light and heat. Considered a minor intoxicating cannabinoid, CBN produces milder effects than THC, though more research is needed to confirm its effects on the user experience.
Cannabis terpene
Though all plants, including herbs and trees, contain terpenes, cannabis terpenes are those found specifically in cannabis plants. Under the Cannabis Regulation Act, only these types of terpenes can be added to cannabis products like infused pre-rolleds and vaping liquids (botanical terpenes are prohibited).
Chemotype
Chemotypes are cannabis categories grouped by their cannabinoid content. Although several different chemotypes have been identified, the SQDC recognizes three of them:
Type 1: THC dominant
Type 2: Balanced THC-CBD
Type 3: CBD dominant
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the vegetal pigment that gives plants their green colour.
Chlorophyll is photosynthetic, which means it produces oxygen using water and sunlight. It gives cannabis a harsh taste considered unpleasant. Cannabis plants that contain a lot of chlorophyll tend to be bitter in taste and bright green in colour.
Endogenous cannabinoid
Endogenous cannabinoids are naturally secreted by the human body’s endocannabinoid system. The system also has receptors that can capture the cannabinoids present in cannabis.
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate an organism’s chemical reactions. For example, in digestion, they help break down food into tiny pieces so it can be digested properly.
Plants use enzymes to speed the uptake of nutrients, enabling them to grow faster.
Fan leaf
Fan leaves are the large leaves that develop on stems during the growth phase. Basically, they act like solar panels, absorbing light and converting it to the energy required for plant growth.
Female plant
The female cannabis plant differs mainly in the appearance of its flowers and the presence of pistils on them. Female cannabis plants are preferred for recreational and medical uses because they and only they have cannabinoids in sufficient concentrations to produce a psychotropic effect.
Feminized
(seeds) Feminized seeds produce only female plants. These are also called female seeds.
Flavonoid
Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients found in many fruits and vegetables as well as in cannabis. They are largely responsible for the plant’s bright colours (dark purple, bright red) and intense flavours.
The flavonoids found mainly or only in cannabis are called cannflavins. In all, there are reportedly about 6,000 flavonoids, of which 20 or so are cannflavins.
Flower/Flower top
The cannabis flower, often referred to as a “bud.” Its appearance may differ depending on which species/category it belongs to. Though the colour can vary, the most common are pale to dark green, orange, red and purple. Because buds have the strongest concentration of cannabinoids, they are usually the part of the plant that is consumed to feel the purported effects.
Genotype
The genetic code of the cannabis plant. It is in the genotype that laboratories can read the variations that the plant may develop.
Herbal cannabinoid
Natural chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant and found mainly in the trichomes, which tend to be concentrated on the cannabis flower. The concentration of cannabinoids varies from product to product and sometimes between different samples of the same product, depending on several factors including the growing conditions. Some cannabinoids are psychotropic while others are not psychoactive.
Hemp
This plant is a member of the Cannabaceae family.
It contains no or few psychotropic agents and is used mainly in making textiles, plastic, creams and soaps. Hemp plants are usually taller than cannabis plants, sometimes reaching a height of five or six metres.
Leaf
The iconic cannabis symbol, the leaf is easily recognizable due to its fan-shaped fingers, pronounced veins and serrated edges. The colour can range from light green to dark olive green and the shape can vary depending on the category (Indica, Sativa, hybrid or Ruderalis).
Major cannabinoid
A vegetal cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. The two best-known are THC and CBD. They’re called “major” because, in plants in their natural state, they are more abundant than the so-called minor cannabinoids.
Male plant
The buds of the male plant do not produce consumable flowers. The role of male plants is limited mainly to reproduction, as their pollen the female plant.
Minor cannabinoid
A vegetal cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants, though not as abundantly as the major cannabinoids. Minor cannabinoids are active compounds of the cannabis plants, some of which do not produce intoxicating effects comparable to THC. Examples include CBC, CBG, CBN, THCV, CBDV and CBGV.
Phenotype
The phenotype is the physical expression of the properties of the genotype (size, colour, cannabinoid content, etc.) in combination with various external (environment) and internal (genetic) factors.
In the classification currently used in the cannabis industry, phenotypes are grouped by cannabis cultivar (or strain), such as Haze, Kush, Blue Dream, Lemon Diesel and Amnesia, to name only those. Though in wide use, this strain-based classification is not currently standardized.
Pistil
Pistils, sometimes called stigmas, look like small white, orange, red or brown hairs. They are found only on female plants. Their purpose is to trap the pollen released by male cannabis plants.
Starch
Starch is a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in most plants, which use it to store energy and nutrients. Starch is produced via photosynthesis.
Strain
The term strain refers to plants of the same species that grow differently in an identical environment. In contrast to cultivars, strains developed their differences naturally, without any involvement by humans.
Synthetic cannabinoid
Synthetic cannabis is called synthetic because its cannabinols are synthesized in a laboratory. It is a psychotropic substance whose chemical composition is different from that of real cannabis.
Synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes called Spice and K2, are molecules that interact with some cannabinoid receptors to produce effects similar to those of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In Canada, the Cannabis Act bans the possession and use of synthetic cannabis products.
Sugar leaf
Sugar leaves are located in very close proximity to the buds. Sugar leaves give the flower tops the structure they need to maintain their integrity. Though sugar leaves are covered with cannabinoid-rich trichomes, their smoke can be harsh, which is usually why they are trimmed from the flower tops. The trimmed leaves can be used for other purposes like transformation into hash products.
Terpene
Cannabis strains contain terpenes, which are comparable to essential oils. Found on trichomes, terpenes are largely what give plants their distinctive aromas and flavours.
Terpene profile
A plant’s unique mix of terpenes. Each strain has a unique terpene profile comprised of differing concentrations of various terpenes.
The terpenes in the cannabis sold at the SQDC are identified using gas chromatography analysis.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a minor cannabinoid that occurs naturally in some cannabis strains, especially Sativa-dominant strains and strains with African roots. While close to THC in structure, it acts differently in the body and, in low doses, doesn’t product the psychoactive effects typical of THC. THCV derives naturally from CBGVa. Similarly to THC, it is activated by heating or decarboxylation.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
The main psychotropic cannabinoid. A decarboxylated form of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and it produces most of the psychotropic and physical effects sought by users, including the euphoric effect commonly described as being “stoned,” “high” or “buzzed.” The more THC a product contains, the stronger its effects are likely to be felt by the user.
Consuming THC comes with several health risks and can sometimes produce undesirable secondary effects, such as paranoia and anxiety.
The effects of a given product can vary from person to person depending on a number of factors.
Trichome
Trichomes contain varying amounts of several cannabinoids, the main two being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Appearing as small crystals distributed all over the plant, trichomes are bigger and denser on the flowers than on the leaves.
Vegetal cannabinoids
Chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants and are found mainly in the trichomes. The cannabinoid concentration varies from product to product (sometimes even for the same product) based on several factors, including the growing conditions. Some cannabinoids are considered intoxicating while others are unintoxicating.
Chemical extraction
Method for extracting cannabis compounds using a solvent (butane, propane, ethanol or CO2). Each solvent has specific properties, which determine the types of compounds it can extract. The most effective solvents produce the most complete extracts, by which we mean an extract that preserves more of the plant’s other compounds (like terpenes) that help to preserve the flower’s original flavour.
Curing
After drying the buds, some suppliers put them through a curing process. Curing is an effective way to draw moisture from the innermost layers of the bud, which helps preserve product quality. The curing step involves storing the dried flowers in a dark, climate-controlled environment for a few weeks or even months. For cannabis, the process increases the product’s “shelf life” and brings out the flower’s finest aromas. Note, too, that curing is not necessarily suitable for the buds of all cultivars, which is why it’s important to know the curing potential of the chosen strain.
Drying
At harvest, the buds are packed with moisture and covered in trichomes. To draw out the humidity while losing as few trichomes as possible, the buds need to be correctly dried. Curing flowers that contain too much moisture significantly increases the risk of contamination and mould and produces more crumbly buds. If the flower is too dry, it will quickly crumble during packaging, transport and handling.
Dry trimming
Trimming done after the cannabis plant is harvested and dried. Commonly used in combination with the hang drying method.
Flat drying
The flat drying method involves placing the trimmed flower tops in a single layer on trays, nets and/or racks so they aren’t touching, which helps ensure optimal, quick drying. Also called rack drying.
Flowering
Step 4 in a cannabis plant’s life cycle. The flowering tops form and a cluster of buds develops along with pistils and trichomes. Duration: six to 14 weeks.
Germination
Step 1 in a cannabis plant’s life cycle. Involves growing roots from a cannabis seed or cutting until a shoot appears. Duration: one day to two weeks.
Greenhouse cultivation
Growing a crop in a greenhouse. Somewhat less dependent on the weather. Lighting and ventilation systems can be installed to improve the growing conditions.
Hang drying
As its name implies, the hang drying method involves hanging the stripped cannabis plants (see Stripping) upside down so they dry slowly at a cool temperature.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
An analytical technique used to separate, identify and quantify the compounds in a cannabis mixture – specifically the types and amounts of cannabinoids – without causing the THCA to degrade.
Hydroponic cultivation
Production method that uses water as the growth medium instead of soil. In a hydroponic system, the plants are grown in water-filled tanks.
Indoor cultivation
Indoor cultivation allows near-perfect control over all meteorological aspects: light, temperature, ventilation, humidity, etc.
Mechanical extraction
Method for extracting cannabis compounds using pressure and heat. Because no solvent is involved, the process doesn’t depend on the chemical properties of an extracting liquid to determine which compounds are recovered. That is why this method tends to better preserve the natural makeup of the trichomes and better reflect the plant’s overall aroma and flavour profile.
Outdoor cultivation
Growing a crop in fields outdoors, where it is subject to the weather.
Stripping
Coarse trimming in which only the large fan leaves are removed. Also called defoliating.
Transplanting
Step 2 in a cannabis plant’s life cycle. Once the first roots have formed, the shoot is transplanted in soil or another medium.
Trimming/Trim
Trimming is the act of removing the fan leaves, sugar leaves, stalks, stems, etc. from cannabis plant flower tops. Trim is the leaves and other parts of the plant left over from trimming.
Vegetative state
Step 3 in a cannabis plant’s life cycle. The plant’s roots, stems and leaves grow rapidly but without producing flowers. Duration: two to eight weeks.
Wet trimming
Trimming done immediately after harvesting and before drying. This technique is commonly used in combination with the flat rack drying method, so called because the individual buds are laid on a rack, taking up less space.
Already vaporised bud (AVB)
Also known as “already vaped bud,” this is the leftover cannabis material in a vaporizer. Having been heated to between 160 and 230 degrees Celsius, the dried flowers turn brown and lose some but not all of their active compounds. AVB can be reused, especially for cooking and making cannabis butter and tinctures.
Aroma
Odour given off by cannabis. Related to the terpenes and flavonoids the cannabis contains.
Badder/Batter
Cannabis extract used for inhaling, either in a joint or using a dab rig. The light, fluffy texture is not unlike cake batter. The colour varies from gold to pale yellow.
Blunt
A blunt is cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf (often a cigar leaf) instead of the traditional rolling paper. Blunts usually contain more cannabis than a standard joint. They burn slower too.
Budder
A dense, creamy cannabis extract resembling soft butter. The colour generally varies between brown-green and yellow-gold.
Cannabis diamond
An especially cannabinoid-rich concentrate that appears like more or less translucent crystals. Meant for inhaling. Cannabis diamonds are made by purifying a cannabis extract until the cannabinoids form crystals.
Capsule
Cannabis oil in capsules for easier ingestion.
Concentrate
Non-technical and imprecise term used in everyday speech to refer to various solid or liquid cannabis products with a cannabinoid concentration higher than that of dried flowers.
For example, cannabis oil may be made using a concentrate, in which case the concentrate is diluted in a carrier oil. This means the final product is less concentrated than the concentrate, to the point that it is no longer considered one. “Extract” is the proper, all-encompassing term for these products. It is also the term used in laws and regulations.
Crumble
A cannabis extract with a crumbly, grainy texture. Less resinous than wax.
Decarboxylation
The psychotropic effect sought by users occurs only when the cannabinoids present in the plant are activated or “decarbed.” The decarboxylation process involves heating cannabis to activate the cannabinoids present in the plant.
Distillate
A liquid cannabis extract that is translucent and white to pale yellow in colour. Distillate is obtained through chemical extraction (with a solvent) followed by additional purification steps to isolate the cannabinoids and eliminate other plant compounds, including terpenes. Terpenes may then be added to give the extract an aromatic profile.
Dominance
Dominance refers to a product’s chemotype and specifically to which type of cannabinoids dominate. The SQDC recognizes three types of chemotype: THC-dominant, CBD-dominant and balanced (between THC and CBD).
Dried flowers
Dried flowers or “buds” can vary in appearance. They come in several colours, green, orange, red and purple being the most usual.
Edible
Cannabis edibles are foods or drinks that have been infused with cannabis extracts or concentrates and contain active ingredients like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CDB).
Entourage effect
Interactions between the major cannabinoids and other molecules, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The entourage effect may moderate the effects of cannabis, though more research is required to better understand these interactions. Because a product’s effects can vary from person to person, they are very hard to measure, at least at present.
Extract
In reference to cannabis, an extract is any product that results from a process to extract the plant’s active compounds. A generic and technical term used in laws and regulations, it encompasses a wide range of products. some solid, others liquid, some highly transformed and other cruder and less refined. These products can be obtained through mechanical extraction (kief, hash, rosin) or chemical extraction (resin, distillate, isolate).
The end products, such as oils, are also considered extracts because they are made from the output of an extraction process. The only exception is edibles, which are assigned to a separate category. Small differences in the production process (temperature, rest time, stirring, etc.) give each type of extract a unique texture. Depending on the end product, the extract can be used as is or for making other end products, including capsules, infused pre-rolleds, edibles and vaping liquids.
Full spectrum
Refers to a type of extract that contains all the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, in proportions that closely resemble those of the original plant (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals). The spectrum of a product depends directly on its manufacturing process.
Hash/Hashish
Extracted from cannabis flowers and leaves, hash is a trichome concentrate and has a stronger concentration of cannabinoids than dried cannabis. Hash is sold as a compact cube or sphere of resinous paste. Its colour may vary but is usually on a spectrum from greenish to light brown, dark brown and black.
Hash oil
The colour may vary depending on the raw material used. Also known as “full-spectrum oil,” it is often extracted using solvents such as butane, ethanol or CO2.
Heirloom
Heirloom cannabis strains are cultivars whose seeds and genetics have been preserved and passed down for many generations. Unlike landrace strains, heirloom strains have been taken from their home region and grown by humans in a new environment.
A heirloom is a cannabis strain whose genetics have been preserved for generations and sometimes longer despite its being grown in a place geographically distinct from its place of origin.
Hybrid
One of the SQDC’s cannabis categories. Hybrid plants are crosses of Indica and Sativa plants. They have a mix of characteristics from each species. Hybrid strains can be Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant or a more or less equal mix of the two.
Indica
A cannabis species and one of the SQDC’s cannabis categories. Its effects are usually described producing a state of calm, body heaviness, and drowsiness.
Indica plants are usually short and bushy. The flower heads are typically compact and dense.
Infused pre-rolled
An infused pre-rolled is a ground cannabis joint infused with a cannabis extract. The extract can be inside the joint (hash, rosin, diamonds, etc.) or, by using a binding agent like gum arabic or cellulose, on the outside (kief, isolate). For regulated market products, the binding agent must meet Health Canada’s strict standards for consumable products, which is not the case for the unregulated market.
Isolate
A white to pale yellow cannabis extract with a powdery texture. Obtained through chemical extraction (using a solvent). Odourless and flavourless, it is the result of a long purification process and, in terms of characteristics, is similar to distillate.
Joint
A joint is a small sheet of paper filled with dried cannabis, rolled and ignited to produce smoke, which is inhaled. Joints are among the most popular methods of cannabis use.A joint is a small sheet of paper filled with dried cannabis, rolled and ignited to produce smoke, which is inhaled. Joints are among the most popular methods of cannabis use.
Kief
Kief is trichomes that have become detached from the cannabis flower and been collected. It is sold in the form a sticky powder. Its colour can vary but is usually yellow or green.
Landrace
Landrace strains are the few remaining cannabis strains that have evolved naturally in the geographic regions where they were discovered. Landraces grow wild in many parts of the world, including Jamaica, Afghanistan, India, Africa, Mexico, Pakistan and Central America. All are thought to have originated in the Hindu Kush region located between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The term landrace is applied to strains that have not been created or manipulated by humans. They are wild cannabis strains that grow naturally around the world free from human contact. They retain their genetics and the physical and chemical traits they have evolved in response to their growing environment.
Moonrock
A dried flower (bud) dipped in wax and then dusted with kief.
Oil
Cannabis oil is a cannabis extract, meaning a concentrate derived from ground flowers that is mixed with a neutral oil. It is usually packaged in a spray container or dropper bottle and is intended for oral consumption.
Oral spray
An aerosol spray device used for consuming cannabis oil.
Oral strip
Oral strips, also called sublingual strips, are a thin film that dissolves in the mouth in only a few seconds.
Pre-rolled
Rolled by hand or machine, ground cannabis joints are ready to be smoked as is, with little or no handling by the user. Also called pre-rolls.
Ready-to-drink
Cannabis ready-to-drinks and infusions are beverages that contain activated cannabinoids.
Resin
Cannabis extract made from dried flowers and obtained through chemical extraction using a solvent such as butane, propane, ethanol or CO2. The more effective the solvent, the more complete the extract, which Is meant more of the plant’s other compounds (terpenes, for example) are retained, helping to preserve the flowers’ original flavour.
Rosin
Cannabis extract made from dried flowers and obtained through mechanical extraction using a method that combines heat and pressure to extract trichome content without a solvent. This method tends to more faithfully preserve the trichomes’ natural composition and better reflect the plant’s overall aroma and flavour profile.
Ruderalis
A wild cannabis species. The plants are short, stocky and hairier than other species and the leaves are bright green. They usually contain very little THC and a higher concentration of CBD. Cannabis ruderalis is not currently a cannabis category at the SQDC.
Sativa
A cannabis species and one of the SQDC’s cannabis categories. Its effects are usually described as energizing, uplifting and mentally stimulating.
Sativa plants are usually slimmer than Indica plants. Their flower heads are typically longer and less dense than those of Indica plants.
Sap
A cannabis extract with a viscous, sticky texture similar to honey or, as the name implies, tree sap.
Shatter
Looking like gold-coloured glass, shatter is produced by extracting cannabinoid-rich trichomes and terpenes from cannabis buds using butane as a solvent. After extraction, the solvent is evaporated at a low temperature, which also eliminates any excess oil. The resulting translucent sheet is cooled until it solidifies.
Spliff
A spliff is a joint in which the cannabis is mixed with tobacco. The combination changes how the product is inhaled and may influence the experienced effects.
Strength
The stronger the concentration of THC in cannabis is, the more strongly users will feel the psychoactive and physical effects. This is also true for undesirable secondary effects. At the SQDC, three levels are used to describe product strength: moderate, medium and strong.
The method of use also has an impact on the effects experienced and on their strength.
Terp sauce
Terp sauce is a concentrated cannabis extract similar to wax and shatter but in the form of a sticky, gelatinous, usually gold or amber-coloured liquid. Unlike concentrates, terp sauce has a higher concentration of terpenes and a lower concentration of cannabinoids. Actually, the terpene content in typical terp sauces exceeds 50%.
Terp sauce looks like a bunch of small crystals. The crystals are the cannabinoids, which separate from the terpenes and form clusters.
Tincture
Cannabis tinctures are liquid cooking ingredients obtained either by macerating cannabis flowers in flavourless neutral spirits that are then boiled several hours or through a CO2 extraction process. The liquid obtained is usually mixed with a neutral oil and is often sold in dropper bottles.
Wax
Cannabis wax is made using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoid-rich trichomes and terpenes from cannabis buds. The evaporated concentrate is then beaten to incorporate air into it, transforming the crystalline structure into a creamier, though sometimes grainy substance.
Method of use and accessories
510 thread vape
A vaping device equipped with a cartridge that is replaced when empty. As the battery is reusable and rechargeable, only the cartridge and not the entire device is replaced. 510 thread vapes are called “closed pod vapes” because the cartridges are factory-sealed and cannot be refilled when empty. The cartridge is screwed into the battery using a thread system.
Cartridge
Vape cartridges are a small tank that contains a liquid cannabis extract (usually rosin, resin or distillate) intended for vaping. The cartridge includes a heating coil (small metal wires) and a mouthpiece and is attached to the battery or vaping device using a 510 thread-type connector or, for pod vapes, magnets. Once attached, it produces an aerosol for inhaling.
Combustion
Inhalation-based method of use that consists of burning cannabis, often in a joint or pipe, to create smoke, which is then inhaled.
Dabbing
Inhalation-based method of use that involves heating, with a flame, a surface on which rosin, resin or another cannabis extract is placed. Exposure to heat transforms the extract into an aerosol for inhaling. Note, however, that too high a temperature may result in combustion.
Dabbing requires a torch lighter and a dabbing device, either manual (dab rig) or electric (e-rig).
Effects
Cannabis is known for the psychotropic and physical effects it can produce when consumed. It can alter the user’s perceptions, mood, behaviour and even physical sensations. Effects may vary from person to person based on several factors, including the strain, category, cannabinoid content, entourage effect, method of use, the user’s physical and mental state and health condition and the surroundings. Learn more about the effects of cannabis.
Filter
Also known as a “cut,” filters are widely used in cannabis joints. A filter is placed inside the joint at one end and makes the joint easier to hold, filters out undesirable particles and helps avoid burning the fingers or lips when smoking.
Hand pipe
Sometimes called a “bowl,” a hand pipe is a small portable device used for smoking dried cannabis and certain extracts such as hash. Its advantages include being reusable and quick and easy to use.
Ingestion
This method of use involves eating cannabis extracts or edibles whose cannabinoids have been preactivated. The onset of effects usually takes longer when ingesting than when inhaling.
Penjamin
Colloquial term for a cannabis vape.
Rolling paper
Rolling paper is a fine paper used for making cannabis joints. Dried cannabis is placed on a sheet and rolled into a small tube that can be ignited and inhaled. Rolling papers are made from various materials, including hemp, rice and linen, and in various sizes.
Sublingual
Ingestion-based method of use that involves placing the product, usually oil or a strip, under the tongue until it is absorbed by the mucous membranes and many blood vessels present.
Topical
Topical cannabis products are things like lotions and oils that have been infused with cannabis extracts and are intended to be applied to the body’s surface. These types of product are not currently sold at the SQDC.
Vape (vaping device)
Also called a “penjamin” or “vape pen” in everyday speech, a vape is an electronic device for consuming, in aerosol form, a liquid cannabis extract (rosin, resin or distillate) contained in a cartridge. Vapes are a combustion-free inhalation method. Learn more about vaping.
Vaping
Inhalation-based method of use that does not involve combustion but instead involves inhaling an aerosol produced by a vape. The cannabis product used is a liquid extract (rosin, resin, distillate or, occasionally, hash oil or isolate) contained in a cartridge designed for the purpose. The vape heats the vaping liquid without burning it.
While vaping generates fewer toxic by-products than combustion, irritating and potentially harmful substances can still be released and inhaled.
Vaporizer
A electronic device used to heat a raw material (dried flowers, solid or semi-liquid extract, etc.) in order to vaporize the active ingredients without having to burn the product in order to activate its cannabinoids. Also called a “dry vape.” Learn more about vaporizing.
Vaporizing
Inhalation-based method of use that involves heating dried cannabis or a solid or semi-liquid extract using an electronic device called a vaporizer. Vaporizers heat the product just enough to activate and volatize the cannabis’s active compounds but not enough to burn the material. The output, which is inhaled, is an aerosol.
Water pipe (bong)
Also called “bongs”, water pipes are used for smoking dried cannabis. The smoke passes through a container of water before being inhaled, which cools and partially filters the smoke.
Wax pen
A small portable vaporizer used to heat solid and semi-liquid extracts.
These devices do not use a cartridge. Instead, they directly heat a small quantity of extract placed in a chamber.
In everyday speech, the term “wax pen” is often used – wrongly – to refer to a vaporizer.
Other subjects of interest
Types of product
The SQDC sells a range of quality cannabis products with a lower risk level, all of which have been authorized by Health Canada.
The effects
Relaxing, stimulating and mood-altering: cannabis can have effects that are pleasant or undesirable. Learn what causes the effects and determines how intense they are and how long they last.
Assistance resources
Are you or a friend or family member dealing with a problem related to cannabis use? Several assistance resources are available to you. Take advantage of them!