Cannabis Glossary
Decoding Minnesota's Cannabis Language
Knowledge is the first step to safe consumption. Our comprehensive glossary covers botany, chemical compounds, consumption methods, and local Minnesota regulations.
Autoflower
Cannabis strains that automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age, rather than light cycle changes.
Blunt
Cannabis flower rolled in a cigar or tobacco-based wrap. Many modern cannabis brands offer tobacco-free hemp leaf wraps.
Bong
A water pipe used for smoking cannabis. The water cools the smoke for a smoother inhalation experience.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation without a high.
CBDA
The non-psychoactive acid precursor to CBD. It may have its own unique anti-inflammatory benefits.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Known as the "mother of all cannabinoids," it is the precursor to THC and CBD. It is being researched for potential neuroprotective benefits.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A cannabinoid formed as THC ages. It is mildly psychoactive and is widely used as a natural sleep aid.
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. It includes three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Used for both industrial hemp and recreational/medical purposes.
Caryophyllene
A spicy, peppery terpene that uniquely acts as a cannabinoid by binding to CB2 receptors. It may help with inflammation and anxiety.
Clone
A genetic replica of a specific cannabis plant, created by taking a cutting from a "mother" plant and encouraging it to root.
Concentrate
High-potency products made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Includes wax, shatter, rosin, and live resin.
Cultivation
The act of growing and nurturing cannabis plants. In Minnesota, adults can legally cultivate up to 8 plants (4 flowering) at their primary residence.
Dab Rig
A specialized water pipe designed specifically for consuming cannabis concentrates. It uses a "nail" or "banger" heated to high temperatures.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabis to "activate" its cannabinoids. For example, converting THCA into THC so it becomes psychoactive.
Decriminalization
The reduction of penalties for cannabis possession (typically to a fine) without full legal status. MN was decriminalized for small amounts in 1976.
Edible
Any food or beverage product infused with cannabis. Effects typically take longer to manifest (30-90 minutes) but last longer than inhalation.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation, creating a more comprehensive therapeutic effect.
Excise Tax
In Minnesota, a specific 15% tax applied to the retail sale of adult-use cannabis products, in addition to standard sales taxes.
Flower
The dried bud of a female cannabis plant that is typically smoked or vaporized. It is the most traditional form of consumption.
Flowering Stage
The stage of growth where the female cannabis plant begins to produce buds (flowers).
Genotype
The specific genetic code of a cannabis plant, which determines its potential characteristics.
Hash
A concentrated form of cannabis made by compressing or processing resin glands (trichomes) into a solid or semi-solid block.
Heirloom
Cannabis strains that have been grown in specific geographic regions without crossbreeding, similar to "landrace" strains.
Humulene
An earthy, woody terpene that is also found in hops. It may act as an appetite suppressant, unlike many other cannabis compounds.
Hybrid
A cannabis plant that results from crossbreeding Indica and Sativa strains. Hybrids can be Indica-leaning, Sativa-leaning, or balanced, depending on the lineage.
Indica
One of the primary types of cannabis plants, historically associated with shorter, broader leaves and a more sedative, relaxing body high. Often used in the evening.
Kief
A collection of loose trichomes that have fallen off the cannabis flower. It is highly potent and can be sprinkled on bowls or joints.
Landrace
Ancient cannabis varieties that evolved naturally in specific geographic locations around the world (e.g., Thai, Afghani, Acapulco Gold).
Legality
The state of being in accordance with the law. In Minnesota, adult-use cannabis became legal on August 1, 2023, for those 21 and older.
Legalization
The removal of all criminal penalties for the possession and use of cannabis. In MN, this occurred for adults 21+ on August 1, 2023.
Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene often found in uplifting strains. It is associated with mood elevation and stress relief.
Linalool
A floral-scented terpene also found in lavender. It is prized for its anxiety-reducing and stress-relieving properties.
Live Resin
A concentrate made from flash-frozen cannabis plants, preserving a higher level of terpenes for a much more aromatic and flavorful experience.
Low Stress Training
A cultivation technique where stems are gently tied down to create a more even canopy and maximize light exposure for all buds.
Marijuana
A term used to describe the dried flowers, leaves, and stems of the cannabis plant. In a legal context, it often refers to cannabis with more than 0.3% THC.
Myrcene
The most common terpene in cannabis, known for its earthy, musky aroma. It is believed to have sedative and muscle-relaxing properties.
OCM (Office of Cannabis Management)
The state agency responsible for regulating the cannabis industry in Minnesota, including licensing, enforcement, and public health standards.
Phenotype
The physical expression of a strain's genetic blueprint, influenced by the environment (e.g., color, aroma, yield).
Photoperiod
Cannabis plants that require a specific light schedule (typically 12 hours of darkness) to begin their flowering phase indoors.
Pinene
A pine-scented terpene that may help with alertness and focus, and counter some of the memory-impairing effects of THC.
Pre-roll
A ready-to-smoke cannabis joint rolled by a dispensary or manufacturer.
Rosin
A solvent-less concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, kief, or hash.
Sativa
One of the primary types of cannabis plants, historically described as having narrower leaves and providing an uplifting, energetic, and cerebral head high. Often used during the daytime.
Shake
Small pieces of cannabis flower that break off from larger buds in the bottom of a container. It is often sold at a lower price point.
Strains
Specific varieties of cannabis bred to produce particular effects, aromas, and flavors. Examples include Northern Lights, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush.
Sublingual
A method of administration where a substance (usually a tincture) is placed under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the "high" or euphoric effect. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain.
THCA
The non-psychoactive acid precursor to THC. It becomes THC through heat (decarboxylation).
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that give each strain its unique smell and flavor. They interact with cannabinoids to influence the overall effect.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol or oil-based, designed for sublingual (under the tongue) use or mixing into drinks.
Topical
Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief from pain or inflammation without a high.
Topping
A high-stress training technique where the main growth tip of a plant is cut off, encouraging it to grow two main stems instead of one.
Trichomes
Small, sticky, crystal-like appendages on the cannabis flower that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes.
Vaporizer
A device that heats cannabis (flower or oil) to a temperature that releases active ingredients as vapor without burning the material.
Vegetative Stage
The period of growth where a cannabis plant focuses on building its stem and leaf structure before it begins to flower.
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