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.

55 Verified Terms
Expert Reviewed

Autoflower

cultivation

Cannabis strains that automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age, rather than light cycle changes.

Blunt

products

Cannabis flower rolled in a cigar or tobacco-based wrap. Many modern cannabis brands offer tobacco-free hemp leaf wraps.

Bong

consumption

A water pipe used for smoking cannabis. The water cools the smoke for a smoother inhalation experience.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

medical

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation without a high.

CBDA

medical

The non-psychoactive acid precursor to CBD. It may have its own unique anti-inflammatory benefits.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

medical

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)

medical

A cannabinoid formed as THC ages. It is mildly psychoactive and is widely used as a natural sleep aid.

Cannabis

products

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

products

A spicy, peppery terpene that uniquely acts as a cannabinoid by binding to CB2 receptors. It may help with inflammation and anxiety.

Clone

cultivation

A genetic replica of a specific cannabis plant, created by taking a cutting from a "mother" plant and encouraging it to root.

Concentrate

products

High-potency products made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Includes wax, shatter, rosin, and live resin.

Cultivation

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

consumption

A specialized water pipe designed specifically for consuming cannabis concentrates. It uses a "nail" or "banger" heated to high temperatures.

Decarboxylation

cultivation

The process of heating cannabis to "activate" its cannabinoids. For example, converting THCA into THC so it becomes psychoactive.

Decriminalization

legal

The reduction of penalties for cannabis possession (typically to a fine) without full legal status. MN was decriminalized for small amounts in 1976.

Edible

consumption

Any food or beverage product infused with cannabis. Effects typically take longer to manifest (30-90 minutes) but last longer than inhalation.

Entourage Effect

consumption

The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation, creating a more comprehensive therapeutic effect.

Excise Tax

legal

In Minnesota, a specific 15% tax applied to the retail sale of adult-use cannabis products, in addition to standard sales taxes.

Flower

products

The dried bud of a female cannabis plant that is typically smoked or vaporized. It is the most traditional form of consumption.

Flowering Stage

cultivation

The stage of growth where the female cannabis plant begins to produce buds (flowers).

Genotype

cultivation

The specific genetic code of a cannabis plant, which determines its potential characteristics.

Hash

products

A concentrated form of cannabis made by compressing or processing resin glands (trichomes) into a solid or semi-solid block.

Heirloom

products

Cannabis strains that have been grown in specific geographic regions without crossbreeding, similar to "landrace" strains.

Humulene

products

An earthy, woody terpene that is also found in hops. It may act as an appetite suppressant, unlike many other cannabis compounds.

Hybrid

products

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

products

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

products

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

products

Ancient cannabis varieties that evolved naturally in specific geographic locations around the world (e.g., Thai, Afghani, Acapulco Gold).

Legality

legal

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

legal

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

products

A citrus-scented terpene often found in uplifting strains. It is associated with mood elevation and stress relief.

Linalool

products

A floral-scented terpene also found in lavender. It is prized for its anxiety-reducing and stress-relieving properties.

Live Resin

products

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

cultivation

A cultivation technique where stems are gently tied down to create a more even canopy and maximize light exposure for all buds.

Marijuana

legal

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

products

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)

legal

The state agency responsible for regulating the cannabis industry in Minnesota, including licensing, enforcement, and public health standards.

Phenotype

cultivation

The physical expression of a strain's genetic blueprint, influenced by the environment (e.g., color, aroma, yield).

Photoperiod

cultivation

Cannabis plants that require a specific light schedule (typically 12 hours of darkness) to begin their flowering phase indoors.

Pinene

products

A pine-scented terpene that may help with alertness and focus, and counter some of the memory-impairing effects of THC.

Pre-roll

products

A ready-to-smoke cannabis joint rolled by a dispensary or manufacturer.

Rosin

products

A solvent-less concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, kief, or hash.

Sativa

products

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

products

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

products

Specific varieties of cannabis bred to produce particular effects, aromas, and flavors. Examples include Northern Lights, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush.

Sublingual

consumption

A method of administration where a substance (usually a tincture) is placed under the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

medical

The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the "high" or euphoric effect. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain.

THCA

medical

The non-psychoactive acid precursor to THC. It becomes THC through heat (decarboxylation).

Terpenes

products

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

consumption

A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol or oil-based, designed for sublingual (under the tongue) use or mixing into drinks.

Topical

consumption

Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief from pain or inflammation without a high.

Topping

cultivation

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

products

Small, sticky, crystal-like appendages on the cannabis flower that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes.

Vaporizer

consumption

A device that heats cannabis (flower or oil) to a temperature that releases active ingredients as vapor without burning the material.

Vegetative Stage

cultivation

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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