Premo Cannabis Glossary

A

Accessories:
Devices, tools, equipment, and materials used in the cultivation, processing, consumption, or storage of cannabis. Accessories may assist in growing (e.g., trimming scissors, lights, propagation trays), producing cannabis products (e.g., infusion devices), or consumption (e.g., grinders, rolling papers, glassware, vaporizers).

Aeroponics:
A high-efficiency, soil-free cultivation method where cannabis plants are suspended in the air and fed nutrients through a fine mist. This technique allows for rapid root development, minimal water usage, and enhanced oxygenation.

Alcohol Extraction:
A method of separating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter using alcohol-based solvents like ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is commonly used to create tinctures, concentrates, and full-spectrum extracts.

Aroma:
The scent profile of cannabis flower, influenced by its terpene content. Common descriptors include citrusy, earthy, piney, skunky, spicy, or floral. Aroma is often an indicator of strain quality and experience.

B

Bioavailability:
The percentage of an active compound (such as THC or CBD) that enters systemic circulation and is able to produce its intended effect. Different consumption methods offer varying levels of bioavailability.

Blunt:
Cannabis rolled in a hollowed-out cigar or tobacco leaf wrap. Blunts contain both cannabis and, sometimes, residual nicotine, resulting in a distinct flavor and intensified effect.

Budder:
A soft, wax-like cannabis extract with a smooth, whipped consistency similar to peanut butter. Budder is created by agitating shatter during cooling to aerate and change its texture.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction:
A solvent-based method using butane to extract potent resins from cannabis flower. The result, BHO, serves as a base for concentrates like wax, shatter, crumble, and more. Must be properly purged to remove residual solvents.

C

Cannabichromene (CBC):
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in lower concentrations than CBD or THC. CBC is being studied for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and pain-relieving effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD):
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic properties. CBD may assist with anxiety, pain, inflammation, epilepsy, and more—without producing a “high.”

Cannabinoid:
Chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Over 100 cannabinoids exist, including THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG.

Cannabinol (CBN):
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC degrades over time. CBN is often found in aged flower and may promote sedation or sleep.

Closed-Loop Extraction:
An advanced, contained method for extracting cannabis oils using solvents such as butane or CO2. Solvents are safely recycled, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing purity.

Cold Start Dabbing:
Also known as reverse dabbing, this technique involves loading concentrate into a cold nail and gradually applying heat. This method preserves terpenes and provides smoother vaporization.

Concentrate:
A potent cannabis product made by isolating the plant’s trichomes. Concentrates come in various textures (e.g., wax, shatter, rosin) and may be solvent-based or solventless.

Crumble:
A dry, fragile cannabis extract that crumbles easily when handled. Its honeycomb structure makes it ideal for dabbing or mixing with flower.

Cultivator:
An individual or business entity licensed to grow cannabis commercially. In states where home growing is permitted, the term may also refer to private individuals cultivating cannabis for personal use.

Curing:
A slow-drying process that follows initial drying of harvested cannabis. Curing enhances aroma, flavor, and smoothness while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes.

D

Dab Rig:
A specialized water pipe designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. Instead of a bowl, it features a heated "nail" made of quartz, titanium, or glass.

Dabbing:
The act of vaporizing cannabis concentrates on a heated surface (nail) and inhaling the resulting vapor, known for its potency and fast onset.

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC):
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for producing the “high.” THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain and also has therapeutic potential.

Dispensary:
A legally regulated retail location that sells cannabis products to patients or adult-use consumers, depending on licensure.

Distillate:
A purified cannabis extract with a high concentration of a single cannabinoid (typically THC or CBD). Often used in edibles, topicals, and vape cartridges.

Dosage:
The total cannabinoid content in a product or serving, typically measured in milligrams (mg). Responsible dosing helps achieve desired effects while minimizing side effects.

Dosing:
The practice of determining the optimal amount of cannabis to consume. Dosing strategies can vary based on method of consumption, tolerance, and desired effect.

E

E-Nails:
Short for electronic nails, these devices provide consistent, controlled heat for dabbing without the need for a blowtorch.

Edibles:
Cannabis-infused foods or beverages that deliver effects via digestion. Edibles often take longer to activate but offer long-lasting effects.

Electronic Smoking Device:
Battery-powered devices (vapes, e-cigarettes) used to vaporize cannabis flower, oils, or concentrates. A smokeless alternative to combustion.

Endocannabinoid:
Naturally occurring compounds in the human body that bind to cannabinoid receptors to regulate functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS):
A network of receptors and signaling molecules that help maintain internal balance (homeostasis). Cannabinoids interact with the ECS to influence physiological processes.

Entourage Effect:
The synergistic benefit of consuming all cannabis compounds together (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids), producing a stronger or more therapeutic effect than isolated compounds.

Ethanol:
A common alcohol-based solvent used in cannabis extraction. When properly purged, ethanol-extracted concentrates are safe and versatile.

Extraction:
The process of isolating cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the cannabis plant. Techniques include CO2 extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, ethanol extraction, and solventless methods.

F

Flavonoids:
Phytonutrients that contribute to the color, flavor, and aroma of cannabis and other plants. Some flavonoids may also offer anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects.

Flower:
The mature, cannabinoid-rich bud of the cannabis plant, typically trimmed, dried, and smoked, vaped, or used to make extracts.

Full-Spectrum Extracts (FSE):
Concentrates that retain the full cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid profile of the original cannabis plant. Favored for preserving the entourage effect.

G

Genotype:
The complete genetic makeup of a cannabis plant, which determines its growth traits and chemical expression.

H

Hemp:
A legal classification of cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Hemp is used industrially (e.g., textiles, paper) and medicinally (e.g., CBD products).

Homogeneity:
A measure of how evenly cannabinoids are distributed throughout a cannabis product. Uniform distribution ensures consistent dosing and product quality.

Hybrid:
A strain bred from two or more different cannabis varieties, combining traits of both Indica and Sativa for customized effects.

Hydroponics:
A soil-free cultivation system where cannabis plants are grown in nutrient-rich water. Offers precise control over nutrients, pH, and environmental conditions.

I

Indica:
A cannabis subspecies known for short, bushy plants with broad leaves. Indica strains are often associated with relaxation and sedation.

K

Kief:
Loose, powdery trichomes collected from dried cannabis flower. High in THC, kief can be sprinkled onto flower or pressed into hash.

L

Life Cycle (of Cannabis):
Cannabis undergoes four key growth stages: germination, seedling, vegetative, and flowering. The complete cycle typically spans 4–10 months depending on strain and environment.

Live Cannabis:
Cannabis flower that is flash-frozen immediately after harvest to preserve terpene content before it’s processed into extracts.

Live Resin:
A concentrate made by extracting cannabinoids from fresh-frozen flower, preserving high terpene content for flavorful and potent dabs.

M

Manufacturing:
The licensed process of making cannabis products, including extraction, infusion, blending, and packaging.

Marijuana:
A historical term for cannabis, often associated with prohibition-era stigma. Now commonly replaced with “cannabis” in professional and scientific communities.

Medicinal (or Medicinal Use):
Cannabis consumption intended for treating or alleviating medical conditions, symptoms, or side effects under guidance of a healthcare provider or state program.

N

Neuroplasticity:
The brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, particularly in response to learning or injury. Some research suggests cannabinoids may influence this process.

Nug:
Slang for a dense, high-quality portion of cannabis flower. Often used informally in retail and consumer contexts.

O

OG:
Originally referring to "Ocean Grown" Kush from Southern California, "OG" has become a popular naming convention in cannabis strains, signifying potency and quality.

P

Packaging:
Containers or wrappings used to hold cannabis products for sale. Packaging must often be compliant with child safety, labeling, and tamper-proof regulations.

Processing:
The handling of harvested cannabis flower including drying, curing, trimming, and preparing for sale or extraction.

Purging:
The post-extraction process of removing residual solvents from cannabis concentrates, ensuring consumer safety and product quality.

R

Receptors:
Cellular structures that receive and respond to chemical signals. In cannabis science, receptors like CB1 and CB2 bind with cannabinoids to trigger effects.

Recreational (or Adult Use):
Cannabis consumption for enjoyment or relaxation rather than medical purposes. Legal for adults aged 21+ in certain jurisdictions.

Retailer:
A licensed business authorized to sell cannabis or cannabis-infused products to consumers or other licensees, including delivery or transport when permitted.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO):
A high-potency, full-spectrum cannabis extract developed by activist Rick Simpson. Often consumed orally or applied topically for medical use.

Rosin:
A solventless cannabis extract made by applying heat and pressure to flower, hash, or kief. Known for purity and strong terpene profiles.

S

Sativa:
A cannabis subspecies known for tall plants with narrow leaves. Sativa strains are associated with uplifting, energetic effects.

Shatter:
A brittle, translucent cannabis extract that snaps like glass. Known for its purity and potency, often used for dabbing.

Solvent:
A chemical (like butane, CO2, or ethanol) used to dissolve plant material during cannabis extraction. Solvents must be purged to ensure safety.

Solventless Extracts:
Cannabis concentrates made without the use of chemical solvents. Instead, heat, pressure, or water are used to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes.

Strain:
A specific cultivar or genetic variant of cannabis. Each strain expresses unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles influencing flavor, aroma, and effects.

Sugar:
A concentrate with a crystalline, granulated texture resembling wet sugar. Formed by separating THCA crystals from terpene-rich oil.

T

Terpene Compounds:
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. Terpenes contribute to strain-specific flavor and aroma and may influence effects via the entourage effect.

Tincture:
A liquid cannabis extract, typically made with alcohol, oil, or glycerin. Administered sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption.

Topical:
Cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied to the skin for localized relief. Some formulations (e.g., transdermal patches) allow cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream.

V

Vape (or Vaporizer):
A device that heats cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that releases active compounds without combustion, producing vapor instead of smoke.

W

Wax:
A dense, sticky cannabis concentrate with a texture similar to beeswax. Typically used for dabbing.