Cannabis
The scientific and broad everyday name for plants in the Cannabis genus and products made from them. Cannadispo generally uses “cannabis” as the clearest umbrella term.
Plain-language cannabis glossary
What cannabis words and slang mean.
People use different words for the plant, its compounds, product forms and culture. This guide explains common language without assuming that a term makes a product legal, safe or right for a particular person.
Names for cannabis
Marijuana or marihuana
Common legal and historical terms usually referring to cannabis above a jurisdiction's hemp threshold. Their exact meaning depends on the law or policy using the word.
Weed, pot and ganja
Informal slang for cannabis. These names can be culturally familiar, but they do not identify a product's ingredients, strength, quality or legal status.
The plant and its compounds
Flower or bud
The harvested flowering portion of a cannabis plant. “Bud” is a common informal name. Packaging and testing still matter; appearance alone does not establish contents or compliance.
Hemp
A legal classification of cannabis tied to a Delta-9 THC threshold and other regulatory requirements. The exact rules and permitted products vary by country, state, province and product category.
Cannabinoid
A chemical compound associated with cannabis. THC and CBD are widely recognized examples, but the plant contains many cannabinoids and a product label should identify what is present.
THC
Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, a family of cannabinoids. Delta-9 THC is the form most often referenced in laws and testing, while product labels may identify other forms.
CBD
Short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid that is commonly sourced from hemp. A CBD label does not by itself prove a product's contents, quality, permitted use or legal status.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute scent and flavor; marketing claims about effects should not be treated as established medical advice.
Strain or cultivar
Names used to distinguish varieties. “Strain” is common consumer language, while “cultivar” is often preferred in cultivation. A name alone is not a laboratory profile.
COA
A Certificate of Analysis is a laboratory report for a sample. It may show cannabinoid levels and contaminant results. Check the laboratory, batch match, dates and scope instead of relying only on a QR code.
Common product and culture terms
Pre-roll, joint or blunt
Common names for rolled products. Materials, contents, size and legal treatment can differ, so the words should not be used as a substitute for accurate labeling.
Edible
A food or beverage containing cannabinoids. Rules for manufacturing, packaging, serving sizes, advertising and sale vary widely by jurisdiction.
Concentrate, extract or dab
Broad terms for products created by concentrating compounds from plant material. “Dab” is informal language for certain concentrates or their use. Potency and format can vary substantially.
Vape, cartridge or cart
A device or container intended to heat a formulation into an aerosol. Labels, ingredients, hardware, testing and local rules matter; “cart” is simply shorthand for cartridge.
Dispensary
A regulated retail location in jurisdictions that authorize particular cannabis sales. Cannadispo is a community and discovery platform, not a dispensary or delivery service.
420 and 710
Cultural shorthand associated with cannabis. “420” broadly refers to cannabis culture; “710,” read upside down as “OIL,” is often associated with concentrates. Neither term describes legal status.
Use the term, then verify the facts
Language changes by community and location. For a product, look for accurate labeling, a matching batch COA and the seller's required licenses. For legal questions, use the current regulator in your jurisdiction. For health decisions, speak with a qualified professional.
Cannadispo provides general education and community discovery. This glossary is not legal or medical advice and does not determine whether a specific product or activity is lawful.