Medical Marijuana Terms for New Users
When you are a first time medical marijuana patient it can be daunting to know what to ask for in a dispensary. The myriad of different terms familiar to a seasoned marijuana user might seem like a foreign language to you, and it can be confusing to sort out all the pertinent terminology. We understand, and that’s why our medical marijuana doctors in Colorado Springs compiled a list of common terms and their meanings to help you find your way in this new and exciting field.
Glossary of Marijuana Terms
Let’s start with cannabinoids. What are they and what do they do? There are over 100 biologically active components in marijuana – chemical compounds known as cannabinoids – which work with the cannabinoid receptors in the body to relieve pain and ease symptoms of illness such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Our bodies produce endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, present in both humans and other mammals, such as your family dog or cat. The two cannabinoids that get the most press are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the cannabinoid best known for its psychoactive effect. This is what generates the “high” or euphoric feeling that helps ease anxiety in many users.
CBD is a cannabinoid hailed for its non-psychoactive healing properties, allowing users to achieve pain relief while remaining clear headed.
Hemp is an agricultural product legal in all 50 states, grown on industrial hemp farms and organic hemp farms. This plant has many uses due to its super strong fibrous qualities, and is used in the manufacture of clothing, rope, paper products, building materials, and automobiles. Hemp also contains high levels of CBD, and very low levels of THC. Hemp will not produce a psychoactive effect, but due to the CBD inherent within the plant, extracted oils are popular with people who desire the healing properties of CBD without the psychoactive effect found in THC.
BHO: This acronym refers to butane hash oil, a potent cannabis concentrate made from marijuana plant extracts using butane as a solvent. BHO contains extremely high levels of THC.
Bud:This is a term referring to the flower found on mature marijuana plants, where the highest concentration of cannabinoids is found. This can be ground up and smoked, or used in the making of other cannabis products.
Concentrate: This a product made by extracting all the plant material from the cannabis plant, leaving a substance which is high in cannabinoids. Popular concentrates include hashish/ hash, kief, and oil.
Dabbing: This is a method of consuming a cannabis concentrate. The user places a “dab” of concentrate on a heated metal oil rig pipe. This vaporizes the concentrate which is then inhaled.
Dispensary: This is an access point for medical and recreational marijuana users to purchase various cannabis products and paraphernalia.
Edibles: These are cannabis infused products that are consumable, such as gummies, baked goods, drinks, and candies. They may contain CBD only, THC only, or a combination of cannabinoids.
Indica: One of three different species of cannabis plants including sativa and ruderais. This strain of cannabis is thought to have a sedative effect.
Live Resin: A cannabis concentrate made using freshly picked plants that are immediately harvested and frozen.
Resin: Resin is the residue left inside a piece of marijuana paraphernalia after it is used. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with trichomes.
Ruderais: One of three different species of cannabis plants including indica and sativa containing higher concentrations of CBD.
Sativa: One of three different species of cannabis plants including indica and ruderais, said to increase creativity.
Shatter: A brittle form of hash oil concentrate used for dabbing or smoked in combination with bud/ flower.TGo
Topicals: Any one of a number of products infused with CBD and/ or THC and intended for topical application. These products include creams, oils, lotions, and salves.
Trichomes: The resin-producing glands found on a marijuana plant which appear as small hairs. The majority of cannabinoids are found in these small glands.
Call us at Medical Alternatives Clinic in Colorado Springs at (719) 246-0393, or email us at hello@medicalalternativesclinics.com with your questions or to request an appointment with one of our medical professionals. We are here to help you discover possible treatment options and offer our recommendations on which type of medical marijuana treatment may be best for you. We will thoroughly explain the type, amount, and frequency of any medical marijuana product our providers recommend for your best health. We’re happy to assist you in any way we can and provide you with a copy of any paperwork necessary for your medical records.
