The ABCs of Weed
It’s a lot to absorb, we know: Cannabis terms you need to know while reading The Clever Root
By Rachel Burkons
Photo Credit: The Clever Root
A is for Activism
We’d be remiss if we didn’t begin this list with perhaps the most important thing to understand about cannabis: Its accessibility and legal status has been won through a hard-fought battle by activists. It is also essential to note that to this day in the United States, 40,000 people sit in jail for nonviolent cannabis related offenses. Cannabis is rooted in activism, and we must continue to fight for freedom for the plant and those impacted by the War on Drugs.
B is for Bioavailability
This term refers to your body’s ability to access and metabolize cannabinoids. Depending on the form factor, you will experience different bioavailability. For example: When smoking or vaping cannabis, the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream rapidly in the lungs, and only about 10-35% of the THC is absorbed, while the rest is processed through the liver as waste.
Edibles, on the other hand, have a lower bioavailability ranging from 6-20%, and cannabinoids must pass through the digestive tract and then be processed by the liver, where Delta-9 THC converts to a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy THC. This is why edibles take longer for the effect to kick in, and why the experience lasts longer.
Cannabis drinks, however, are made with nano emulsified cannabinoids, wherein cannabinoids are broken down into smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body as soon as the liquid is in your mouth. They have an increased bioavailability, and you can feel their effects in 5-15 minutes.
C is for Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that are responsible for its therapeutic and psychoactive properties. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, but there are over a hundred others, each with its own unique characteristics and potential benefits. We are still working to identify many of these effects as research in the area advances.
D is for Decarboxylation
A crucial process in cannabis cooking, decarboxylation (nicknamed decarbing) involves heating the plant material to activate the cannabinoids. Through this transformation, THCA (non-psychoactive) converts into THC (psychoactive), unlocking its full potential for edibles and infusions. Read our Decarbing 101 here.
E is for Entourage Effect
The Entourage Effect is the synergistic effect achieved through the interplay of various compounds in cannabis, including terpenes and cannabinoids. When consuming these complex compounds, one may enhance the other. This means that full-plant extracts and experiences offer a more robust effect. For example, CBD products that contain THC and other cannabinoids may offer a more effective health benefit than CBD isolate alone. Similarly, products made with concentrates like rosin and live resin (see X, below!), which capture the full-spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant, may result in a more intense high.
F is For Flavor Profiles
Just like fine wines, gourmet chocolates, and artisanal cheeses, cannabis possesses a rich and diverse flavor profile. From earthy and herbal notes to fruity and citrusy undertones, discovering the intricate flavors of different strains offers an exciting adventure for the palate. If you love wine tasting, or have extensive experience studying world whiskies, discovering the nuances of flavor in cannabis opens up a whole new world of pairing possibilities. Read our cannabis tasting and pairing guide to begin your journey.
G is for Ganjier
Ganjier: You know, like a sommelier, but for weed? This term has been spearheaded by certification and education program, Ganjier, and reflects the mature, sophisticated approach many are taking with the plant. Modern cannabis connoisseurs dedicate their lives and careers to studying cannabis from cultivation and curing to regulations and retailing. There is also a gourmet side to this dedicated study of the plant, and that’s what we hope to offer here.
H is for Hospitality
From entertaining guests at home with infused dishes, to dropping in to a growing number of cannabis consumption lounges across the country, cannabis hospitality is a growing category that has the potential to change the way the world thinks about and experiences cannabis, and that is central to our mission, too.
I is for Indica (and Sativa)
Indica and sativa have become two of the most commonly known—and commonly misused terms in the cannabis dictionary. They have come to describe the effect you can expect from a specific strain, but they are really words that have historic and geographic roots. Simply put, the terms indica and sativa date back to the 1800s and originally denote from where in the world the plant originated and what the plant looks like (tall and skinny sativas, versus short and squat indicas).
While these terms are still widely used and accepted across the cannabis industry, they’re not exactly accurate to the original origins of the words. In a world where modern cannabis strains are crossed and and “pheno-hunted” by breeders looking for the best qualities for specific purposes, finding a “true sativa” or “true indica” is increasingly rare, and in fact, most modern cannabis strains are all really hybrids.
J is for Joint
The classic method of consuming cannabis, a joint is a rolled cigarette filled with ground cannabis. Whether shared among friends or enjoyed solo, a well-rolled joint is a timeless symbol of cannabis culture and an essential consumption method to explore on your cannabis journey—at least once!
K is for Kief
Also known as dry sift, kief refers to the resinous trichomes that collect at the bottom of grinders or can be sifted from cannabis buds. This potent powder is often used to enhance the potency of joints, bowls, or to create concentrates.
L is for Linalool (and all the terps!)
One of the many aromatic compounds found in cannabis, linalool is a terpene responsible for the floral scent and flavor present in certain strains. It is also found in lavender and has relaxing properties, contributing to the soothing, sleep-inducing effects of some cannabis varieties.
Terpenes are the drivers of flavor and effect in cannabis and play a key role in the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to enhance its overall effects. Other common terpenes found in cannabis include limonene, pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Take a closer look at the interesting and flavorful world of how terpenes can be used to create food and beverage pairings here.
M is for Marijuana
The term marijuana is one of the most common nicknames for cannabis. However, it has been argued to have racist implications due to its historical usage as a tool of racial discrimination. While the actual word itself is not racist, in the early 20th century, the term was popularized as a way to associate cannabis with negative stereotypes of Mexicans and African Americans, fueling “reefer madness” stereotypes and stigmatization. This then fueled the War on Drugs, which disproportionately impacted black and brown communities, and continues to this day. By understanding the racially charged context in which the term has been used, we can recognize the importance of using more neutral and inclusive language when discussing cannabis.
N is for Nugs
Nugs are made up of the resinous buds of the cannabis plant that are dried and cured to become the final product you can buy in a jar. Nugs come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and their appearance is often an indicator of the strain's quality, as well as the quality of the cultivator.
O is for Organic
Just like your favorite produce at the farmers market, organic cannabis refers to plants grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other chemicals. Because cannabis is federally illegal, cannabis cannot win a formal Organic certification. However, other programs, such as California’s state-run OCal and sungrown and sustainably minded Sun + Earth Certified offer similar designations for cannabis. Many organic cannabis cultivators grow sungrown, terroir driven flower. Learn more about that here.
P is for Potency
Potency refers to the strength or concentration of cannabinoids, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in a cannabis product. The product’s potency may also be called its dosage, and it is typically measured in milligrams for tinctures, edibles and drinkables, and in percentage for flower and concentrate. It is important to note that 10 mg of one product may not offer the same effects as 10 mg of another product, making it an essential factor to consider when choosing both your form factor and dose. However, it is just one among many factors to consider, along with flavor, quality, and sustainability.
Q is for Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis refers to the assessment and evaluation of cannabis quality, characteristics, and properties, and may include sensory evaluation, including visual examination, aroma assessment, and taste profiling. Additionally, it may include laboratory testing to measure cannabinoid and terpene profiles, along with testing for harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, molds, pesticides, microbes, and other undesired compounds. Read more about how we work with our testing partner, Quality Testing Labs, in Irvine, CA.
Products sold in the regulated cannabis marketplace are required to provide certificates proving that each product has passed a variety of lab tests.
R is for RSO
RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil, is a high-THC containing extract that has been touted as a cancer treatment, among other health claims. While there is anecdotal support for some of the claims around RSO and many have found pain relief and appetite- and sleep-improving benefits from cannabis, more research (and federal legalization) is needed to fully understand how cannabinoids will be used as a pharmacological product in the future.
S is for Strain
A strain refers to a specific variety of cannabis that possesses distinct characteristics, including appearance, aroma, flavor, and effects. Each strain may have unique combinations of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, resulting in different medicinal and recreational properties. Classic strains have names like Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, or OG Kush, but today, there’s an endless library of strains created by breeders and cannabis geneticists.
When strains are cultivated by a specific grower, they are called a cultivar. Even if the two varieties were genetically identical, the way in which they’re grown can impact the final product, making each cultivar distinct and impacted by factors such as terroir and cultivation and manufacturing techniques.
T is for Trichomes
Trichomes are the resinous glands on the cannabis bud that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. As the plant matures, so do its trichomes, so harvesting the flower at the peak ripeness requires a trained eye’s evaluation of a trichome color and density. On finished, manicured buds, trichomes can be seen with the naked eye and present as tiny sparkles or “frost” you may find on some flower.
U is for the User
At the end of the day, what matters most is you, the user! There’s a lot of noise and back and forth in cannabis about what’s cool, what’s “culture” and what’s authentic. But at the end of the day, this is just a plant—and she’s got some really amazing qualities. We don’t gatekeep her, and we don’t pass judgment as people learn and explore at their own speeds. The Clever Root is a safe space for everyone interested in cannabis—no matter where U are in your journey.
V is for Vaporizer
A vaporizer, or vape is a device used to heat cannabis or its concentrates to a temperature that releases the cannabinoids and terpenes as a vapor, which can then be inhaled. Vaporizers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and packages, and can be used to consume dry flower or your favorite concentrates. These are popular consumption methods because they extract flavor and cannabinoids without having to inhale combusting plant material, which has obvious health benefits.
W is for Wellness
In recent years, the plant has gained significant attention for its potential wellness benefits. CBD in particular has been highlighted and shown promise in alleviating symptoms related to anxiety, stress, chronic pain, and seizures. Additionally, cannabinoids like THC have demonstrated efficacy in managing nausea and stimulating appetite, and CBN has garnered attention as the “sleep” cannabinoid. From isolated cannabinoids to whole-plant medicines, cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties and are paving the way for future therapeutic applications in various areas of health and wellness.
X is for Extracts
Many people know what the cannabis plant looks like and may be familiar with products like flower and pre-rolls. Cannabis extracts, however, also known as concentrates, might be a little less familiar. This category refers to a wide variety of products that extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant materials using several different techniques. These products are what power your edibles and fill your vape pen, and there are whole subcultures dedicated to exploring their quality and purity. These products can offer some of the most potent and pure expressions of the plant and flavor of individual strains. Categories include live resin, rosin, ice water hash, distillate, and more.
Y is for Yield
Most people in cannabis think of harvesting flower when considering yield, but here in the land of baked baking, we’re always looking to maximize the yield on our infusions! That’s why we’ve set out to test as many methods, tips, techniques and highdeas, and build a roadmap for success in the cannabis kitchen! Read more about our Clever Test Kitchen and how to make the best-ever weed butter here.
Z is for Zooted
Zooted is one of those words that sound like what it means: You’re stoned! While we love a good high, we also know that for many, low-dose is the way to go, and you may rather be lightly sparkling than zooted. That’s why many of our recipes feature a simple low dose infusion that’s great for beginners—and the pros can scale up easily as needed! Read our guide to dosing here.
