Cannabinoids
The chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with your body's endocannabinoid system.
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — The primary psychoactive compound. Produces the "high." Measured as a percentage on product labels.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) — Non-psychoactive compound associated with calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Does not produce a high.
- CBN (Cannabinol) — Minor cannabinoid formed as THC ages. Associated with sedation and sleep. Increasingly popular in sleep-focused products.
- CBG (Cannabigerol) — Minor cannabinoid called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are synthesized from it. Associated with focus and anti-inflammatory effects.
- THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) — Minor cannabinoid associated with energy and appetite suppression. Found in some sativa strains.
Strain Types
The three main categories used to classify cannabis plants and predict their effects.
- Indica — Plants that are short and bushy. Associated with body-focused relaxation, sedation, and physical comfort. Popular for evening use.
- Sativa — Plants that are tall and narrow. Associated with cerebral energy, creativity, and mental stimulation. Popular for daytime use.
- Hybrid — Crosses between indica and sativa genetics. Can lean indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced.
- Ruderalis — A third, less common species used in breeding autoflowering strains. Rarely sold as a consumer product.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds in cannabis that affect smell, flavor, and the character of effects.
- Myrcene — Earthy, musky. Most abundant terpene. Associated with relaxation and sedation.
- Limonene — Citrus aroma. Associated with mood elevation and stress relief.
- Caryophyllene — Peppery, spicy. The only terpene that interacts with the endocannabinoid system directly. Anti-inflammatory.
- Linalool — Floral, lavender. Associated with calming and anti-anxiety effects.
- Pinene — Pine aroma. Associated with alertness and focus.
- Terpinolene — Herbal, fruity. Associated with uplifting, creative effects.
- Entourage Effect — The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation.
Product Formats
The different ways cannabis is sold and consumed.
- Flower / Bud — Dried cannabis plant material. Smoked in joints, pipes, or bongs, or vaporized.
- Pre-Roll — A pre-made cannabis joint, ready to smoke.
- Edible — Cannabis-infused food or drink. Takes 30 min - 2 hours to onset, lasts 4-8 hours.
- 510 Thread Cartridge — Pre-filled cannabis oil cartridge that attaches to a rechargeable battery.
- Disposable Vape — All-in-one vape device. No charging or assembly needed.
- Concentrate — Extracted cannabis product with 60-90%+ THC. Includes shatter, live resin, rosin, hash, and diamonds.
- Oil / Tincture — Cannabis extract taken sublingually (under the tongue) or swallowed.
- Capsule — Pre-measured cannabis doses in pill form.
- Topical — Cannabis cream, balm, or lotion applied to the skin. No psychoactive effects.
- Beverage — Cannabis-infused drinks. Typically faster onset than traditional edibles.
Concentrate Types
The different forms of cannabis concentrates.
- Shatter — Glass-like, translucent concentrate. Clean flavor, consistent potency.
- Live Resin — Made from fresh-frozen cannabis to preserve terpenes. Most flavorful concentrate.
- Rosin — Solventless concentrate made with only heat and pressure. No chemical solvents.
- Hash — The oldest concentrate. Made by separating trichomes mechanically.
- Diamonds — Crystalline THCa, often 90%+ THC. Usually found in a terpene-rich sauce.
- Distillate — Highly refined THC oil. Used in vape cartridges and edibles.
- Kief — Loose trichomes collected from grinding flower. Can be sprinkled on joints or bowls.
Industry & Legal Terms
Terms related to the legal cannabis market in Ontario.
- AGCO — Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The regulatory body that licenses cannabis retailers.
- Ontario Authorized Retailer — A dispensary licensed by the AGCO to sell legal cannabis.
- Health Canada — Federal authority that licenses cannabis producers and sets product safety standards.
- OCS — Ontario Cannabis Store. The province's online cannabis retailer and wholesale distributor.
- LP / Licensed Producer — A company licensed by Health Canada to grow and process cannabis.
- CannSell — Required training certification for cannabis retail employees in Ontario.
- Dried Equivalent — How different cannabis formats are converted to a standard dried-flower weight for possession limits.