Medical Marijuana Glossary

Adult-Use

Also referred to as recreational cannabis, the term "adult-use" refers to the consumption of marijuana with the sole goal of achieving euphoric effects, rather than treating a medical condition.

Amendment 2

Amendment 2 is the 2016 constitutional amendment that allowed for the creation of Florida’s medical marijuana program. It was approved by 71% of Florida voters on November 8, 2016. The section added to Florida’s state Constitution, Medical marijuana production, possession and use, protects qualifying patients, caregivers, physicians, and medical marijuana dispensaries and their staff from criminal prosecutions or civil sanctions under Florida law (but not under federal law). Visit the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use for rules and regulations, and a timeline of Florida marijuana policy following Amendment 2.

Application

When a medical marijuana doctor or clinic staff refers to an "application" during an initial appointment, they most likely mean the Medical Marijuana Use Registry Card Application found on the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use website.

Applications available to Florida medical marijuana patients include:

For assistance with these applications or other state Registry paperwork, call 800-808-9580 or click here to view step-by-step Instructional Guides.

Aroma

In reference to marijuana, “aroma” describe the smell and/or taste of a flower or other product. Cultivars (also called strains) are often differentiated in part by their terpenes, which contribute to these properties. Because both taste and smell are subjective, users may see some variation between commonly-accepted descriptors and their personal experiences.

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory properties are some of the most common properties attributed to cannabis, and supported by copious research. Inflammation is a symptom of many chronic diseases including arthritis and Alzheimer’s, and is often a contributor to chronic pain.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO)

Butane hash oil, often abbreviated as BHO, is a concentrate created by dissolving marijuana in its plant form using butane as the solvent during the extraction process. The resulting substance is very potent, with high THC content and an overall high cannabinoid percentage (60-90%), but most terpenes and flavonoids are not preserved. Types of BHO include shatter, wax, and budder.

Also called: honey oil, dabs/dabbing

Blunt

A traditional blunt is a hollowed-out cigar or cigarillo paper filled with ground cannabis. This method of consumption is not favored by medical marijuana patients because the wrap contains tobacco (unlike a joint or a pre-roll).

Bud

Bud is a term used to describe whole-flower cannabis. This is the ‘fluffy’ part of the plant that contains the highest concentration of active cannabinoids.

Budtender

A budtender is an associate who works the floor at a dispensary, there to guide and educate patients on different types of cannabis, its effects, and how to use it.

Broad Spectrum

'Broad Spectrum' is a term typically applied to CBD products. It means that the product was created in a way that preserved various beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant (terpenes, flavonoids) in addition to the cannabinoids, but contains no traces of THC.

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate that uses ice water during its extraction process by freezing and breaking trichomes away from the plant material. The resulting substance is dried and pressed, resulting in a greater potency than normal hash.

Budder

Budder is a potent cannabis concentrate with high THC content and an overall high cannabinoid percentage, and an almost fluffy, buttery consistency. Most terpenes and flavonoids are not preserved during the extraction process.

Bubbler

A bubbler is a hand-held smoking device used with cannabis flower. Bubblers are typically made of glass and use water to cool and diffuse smoke, similar to a bong or water pipe.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are active in cannabis. The most common cannabinoids are THC, CBD, and CBN, although there are hundreds of others. These cannabinoids act upon the cannabinoid receptors in the body, providing various effects including pain relief, stimulation, or other medical benefits.

Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant genus that produces three kinds of cannabis: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Indica and Sativa are commonly used for medical and recreational benefits. Cannabis Ruderalis is often used in the production of hemp.

Caregiver

A medical marijuana caregiver is someone who has the legal right to purchase and possess medical cannabis, to be used by the qualified patient. A caregiver must:

Be 21+ and a Florida resident
Be registered with the state’s medical marijuana use registry (FL MMUR)
Agree in writing to helping administer medical marijuana for their patient
Complete a caregiver certification course by the DOH, to be recertified every 2 years

CBD

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of the main elements of cannabinoids. It is very effective for medical use, such as treating neuropathic pain, inflammation, and anxiety. CBD does not produce the psychoactive effects (“high” or “stoned” feelings) that THC is known to produce.

Chillum

Chillums are small pipes that can be used to consume a small amount of cannabis. These are often also called, “one-hitters.”

Concentrates

Concentrates are any wax, shatter, budder, oil, or tincture. Wax, shatter, budder, and oil can be smoked, but tinctures should only be injested orally. Concentrates are a potent product, created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower either via solvent-based or solventless methods.

CO2 Extraction

CO2 Extraction or “Supercritical CO2 Extraction” is a method used to maximize the cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant, while maintaining their structure via controlled temperature and pressure.

CO2 Oil

CO2 Oil is a cannabis concentrate, made from a CO2 Extraction process. This process uses controlled temperature and pressure changes, in order to extract the maximum amount of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other flavorful compounds.

Crumble

Crumble is a cannabis concentrate that has been through an extraction process using a solvent. The term “crumble” refers to the texture of the concentrate.

Cultivar

Cultivars are cannabis strains that have been specifically bred for certain desired traits.

Dabs/Dabbing

Dab are slang terms used to describe a dose of Concentrates. Dabbing refers to the consumption of concentrates. The process of ‘dabbing’ occurs by inhaling concentrates via butane combustion or other methods. Common consumption of dabs are via: dab rigs, e-rigs, and nectar collectors.

Dab Rig

A dab rig is a water pipe fitted with a nail rather than a bowl. The nail is used to heat the concentrate to a vapor or smoke, which is then inhaled via the water pipe.

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is caused when heating the cannabis flower to activate its cannabinoids. Once cannabis becomes heated, it produces cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that is not abundant in the cannabis plant. It has intoxicating effects, similar to that of normal, Delta-9 THC; but is not as potent.

Diamonds

Diamonds refers to a type of cannabis concentrate. Much like the name signifies, this concentrate has a diamond-like appearance, and is commonly known as THCA.

Dispensary

A medical cannabis dispensary is a state-licensed cannabis-retail store where medical marijuana patients and caregivers can purchase legal cannabis. In Florida these are sometimes called medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs).

Distillate

A distillate is a refined, highly potent, cannabis concentrate that has been stripped of all cannabinoids, except THC.

E-rig

An electronic dab-rig, that does not use a Butane Torch to light the concentrate or “dab”. This allows for a more precise heat allowing you to heat the concentrate up to get the desired terpene and taste effect.

Edibles

Edibles, also known as medibles, are cannabis-infused foods, beverages, or tinctures. These can contain up to 10mg of THC per serving. Edibles can up to 2 hours for noticeable effects and are more long-lasting than other methods of consumption like vaping.

Eighth

A standard measurement of cannabis whole or ground flower. This is an eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams of dry flower.

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that is made up of receptors to our central and peripheral nervous systems. The receptors in the endocannabinoid system are reactive to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which produce various effects upon interaction.

Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect is a term coined by Dr. Cristina Sánchez, a researcher and professor in Spain. The Entourage Effect describes the physiological interaction of compounds found in cannabis, like terpenes and cannabinoids, to provide unique whole-plant benefits.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids, a natural compound found in almost all plants, fruits and vegetables, are responsible for the unique flavors of different cannabis strains.

Flower

The ‘bud’ on the cannabis plant, is also known as the flower. Similar to other plants, this part of the cannabis plant ‘blooms’ with the buds. This is the reproductive organ on the female cannabis plant. The flower of the plant gets harvested to be used as medication.

Full spectrum

Full Spectrum products maintain a variety of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, CBN and more, rather than isolating a specific cannabinoid, like THC.

Grinder

A grinder is a device used to break cannabis flower into small pieces in order to use them in rolling paper, pipes, bubblers, or other cannabis administration devices.

Hash

Hash, short for hashish, is made from collected and compressed resin, or kief. Hash is made by removing the plant’s trichomes via filtering or sifting, and then compressing it with heavy pressure.

Hemp

Hemp is a fibrous product created from the male cannabis plant. It is used to manufacture materials like rope, paper, fabric, and many other products. Hemp is federally illegal to grow in the United States, however; some states have passed laws approving commercial production.

Hybrid

A hybrid strain is created by cross-breeding two or more different cannabis strains and can lead to indica- or sativa-dominant hybrids. Most marijuana available today is some form of hybrid.

Indica

Indica is short for cannabis indica, a species of cannabis. Cannabis indica originated in the Middle East and Asia, and the plant is known for its short, thick, bushy leaves and its sedative effects.

Infused Pre-Roll

A pre-rolled joint that is coated in another form of cannabis, often with concentrates or kief.

Joint

A joint is a cannabis cigarette. Joints can be hand-rolled or rolled by a machine.

Kief

Kief is a powdery substance consisting of trichomes that have been separated from the rest of the cannabis flower. Kief is known to be extremely potent, and filled with cannabinoids. When kief is pressed and heated, it becomes hashish.

Kush

The name kush refers to a line of cannabis indica plants originating from the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kush strains are very popular and are known for their distinct earthy aroma, with hints of floral or sweet scents.

Live Resin

Live resin is a type of concentrate created by freezing fresh cannabis before extraction, allowing the plant to retain more terpenes and better taste.

Low-THC cannabis

Low-THC cannabis is a cannabis flower that contains less than 0.8% THC and more than 10% of CBD. Many CBD-dominant products are also low-THC products.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a general term used to describe female cannabis plants or its dried flower. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is known for its recreational and medical use. Common names for cannabis include: ganja, weed, pot, reefer, or Mary Jane.

Medibles/Edibles

Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is the use of the cannabis plant, its components or extracts in order to treat illnesses or ailments. A state-issued medical marijuana card is needed to purchase medical marijuana.

Microdosing

Microdosing is the act of consuming small amounts of cannabis to experience the benefits without intoxication.

Nail

A nail is used to smoke cannabis concentrates. The nail is connected to a water pipe and is heated via a torch, which vaporizes the concentrate and can be inhaled.

Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is a portable pipe used to heat and consume cannabis concentrates.

NORML

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is a nonprofit public-interest advocacy group founded in 1970 to provide a voice in the public policy debate for Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana consumers. NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.

One-hitter

A one-hitter is a small, handheld pipe that holds enough cannabis for one hit.

Onset Time

Onset time refers to the amount of time it takes to notice the effects of medical cannabis after consumption.

Paraphernalia

Paraphernalia, or drug paraphernalia, refers to any accessory made for using or concealing drugs, commonly for recreational purposes.

Pipe

Pipes are hand-held tools used to smoke dry cannabis flower. It is very similar to a tobacco pipe.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a term used to describe small cannabis flower buds. They are about the size of a kernel of popcorn.

Potency

Potency refers to the strength of the cannabis and is commonly measured in THC percentage.

Pre-roll

A pre-roll is a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette, or a joint.

Purity

Purity describes the ratio of THC and the absence of additives in a THC product.

Quarter

This is a standard weight measurement of cannabis whole or ground flower. A quarter is 7 grams, or a “quarter” of an ounce.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity is the term used to designate US states with laws to allow medical marijuana patients to legally purchase product when they are not in their home state. Some states allow their dispensaries to accept out-of-state Registry ID cards, while others will not honor cards that their state government did not issue. There are also states that allow traveling patients to carry their medicine into the state but do not allow them to purchase from their dispensaries. Florida does not have reciprocity at this time, meaning that out-of-state visitors may not purchase from Florida dispensaries with a medical marijuana card from another state.

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil, sometimes shortened to RSO, is a highly potent cannabis concentrate originally created by cannabis activist Rick Simpson. RSO utilizes the full plant, as opposed to parts of the cannabis plant. Some dispensaries refer to the same product instead as Full-Spectrum Oil (FSO).

Rig

A rig or an oil rig is a water pipe with a heated nail used to vaporize and inhale cannabis concentrates.

Rolling Paper

Rolling paper are thin sheets of paper, usually made from plant-based fibers that are used to create joints or spliffs.

Rolling Tray

A rolling tray is a tray or flat surface used to roll joints, blunts, or spliffs.

Rosin

Rosin is a solventless concentrate. It is made by compressing and heating flower, kief, and hash from the cannabis plant. This form of concentrate has high potency and is quickly becoming a popular cannabis product.

Sativa

Sativa is a cannabis species, similar to cannabis indica. Sativa strains are usually tall with thin, long leaves. When consumed, sativa strains are known to have more cerebral effects as opposed to physical and sedative effects.

Shake

Shake refers to the loose pieces of plant material, collected at the bottom of a bag or container of cannabis.

Shatter

Shatter is a term used to describe BHO, or Butane Hash Oil. It is a transparent form of cannabis concentrate and when it’s cold, it resembles a glass-like consistency.

Solvent

Solvent is an extraction method that uses chemicals like hydrocarbon, alcohol, or another solvent, to produce cannabis concentrates.

Solventless

Solventless refers to an extraction method that does not use chemicals when creating concentrates.

Spliff

A spliff is essentially a joint but is mixed with tobacco and cannabis, as opposed to pure cannabis. Spliffs and joints are not the same thing.

Strain

A strain is a term used for a specific variety of a plant species. Strains are developed to have specific characteristics and desired traits.

Sugar

A cannabis concentrate that has the consistency of wet sugar.

Terpene

Terpenes are the fragrant, pungent compounds secreted from the resin glands, or trichomes, of the cannabis plant. Terpenes influence the aroma, flavor, and effects of individual strains.

THC

THC is an abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as the cannabinoid largely responsible for the “high” associated with using cannabis. Research has shown that there is no lethal dose of the compound in its natural form.

Tinctures

Tinctures are a liquid cannabis extract, usually carried in a coconut oil or glycerin. It is usually administered by placing the tincture under the tongue or mixed into a beverage, and are a great alternative for users who do not want to smoke.

Topicals

A topical is a type of cannabis product that is non-psychoactive. It is a cannabis-infused cream, lotion, or salve that is applied directly to the body and absorbed through the skin.

Torch

Torches are either propane or butane torches used to produce a consistent flame, typically used for rigs and nectar collectors.

Transdermal

Transdermal refers to transdermal patches, which are applied to the skin. Cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing for relief.

Trichomes

Trichomes are referred to as ‘crystals’ but are the resin glands on the outside of the cannabis flower. THC, CBD, cannabinoids, and flavonoids are produced in these glands which contribute to the plant’s flavor and effect.

Vape cartridge

This is a concentrate-filled cannabis product, designed to be vaporized.

Vaporizer

A vaporizer is a device that uses heat to activate compounds in cannabis flower, which can be inhaled. Vaporizing is healthier than smoking, as it uses electricity to heat the cannabis without the combustion of flames. These devices can be used for shatter, wax, vape cartridges, and some dispensaries sell disposable vaporizers.

Water Pipe

Water pipes are a device used for smoking dry flower. The smoke passes through a water chamber upon inhalation, offering a ‘smooth’ hit. Water pipes are often referred to as bongs or bubblers.

Wax

Wax is a type of cannabis concentrate wth a consistency similar to candle wax.

This website is intended for informational use only. It is not meant to constitute medical advice. Please contact your health provider prior to making any medical decisions.

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