Cannabis Glossary: Terms Every Consumer Should Know

510 Cart

510 Cartridge (510 Cart): A pre-filled cannabis oil cartridge designed to attach to a standard 510-thread vape battery. The 510 threading is an industry standard, allowing cartridges and batteries from different brands to be used interchangeably.

All-In-One Vape

A disposable vape device that includes both a built-in battery and a pre-filled cannabis oil cartridge in a single unit. All-in-one vapes are ready to use out of the package and do not require a separate battery or setup.

Ash Catcher

An attachment that connects between a bong and bowl to trap ash and debris before it enters the main water chamber. Ash catchers help keep glass pieces cleaner and can add extra filtration.

Azuca Fast Acting

Azuca Fast-Acting (TiME INFUSION®): A proprietary infusion technology used in some cannabis edibles that encapsulates individual cannabinoid molecules in a water-friendly form, allowing them to be absorbed quickly by the body’s soft tissues rather than relying on slow digestion. This results in a faster and more predictable onset of effects—often within about 2–15 minutes.

Banger / Nail

A heat-resistant component of a dab rig that is heated and used to vaporize cannabis concentrates. Bangers are commonly made from quartz and feature a dish-shaped design.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a substance that is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available for the body to use. In cannabis, bioavailability varies by consumption method.

Blunt

A cannabis product made by rolling flower in a wrap. In Massachusetts dispensaries, blunts are typically made with tobacco-free wraps such as hemp, tea leaf, or palm leaf.

Bong

A water-filtered smoking device designed to cool and filter cannabis smoke before inhalation.

Botanically Derived Terpenes

Terpenes sourced from non-cannabis plants such as fruits, herbs, or flowers. These are commonly used to recreate specific flavor profiles.

Bubble Hash

A solventless cannabis concentrate produced using ice water and agitation to separate trichomes from plant material.

Bubbler

A compact smoking device that combines features of a hand pipe and a bong, using a small amount of water for filtration.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid commonly associated with relaxation and balance without producing the psychoactive effects typically linked to THC.

Cannabinoid

A class of compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body.

Cannabinol (CBN)

A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed as THC naturally degrades over time.

Cannabis Control Commission (CCC)

The state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the legal cannabis industry in Massachusetts.

Cannabis / Marijuana

Cannabis is the scientific term for the plant genus that produces cannabinoids and terpenes. Marijuana is a commonly used legal and cultural term for THC-rich varieties.

Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

Terpenes extracted directly from the cannabis plant that preserve cannabis-specific aroma and flavor profiles.

Caregiver

An individual authorized under a state medical cannabis program to assist a registered patient with obtaining or administering cannabis.

Chillum

A straight tube-style smoking pipe designed for cannabis flower.

CO₂ Extraction

An extraction method using pressurized carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

An official lab report showing test results for potency, terpene content, and contaminants.

Cold Start Dabbing

A technique where concentrate is placed in the banger before heating to allow lower-temperature vaporization.

Crumble

A cannabis concentrate with a dry, crumbly texture created through controlled whipping and curing.

Cultivar

A specific variety of the cannabis plant selectively bred for consistent characteristics.

Dab Rig

A specialized water pipe designed for consuming cannabis concentrates.

Dabbing / Dabs

A method of consuming concentrates by vaporizing them on a heated surface.

Decarboxylation

A chemical process where heat converts inactive cannabinoid acids into their active forms.

Diamonds in Sauce

A cannabis concentrate consisting of crystalline cannabinoids suspended in terpene-rich sauce.

Dispensary

A licensed retail location where legal cannabis products are sold.

Distillate

A highly refined cannabis extract that isolates specific cannabinoids.

Downstem

A tube component in a bong that directs smoke into the water for filtration.

Edible

A cannabis-infused food or beverage designed for oral consumption.

Endocannabinoid System

A biological system of receptors and signaling molecules that helps regulate physiological processes.

Entourage Effect

The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to influence cannabis effects.

E-Rig

An electronic dab device that vaporizes concentrates using controlled heating elements.

Fast-Acting Edible

An edible formulated to absorb quickly and produce effects within about 10–30 minutes.

Flower

The dried, harvested buds of the cannabis plant.

Fresh Frozen

Cannabis that is frozen immediately after harvest to preserve terpene content.

Fresh Frozen Harvest

Cannabis harvested and frozen immediately to preserve flavor and aroma.

Full Spectrum Oil

An extract that retains a broad range of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Grinder

A handheld device used to break cannabis flower into smaller pieces.

Hand Pipe / Spoon Pipe

A small handheld pipe with a bowl, mouthpiece, and carb hole.

Hemp

A variety of cannabis legally defined as containing 0.3% THC or less.

Homogeneous (Edibles)

An edible where cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout the product.

Hybrid

A cannabis variety that combines characteristics of both indica and sativa.

Ice Water Extraction

A solventless method using ice and water to separate trichomes from plant material.

Indica

A category of cannabis commonly associated with relaxing effects.

Kief

Loose trichomes collected from cannabis flower.

Lab Tested

Indicates a cannabis product has been tested for potency and contaminants.

Live Rosin Badder

A solventless concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis with a creamy texture.

Live Rosin Budder

A solventless concentrate with a slightly drier buttery consistency.

Medical Cannabis

Cannabis used under a state medical program for qualifying patients.

Metabolize

The process by which the body breaks down substances after consumption.

Microdosing

Consuming very small amounts of cannabis for subtle effects.

Percolator

A filtration feature in some bongs that diffuses smoke through water.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of a cannabis plant influenced by genetics and environment.

Popcorn Bud

Small cannabis buds that grow lower on the plant.

Pre-Roll

A ready-to-smoke cannabis joint.

Psychoactive

A substance that affects the mind or behavior.

Ready-to-Roll (RTR)

Pre-ground cannabis flower prepared for immediate use.

Receptors

Proteins in cells that respond to chemical signals such as cannabinoids.

Recreational / Adult-Use Cannabis

Cannabis legally available for adult non-medical use.

Resin

A solvent-based cannabis concentrate known for strong flavor and aroma.

Rosin

A solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure.

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

A highly concentrated full-spectrum cannabis oil.

Ruderalis

A cannabis subspecies known for autoflowering genetics.

Sativa

A category of cannabis commonly associated with uplifting effects.

Scheduled Controlled Substance

A drug classification system under the Controlled Substances Act.

Shake / Trim

Small pieces of cannabis flower and plant material separated during trimming.

Solvent-Based Concentrates

Concentrates produced using chemical solvents such as butane.

Solventless Concentrates

Concentrates made without chemical solvents using physical extraction methods.

Standard Onset Edible

An edible digested through the stomach and liver with effects typically felt in 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Terpenes

Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)

The most abundant cannabinoid in raw cannabis that converts to THC when heated.

Tetrahydrocannabivarinic (THCV)

A cannabinoid associated with energizing effects and appetite suppression.

Tincture

A liquid cannabis extract designed for oral use.

Tolerance

A reduced response to cannabis that develops with repeated use.

Tolerance Break

A planned period of stopping cannabis use to reset tolerance.

Topical

A cannabis-infused product applied to the skin.

Trichomes

Microscopic glands on cannabis flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.

Vape Battery

A rechargeable device used to power vape cartridges.

Vape

A cannabis product designed to be inhaled as vapor rather than smoke.

Vaporize

Heating cannabis to release cannabinoids as vapor without combustion.

Wax

A solvent-based cannabis concentrate with a soft whipped consistency.