Cannabis Glossary: Terms Every DC Patient Should Know
Complete cannabis glossary for DC medical cannabis patients. Plain-English definitions of cannabinoids, terpenes, COAs, and more.
ABCA — Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration. The DC government agency that regulates the medical cannabis program and licenses dispensaries.
Bioavailability — The percentage of a substance that enters the bloodstream and has an active effect. Inhalation has higher bioavailability than oral consumption.
Cannabinoid — A chemical compound found in cannabis that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. The most well-known are THC and CBD.
CBD (Cannabidiol) — A non-intoxicating cannabinoid with potential therapeutic benefits including anxiety reduction, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.
COA (Certificate of Analysis) — A lab report from an independent testing facility verifying the contents of a cannabis product.
Decarboxylation — The process of heating cannabis to activate cannabinoids. THCA becomes THC when heated.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) — The body's built-in system of receptors that interacts with cannabinoids.
Entourage Effect — The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone.
Full-Spectrum — A cannabis extract containing all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from the plant.
Indica — A cannabis plant variety traditionally associated with relaxing, sedating effects.
Isolate — A cannabis extract containing only one cannabinoid (usually CBD or THC).
Myrcene — The most common terpene in cannabis, associated with earthy aromas and relaxing effects.
Reciprocity Patient — An out-of-state medical cannabis patient who can purchase from DC dispensaries using their home state's medical card.
Sativa — A cannabis plant variety traditionally associated with energizing, cerebral effects.
Self-Certification — DC's program allowing adults to register as medical cannabis patients without a physician's recommendation.
Terpene — Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to flavor, aroma, and potentially effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
Tincture — A liquid cannabis extract, typically taken sublingually (under the tongue).
Topical — A cannabis-infused product applied directly to the skin.
Vaporizer — A device that heats cannabis to produce vapor without combustion.