A
ABCA (Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration)
The DC government agency that licenses and regulates cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, cultivation centers, and testing labs. The authoritative source for license verification.
Adult-Use
Cannabis sold to adults 21+ without a medical requirement. DC's adult-use retail framework is expanding under ABCA licensing.
Anandamide
An endocannabinoid produced naturally by the human body. Sometimes called the "bliss molecule," it binds to the same receptors as THC.
B
Blunt
Cannabis rolled in a tobacco leaf or cigar wrap. Distinct from a joint, which uses rolling paper.
Budtender
A dispensary staff member who assists customers with product selection. A knowledgeable budtender is one of the most valuable resources for new cannabis consumers.
C
Cannabinoid
Any chemical compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Includes plant-derived phytocannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.) and body-produced endocannabinoids.
Cannabis
The plant genus that includes Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The source of THC, CBD, and hundreds of other compounds.
Caryophyllene
A common cannabis terpene with a spicy, peppery aroma. Unique in that it can bind to CB2 receptors. Associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
CB1 Receptor
A cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds to CB1 receptors, producing psychoactive effects.
CB2 Receptor
A cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues. Associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Does not produce a "high." Associated with anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-seizure properties.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often called "the mother cannabinoid" because it's the precursor to THC and CBD. Non-psychoactive; associated with focus and anti-inflammatory effects.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC degrades over time. Often marketed for sleep support.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A lab report from a licensed testing facility showing a product's cannabinoid and terpene profile, as well as results for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials. Always request a COA when purchasing cannabis.
Concentrate
A highly potent cannabis extract. Includes wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, and distillate. THC content typically 60–90%+.
Cultivar
A cultivated variety of cannabis with specific genetic characteristics. Often used interchangeably with "strain," though cultivar is the more technically precise term.
D
Dab / Dabbing
The act of consuming cannabis concentrates using a heated surface (a "nail" or "banger") and a dab rig. Produces intense, fast-acting effects.
Decarboxylation
The process of heating cannabis to activate THC and CBD. Raw cannabis contains THCA (non-psychoactive); heat converts it to THC. Essential for making edibles.
Dispensary
A licensed retail location where cannabis products are sold. In DC, dispensaries must hold an ABCA license.
Distillate
A highly refined cannabis extract with very high THC or CBD content. Often used in vape cartridges. Typically lacks the full terpene profile of less-processed extracts.
E
Edible
A food or beverage infused with cannabis. Effects are delayed (30 min–2 hrs) and longer-lasting than inhaled cannabis.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The body's built-in system of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that regulates mood, pain, appetite, sleep, and immune function.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work synergistically, producing effects that differ from any single compound alone.
F
Flower
The dried, cured bud of the cannabis plant. The most traditional form of cannabis consumption.
Full-Spectrum
A cannabis extract that retains the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the original plant, including trace amounts of THC.
G
Gift / Gifting
Under DC's Initiative 71, adults may transfer (gift) up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult without payment. The basis of DC's informal cannabis economy.
Gram
The standard unit of measurement for cannabis flower. Common purchase sizes: 1g, 3.5g (eighth), 7g (quarter), 14g (half), 28g (ounce).
H
Hemp
Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Legal under federal law. The source of most CBD products.
Hybrid
A cannabis variety bred from both indica and sativa genetics.
I
Indica
A cannabis plant type traditionally associated with relaxing, body-focused effects. The indica/sativa distinction is increasingly considered an oversimplification — terpene profile is a more reliable predictor.
Initiative 71 (I-71)
The DC ballot initiative passed in 2014 that legalized adult cannabis possession and gifting.
L
Live Resin
A concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, preserving a richer terpene profile than concentrates made from dried flower.
M
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis used for therapeutic purposes by registered patients. DC's medical program is administered by ABCA.
Microdose
A very small cannabis dose (typically 1–2.5 mg THC) intended to produce subtle effects without significant psychoactivity.
Myrcene
The most common cannabis terpene. Earthy, musky aroma. Associated with relaxing, sedating effects.
N
Nug
Slang for a cannabis flower bud.
O
Ounce (oz)
28 grams of cannabis. The maximum amount an adult may possess under DC's Initiative 71.
P
Pre-Roll
A pre-rolled cannabis joint sold at dispensaries.
R
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. Preserves terpenes well.
S
Sativa
A cannabis plant type traditionally associated with energizing, cerebral effects. See note under Indica.
Shatter
A brittle, glass-like cannabis concentrate.
Strain
A specific cannabis variety with a distinct genetic lineage and chemical profile. See also: Cultivar.
T
Terpene
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to flavor, aroma, and potentially effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. Converts to THC when heated (decarboxylation).
Tincture
A cannabis extract in liquid form, typically alcohol or oil-based, administered under the tongue or swallowed.
Topical
A cannabis-infused cream, balm, or lotion applied to the skin. Standard topicals do not produce psychoactive effects.
Trichome
The tiny, crystal-like structures on cannabis flower that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
V
Vape / Vaporizer
A device that heats cannabis (flower or concentrate) below combustion temperature to produce vapor.
W
Wax
A soft, opaque cannabis concentrate with a waxy texture.
7
710
Cannabis concentrate culture's equivalent of 4/20. "710" looks like "OIL" upside down — a reference to cannabis oil/concentrates. July 10 (7/10) is celebrated as a concentrate holiday.
This glossary is for educational purposes only. Terms and regulations evolve — always verify current DC cannabis laws at abca.dc.gov.