This Cannabis glossary explains key terms in clear, everyday language, with links to deeper guides on 420.place.
New here? Start with our trust pages: Information You Can Trust, Editorial Standards, and How We Fact-Check. For dosing safety, see Dosing Basics and the Responsible Use Guide. Product methodology lives in How We Review Products. Legal overviews: Cannabis Laws. Updates land in Research Updates.
How to Use This Page
- Scan alphabetically and follow the internal links for deeper context.
- If a term affects safety or legality, we link to responsible-use and legal pages.
- We revise terms as evidence or regulations change--see Research Updates.
A-Z Definitions
1:1 (THC:CBD ratio) -- A product with equal parts THC and CBD. Some users choose it for a more balanced effect profile. See Dosing Basics.
Bioavailability -- The share of a dose that reaches circulation and can act in the body. It varies by format (e.g., inhaled vs. edible). See Dosing Basics.
CBD (cannabidiol) -- A non-intoxicating cannabinoid studied for varied effects. Check labeling and COAs. See Dosing Basics and Responsible Use.
COA (Certificate of Analysis) -- A lab report confirming potency (e.g., THC/CBD %) and screening for contaminants (e.g., microbes, heavy metals). See How We Review Products.
Decarboxylation -- Heat-driven conversion (e.g., THCA → THC) that activates certain cannabinoids. Relevant for cooking and some extraction methods. See Dosing Basics.
Dose (microdosing/low dose) -- A planned amount of cannabinoids. "Start low, go slow" helps beginners calibrate. See Responsible Use and Dosing Basics.
Edible -- A food or beverage infused with cannabinoids. Often slower onset and longer duration than inhaled formats. See Responsible Use.
Entourage effect -- A hypothesis that cannabinoids and terpenes may interact to influence perceived effects. Evidence is evolving; avoid assuming universal outcomes. See Information You Can Trust.
Full-spectrum / Broad-spectrum / Isolate -- Labeling that indicates presence of multiple cannabinoids/terpenes (full), multiple without detectable THC (broad), or a single purified compound (isolate). Check COAs. See How We Review Products.
Hemp -- Cannabis with THC not exceeding a legal threshold (varies by jurisdiction). See Cannabis Laws.
Indica / Sativa / Hybrid -- Market categories for cultivars. Actual effects depend on chemovars (cannabinoid/terpene profiles), not just labels. See Information You Can Trust.
Onset / Duration -- Onset is how long it takes to feel effects; duration is how long they last. Both vary by format and dose. See Dosing Basics and Responsible Use.
Potency -- The amount of active cannabinoids (e.g., % THC in flower; mg per serving in edibles). Confirm with COAs. See How We Review Products.
Psychoactive / Intoxicating -- Psychoactive affects the mind or mood; intoxicating may impair judgment or coordination. THC is intoxicating; CBD is generally considered non-intoxicating. See Responsible Use.
Terpenes -- Aromatic compounds contributing to scent and flavor; studied for potential role in perceived effects. Profiles are listed on some COAs. See How We Review Products.
THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) -- The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in many cannabis products. Check dose, onset, and duration. See Dosing Basics and Responsible Use.
Tincture -- A liquid product (often oil-based) dosed by dropper for incremental adjustments. Onset/duration depend on formulation and use. See Dosing Basics.
Tolerance -- Reduced response to the same dose over time. Some users plan breaks or adjust doses. See Responsible Use.
Topical -- A product applied to skin. Typically not designed for intoxication; check labeling and ingredients. See How We Review Products.
Vaporization (Vaping) -- Heating product to release aerosols without combustion. Risk profiles vary by device and contents; review COAs and safety guidance. See Responsible Use.
Keeping Terms Current
We review this page on a quarterly cadence or sooner if major standards or laws change. See Research Updates for change notes.