Hemp & Cannabis Glossary
47 terms explained in plain English β from THCA and decarboxylation to COAs, terpenes, and concentrates. No jargon, no fluff.
2018 Farm Bill
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which federally legalized hemp and hemp-derived products (including cannabinoids, extracts, and derivatives) in the United States, provided the plant contains β€0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This legislation created the legal framework for THCA hemp flower, CBD products, and the broader hemp industry.
Aroma Profile
The combination of scents produced by a cannabis strain, driven primarily by its terpene composition. Aroma profiles range from fruity and citrus to earthy, diesel, or floral and are often used to predict effects through the entourage effect.
Badder
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, batter-like consistency similar to cake frosting. Badder (also spelled 'batter') is made by whipping extracted cannabinoids during the purging process, resulting in a smooth, opaque texture. Popular for dabbing.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a consumed substance that enters the bloodstream and produces an active effect. Inhaled cannabinoids have higher bioavailability (~50-60%) than edibles (~10-20%) because they bypass first-pass liver metabolism.
Broad Spectrum
A type of hemp extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC removed or below detectable limits. Broad spectrum products aim to preserve the entourage effect while eliminating THC entirely.
Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds naturally produced by the cannabis plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. There are over 100 known cannabinoids, including THCA, THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and Delta-8. Each has distinct properties and effects.
Cannabis
The plant species that produces cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Legally classified into two categories: hemp (β€0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight) and marijuana (>0.3% delta-9 THC). THCA products sold by Leaflyx are derived from federally legal hemp.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
The second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors. It is commonly used for relaxation, sleep, and general wellness. CBD became widely legal after the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often called the 'mother cannabinoid' because CBGA is the precursor from which THCA, CBDA, and CBCA are synthesized. CBG itself is non-intoxicating and found in small quantities in most strains. Associated with focus and calm.
CBN (Cannabinol)
A mildly psychoactive cannabinoid formed as THC oxidizes and degrades over time. CBN is associated with sedation and is often found in aged cannabis. Not typically present in significant amounts in fresh flower.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
A third-party lab report that verifies the chemical composition and safety of a cannabis product. A legitimate COA lists cannabinoid percentages (THCA, THC, CBD, etc.), terpene profiles, and confirms the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and mold. Always request a COA before purchasing hemp products.
Concentrate
Any cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material to produce a highly potent form. Concentrates include wax, shatter, badder, rosin, live resin, diamonds, and distillate. Typically consumed by dabbing or vaporizing.
Dab / Dabbing
A method of consuming cannabis concentrates by applying a small amount ('dab') to a heated surface (nail or banger) and inhaling the resulting vapor. Dabbing delivers concentrated doses of cannabinoids and is favored for its potency and flavor.
Decarboxylation
The chemical process of removing a carboxyl group from THCA, converting it into the psychoactive compound THC. Decarboxylation occurs when cannabis is heated β through smoking, vaporizing, or cooking. Raw THCA flower is not psychoactive until it undergoes decarboxylation.
Delta-8 THC
A naturally occurring cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis, chemically similar to delta-9 THC but with a double bond on the 8th carbon chain instead of the 9th. Typically synthesized from CBD derived from hemp. Produces mild psychoactive effects and is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, though several states have banned it.
Delta-9 THC
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with marijuana. Delta-9 THC content determines legal classification: hemp must contain β€0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight under federal law. THCA converts to delta-9 THC when heated.
Diamonds
THCA crystalline concentrates that form naturally during specific extraction processes. Diamonds are among the purest, most potent cannabis concentrates available β often 95-99% THCA. They are frequently paired with terpene-rich sauce for flavor.
Distillate
A highly refined cannabis extract purified through distillation to isolate specific cannabinoids (typically THC or CBD). Distillate is nearly odorless and tasteless, with potency often exceeding 90%. Commonly used in vape cartridges and edibles.
Edible
Any food or beverage infused with cannabinoids. When consumed, cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver, converting THCA-derived THC into 11-hydroxy-THC β a more potent, longer-lasting compound. Edible onset is typically 30-120 minutes with effects lasting 4-8 hours.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A biological signaling system present in all vertebrates that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, memory, and immune function. The ECS consists of endocannabinoids (produced by the body), receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes. Plant cannabinoids like THCA and CBD interact with this system.
Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. A full-spectrum extract is thought to deliver stronger, more nuanced effects than a THC or CBD isolate.
Flower
The smokable, harvested bud of the female cannabis plant. Flower contains the highest concentration of trichomes (which produce cannabinoids and terpenes) and is the most traditional form of cannabis consumption. THCA flower looks and smells identical to marijuana but is derived from legally compliant hemp.
Full Spectrum
A cannabis extract that retains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds β including trace amounts of THC (β€0.3%). Full spectrum products are associated with the entourage effect and are considered more effective than isolates by many users.
Hash
A concentrated cannabis product made by separating and compressing trichome resin from plant material. Traditional hash is produced mechanically (dry sift, hand rolling) or with ice water (bubble hash). Hash has been used for centuries and ranges from soft and pliable to firm and crumbly.
Hemp
Cannabis plants containing β€0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp is federally legal to grow, process, and sell in the United States. THCA products sold on Leaflyx are derived from hemp plants that meet this federal definition.
Hybrid
A cannabis strain bred from both indica and sativa genetics. Most modern strains are hybrids, with effects leaning toward one or the other depending on the specific genetics and terpene profile. Hybrids are generally described as balanced or as sativa-dominant or indica-dominant.
Indica
A cannabis subspecies traditionally associated with shorter, bushier plants and sedating, body-heavy effects. Common descriptions include relaxed, sleepy, and pain-relieving. Modern research suggests that effects are primarily driven by terpene profile rather than the indica/sativa designation.
Isolate
A purified cannabis extract containing a single cannabinoid β typically CBD or THC β at 99%+ purity. Isolates contain no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant material. While highly potent, they do not produce the entourage effect associated with full or broad spectrum products.
Live Resin
A cannabis concentrate made from fresh-frozen plant material rather than dried and cured flower. By freezing the plant immediately after harvest, live resin preserves the full terpene and cannabinoid profile. Known for superior flavor and aroma compared to other concentrates.
Live Rosin
A solventless concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis by first creating bubble hash, then pressing it with heat and pressure. Live rosin is considered a premium product due to its complex terpene profile and clean, solvent-free extraction process.
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant (as opposed to endocannabinoids produced by the human body, or synthetic cannabinoids made in a lab). THCA, THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN are all phytocannabinoids.
Potency
The concentration of cannabinoids in a cannabis product, typically expressed as a percentage. THCA potency in flower commonly ranges from 15-30%. Higher potency generally means stronger effects, though tolerance and consumption method also play a significant role.
Pre-Roll
A pre-made cannabis cigarette filled with ground flower (or sometimes infused with concentrate). Pre-rolls offer convenience and consistent dosing without requiring a grinder or rolling skills. THCA pre-rolls are made from the same compliant hemp-derived flower as loose flower products.
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to flower, kief, or hash to squeeze out the resin. Because no solvents are used, rosin is considered a clean, natural extract. Flavor and potency vary based on starting material and pressing conditions.
Sativa
A cannabis subspecies traditionally associated with taller plants, longer flowering times, and energizing, cerebral effects. Common descriptions include uplifting, creative, and focused. Like indica, modern evidence suggests effects are more accurately predicted by terpene profile than by subspecies designation.
Shatter
A glass-like cannabis concentrate with a hard, brittle, translucent texture that 'shatters' when broken. Shatter is produced through solvent-based extraction and extensive purging. It is typically high in potency (70-90% THC or THCA) and is consumed by dabbing.
Smalls
Smaller cannabis buds that develop lower on the plant and receive less light during cultivation. Smalls have the same genetics, terpene profile, and potency as top-shelf buds from the same strain but are sold at a lower price point due to their size.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants that create distinct scents and flavors. Beyond aroma, terpenes may influence the effects of cannabis through the entourage effect. Common cannabis terpenes include Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Pinene.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana. THC is produced when THCA undergoes decarboxylation from heat. Delta-9 THC content above 0.3% by dry weight classifies a plant as marijuana under federal law.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw, unheated cannabis. THCA is the most abundant cannabinoid in fresh flower. It is not intoxicating on its own but converts to psychoactive delta-9 THC when heated (smoked, vaped, or cooked) through a process called decarboxylation. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA hemp flower is federally legal if the plant's delta-9 THC content is β€0.3% by dry weight.
Third-Party Testing
Independent laboratory analysis of cannabis products conducted by a lab with no financial relationship to the brand. Third-party testing verifies cannabinoid potency, terpene profiles, and screens for contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, residual solvents). A COA from a third-party lab is the gold standard for product verification.
Trichomes
The tiny, mushroom-shaped glands on cannabis flower that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes appear as a frosty, crystal-like coating on buds and sugar leaves. Dense trichome coverage is a visual indicator of high-quality, potent cannabis.
Vape / Vaporizer
A device that heats cannabis flower or concentrate to a temperature that vaporizes cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion, producing an inhalable vapor. Vaping is considered smoother on the lungs than smoking and preserves more terpenes. Available as portable vaporizers (for flower) or vape pens (for oil cartridges).
Wax
A cannabis concentrate with a soft, opaque texture similar to earwax or candle wax. Wax is produced through solvent extraction and varies in consistency from crumbly (crumble) to sticky and pliable. Typically contains 60-90% cannabinoids and is consumed by dabbing.
Definitions are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice. Cannabis laws vary by state and locality. Always verify current regulations in your area before purchasing or consuming hemp products.
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