Now, these aren’t all the terms related to marijuana in the world, but they are a starting point for anyone interested in learning some of the lingo surrounding cannabis culture.
Bong
Merriam-Webster defines a bong as “the deep resonant sound especially of a bell”. Bonnnngggg.
For cannabis users, the bong is a deep pipe, with a bowl at the bottom filled with water. A pipe is then attached to the bowl at an angle so the smoke can be filtered through the water, cooling it as it tunnels up the bong to the user’s lungs. The most common sound resonating from a smoking bong is of a bubbling nature.
Blunt
A blunt is similar to a joint, or marijuana cigarette, except that it is rolled with cigar paper. Blunts, in my experience, are harsher because you’re inhaling some of that tobacco leaf from the cigar or cigarillo, which of course, comes with its own toxins associated with cigarette smoking.
Blunts are classic though, any local corner store in North America has a shelf stocked with flavours of Swisher Sweets branded blunt wraps, Phillies Blunt Cigars, or Juicy Double Wraps, to name a few.
Cannabinoids
Health Canada notes the difference between cannabis and cannabinoids: cannabis is a highly complex material with hundreds of chemical constituents whereas cannabinoids are single molecules.
In other words, cannabinoids are found inside cannabis proper; they form a part of the whole. Cannabinoids give the plant its medicinal and recreational properties. Some of the most recognized cannabinoids include THC and CBD, which interact with different receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is classified as a cannabinoid (see above).
Some strains of marijuana are bred to create CBD of higher intensities to treat pain, whereas other users prefer to consume CBD as a refined oil. Some medical properties of CBD include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-depressant, but there are way more!
Also, it should be noted that CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid and won’t produce the effect of euphoria. This means that CBD is safer to administer in higher doses than other cannabinoids that produce that “stoned” feeling; you won’t get the same psychological side effects as THC.
Dabs
Do a dab, take a dab. Dabs are “concentrated doses of cannabis” formed through a process that extracts THC and other cannabinoids like CBD into a refined oil. This oil is then heated to produce smoke for the user.
Edible
Edibles define themselves. They can take the form of any edible product, enhanced with the special ingredient of marijuana. The cannabis itself is usually cooked down to form a butter that can then be used in place of regular in the cooking process.
Some of the most famous edibles include brownies! Cookies! Lollipops! Or, gummy bears! Our Canadian government is rather scared of edibles being sold in dispensaries; they fear that they are too attractive to children.
Hash
Hash, short for hashish, is the “concentrated resin” from the flowering tops of female hemp plants. Merriam-Webster explains that you can smoke, chew, or drink it! Some cannabis users prefer hash because of its size and lesser smell. Friends have told me it produces more of a “body high” than traditional flower.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Quite simply, hemp is the Asian cannabis plant when grown for its fiber. It’s cultivated around the world to produce rather strong fabrics and cordings, or drugs like marijuana and hashish. The earliest written record of cannabis dates back to 2727 BC, from the Chinese emperor Shennong.
Hybrid, Indica, Sativa
Indicas and sativas are the two poles of the cannabis plant. They are two distinct strain varieties known for giving pretty different effects to the user. Indicas (affectionately remembered as in-da-couch) produce more of a sedative effect, whereas sativas are said to produce more wakefulness and creativity at a milder high. Hybrids are a blend of both; some hybrids are heavier in one species (either indica or sativa), but some are bred to clock in at 50/50. Experiment with either to find your preference, or ask your local weed clerk for what you’re interested in.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC, a cannabinoid-like CBD, is the main ingredient in marijuana that gets you “high”. Users have reported short-term memory loss, and long-term use may be associated with behavioural disorders and anxiety. You can also gain a tolerance to this compound, and you might need to use more and more to achieve the same effects.
THC can stay in your system for up to 10 days after smoking. The feelings of euphoria are great, but there are also some dangers associated with prolonged use. As always, if you’re using recreationally, practice moderation and caution. My advice? Take some breaks from weed on occasion.
Tincture
At its most basic, a tincture is a medicine made by dissolving a drug in alcohol. A cannabis tincture is made by infusing cannabis and high-proof alcohol over a long period of time (up to a month with daily shaking). The tincture can be incorporated into almost anything edible, to be used recreationally or medically.
The most effective way is to squeeze the drops directly below the tongue for a couple minutes to take a tincture. The sublingual method helps your body absorb the cannabanoids more quickly. Diluting the tincture in a small amount of liquid, such as juice or water work as well.
Looking to make some? See HERE.
Vaporizer
Vaporizers can get a bit expensive, but there’s no doubt that this is one of the best (read: safest) ways to inhale cannabis. Vapes come in a variety of sizes and styles, from volcanoes to pens, and are used to vaporize the active ingredients in cannabis at high temperatures, but not high enough to burn.
The argument is: vaporizers save you money on weed, because you’re not burning it away through the constant flame of a joint AND that they’re easier on your lungs. Studies have shown that vaping produces fewer carcinogens than smoking because the cannabis doesn’t reach a level of combustion.
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