Understanding Dispensary Terminology

“Indica, Sativa, Terpenes, Entourage Effect… What are they talking about?”

Walking into a dispensary can be a bit intimidating for people, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll hear words tossed around “Indica, Sativa, Terpenes, Entourage Effect…” and you may or may know what they mean. Not understanding these words can make the buying process a bit daunting. 

Have no fear because I’m going to provide you with a list of key words and definitions to help make your next dispensary visit a bit more enjoyable. 

Indica – Indica strains of cannabis are known for their relaxing, therapeutic qualities and for providing chronic pain relief. Best used at night. 

Sativa – Sativa strains are known for producing an energetic high that leaves the user with a euphoric state of mind that is very enjoyable for an extended period of time. Best used during the day. 

Hybrid – Hybrids are strains that were bred to inherit the most favorable characteristics from its parent plants. Hybrid strains can be a combination of any plant varieties, with phenotypes that can be equally balanced or lean towards sativa or indica dominant high.  

THC – THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible most for marijuana’s psychological effects. Basically, it’s the stuff that gets you high! THC stimulates cells in the brain to release dopamine, which creates that euphoric feeling we all love. 

CBD – CBD is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s the second-most abundant cannabinoid found in marijuana and has many potential therapeutic benefits, including helping with inflammation, anxiety, seizure-suppressant, and much more.

Terpenes – Terpenes are defined as aromatic oils that color cannabis trichomes with distinctive smells and flavors.  They give the cannabis its flavor and smell also help shape the effect of cannabis. The more knowledgeable we are about terpenes, the better we can choose our strains.

Click here to learn more about Terpenes

Entourage Effect – The Entourage Effect is the benefit you get from ingesting multiple components of the cannabis plant together instead of ingesting one component at-a-time. The different compounds work together to amplify the other’s chemistry, making it more effective when it comes to addressing symptoms.

Cannabinoid – Chemical compounds produced in the human body and also found in cannabis. Internally produced cannabinoids are called endocannabinoids, and they are responsible for maintaining internal balance. Cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant are called phytocannabinoids. They mimic the functions of endocannabinoids and are responsible for the euphoric effects associated with THC.

Cannabis – The cannabis plant produces all products that can be consumed. You may also hear it referred to as marijuana, weed, bud, greens, ganja, flower, etc.

Concentrate – Concentrates are made from the cannabis plant and have been processed down to their most pure elements – mostly cannabinoids and terpenes. Concentrates are stronger cannabis products and contain high levels of THC. 

You’ll also hear concentrates called shatter, sugar sauce, budder, pull n’ snap, badder, or crumble. 

Tincture – Tinctures are a liquid mixture of cannabis with a carrier substance such as coconut oil or alcohol. These oils are typically highly concentrated, are consumed orally and absorbs quickly into the bloodstream. Tinctures are a great value since they are highly concentrated and usually do not contain additives. 

Edibles – Edibles refer to any foods, candies, baked goods, or drinks that contain cannabis in some form that can be ingested, rather than smoked or vaporized.