Medical Marijuana Glossary

A

Adult-Use

Commonly known as recreational cannabis, “adult-use” pertains to the enjoyment of marijuana with the primary intention of experiencing euphoric effects, rather than utilizing it for medical purposes.

Amendment 2

Amendment 2, enacted in 2016, stands as a constitutional amendment that facilitated the establishment of Florida’s medical marijuana program. Ratified by a 71% majority of Florida voters on November 8, 2016, the constitutional addition safeguards qualifying patients, caregivers, physicians, and medical marijuana dispensaries and their personnel from criminal or civil consequences under Florida law (excluding federal law). Refer to the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use for guidelines, regulations, and a comprehensive timeline of Florida’s marijuana policy post-Amendment 2.

Application

When a medical marijuana doctor or clinic staff mentions an “application” during an initial appointment, they typically refer to the Medical Marijuana Use Registry Card Application available on the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use website.

Various applications accessible to Florida medical marijuana patients include:

• Patient ID Card Application (Initial and Renewal)
• Caregiver ID Card Application (Initial and Renewal)
• Change, Replacement, or Surrender Request Form

For guidance on these applications or other state Registry documentation, dial 800-808-9580 or visit this page for detailed step-by-step guide on how to get a Mississippi medical marijuana card.

Aroma

In the context of marijuana, the term “aroma” characterizes the scent and/or flavor of a flower or other cannabis product. Cultivars, also known as strains, are often distinguished in part by their terpenes, which contribute to these characteristics. Since both taste and smell are subjective, users may encounter some variability between widely accepted descriptors and their personal perceptions.

Anti-inflammatory

Cannabis is frequently attributed with anti-inflammatory properties, a trait extensively supported by numerous studies. Inflammation, a prevalent symptom in many chronic diseases such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s, often plays a role in chronic pain.

B

Butane Hash Oil (BHO)

Butane hash oil, commonly known as BHO, represents a concentrate crafted by dissolving marijuana in its plant form using butane as the solvent during the extraction process. The resulting product is highly potent, boasting a high THC content and an overall elevated cannabinoid percentage (60-90%). However, the extraction process often does not preserve most terpenes and flavonoids. Varieties of BHO include shatter, wax, and budder.

Also known as: honey oil, dabs/dabbing

Blunt

A classic blunt involves a hollowed-out cigar or cigarillo paper filled with ground cannabis. This method of consumption is less favored by medical marijuana patients due to the inclusion of tobacco in the wrap (unlike a joint or a pre-roll).

Bud

“Bud” is a term denoting whole-flower cannabis. This refers to the ‘fluffy’ part of the plant that harbors the highest concentration of active cannabinoids.

Budtender

A budtender is a team member who assists customers on the floor at a dispensary, offering guidance and education on various types of cannabis, its effects, and usage.

Broad Spectrum

The term ‘Broad Spectrum’ is commonly associated with CBD products, indicating that the product was formulated to preserve various beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant (such as terpenes and flavonoids) alongside cannabinoids, while containing no detectable traces of THC.

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash is a cannabis concentrate created through an extraction process that involves ice water, freezing, and breaking trichomes away from the plant material. The resulting product is dried and pressed, yielding greater potency compared to conventional hash.

Budder

Budder is a potent cannabis concentrate with a high THC content and an overall elevated cannabinoid percentage, displaying an almost fluffy, buttery consistency. However, the extraction process often leads to the loss of most terpenes and flavonoids.

Bubbler

A bubbler is a portable smoking device designed for use with cannabis flower. Typically crafted from glass, bubblers utilize water to cool and diffuse smoke, akin to a bong or water pipe.

C

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are active chemical compounds found in cannabis. The most prevalent cannabinoids include THC, CBD, and CBN, with hundreds of others also present. These compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, offering diverse effects such as pain relief, stimulation, or other therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis

Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a plant genus comprising three main types: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Indica and Sativa are widely utilized for both medical and recreational purposes, while Cannabis Ruderalis is often employed in hemp production.

Caregiver

A medical marijuana caregiver is an individual with the legal authority to purchase and possess medical cannabis on behalf of a qualified patient. Caregivers must:

• Be 21 years or older and a Florida resident
• Be registered in the state’s medical marijuana use registry (FL MMUR)
• Agree in writing to assist in administering medical marijuana for their designated patient
• Complete a caregiver certification course by the Department of Health, requiring recertification every two years.

CBD

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a primary component of cannabinoids renowned for its effectiveness in medical applications, addressing issues such as neuropathic pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce psychoactive effects, commonly known as the “high” or “stoned” sensations.

Chillum

Chillums are compact pipes designed for consuming small amounts of cannabis, often referred to as “one-hitters.”

Concentrates

Concentrates encompass products like wax, shatter, budder, oil, or tinctures. While wax, shatter, budder, and oil can be smoked, tinctures are meant for oral ingestion. Concentrates, known for their potency, are produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers, employing either solvent-based or solventless methods.

CO2 Extraction

CO2 Extraction, or “Supercritical CO2 Extraction,” is a method employed to maximize the cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant while preserving their structure through controlled temperature and pressure.

CO2 Oil

CO2 Oil is a cannabis concentrate derived from the CO2 Extraction process, utilizing controlled temperature and pressure changes to extract the maximum amount of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other flavorful compounds.

Crumble

Crumble is a cannabis concentrate resulting from an extraction process using a solvent. The term “crumble” refers to the texture of the concentrate.

Cultivar

Cultivars are specific cannabis strains meticulously bred to exhibit particular desired traits.

D

Dabs/Dabbing

“Dabs” are informal terms used to denote a dosage of concentrates. “Dabbing” is the act of consuming concentrates, typically achieved by inhaling them through methods such as butane combustion. Common tools for dab consumption include dab rigs, e-rigs, and nectar collectors.

Dab Rig

A dab rig is a water pipe equipped with a nail instead of a bowl. The nail is heated to transform the concentrate into vapor or smoke, which is then inhaled through the water pipe.

Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation occurs when heating cannabis flower to activate its cannabinoids. This process results in the production of cannabinoids such as THC or CBD.

Delta-8

THC Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in limited quantities in the cannabis plant. It induces intoxicating effects similar to standard Delta-9 THC but is generally less potent.

Diamonds

“Diamonds” refer to a specific type of cannabis concentrate. True to its name, this concentrate exhibits a diamond-like appearance and is commonly known as THCA.

Dispensary

A medical cannabis dispensary is a state-licensed retail store where medical marijuana patients and caregivers can legally purchase cannabis. In Florida, these establishments are sometimes referred to as medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs).

Distillate

Distillate is a highly refined and potent cannabis concentrate stripped of all cannabinoids except THC.

E

E-rig

An electronic dab rig, devoid of a Butane Torch for concentrate heating or “dabbing.” This innovation allows for precise temperature control, enabling users to heat the concentrate to achieve the desired terpene profiles and flavor effects.

Edibles

Edibles, also referred to as medibles, encompass cannabis-infused foods, beverages, or tinctures. These products can contain up to 10mg of THC per serving. Edibles may take up to 2 hours for noticeable effects and generally have a longer duration compared to other consumption methods like vaping.

Eighth

An eighth is a standard unit of measurement for cannabis, representing one-eighth of an ounce or 3.5 grams of dry flower.

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a biological network comprising receptors in our central and peripheral nervous systems. These receptors respond to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, eliciting various effects upon interaction.

Entourage Effect

Coined by Dr. Cristina Sánchez, a researcher and professor in Spain, the Entourage Effect describes the physiological interplay of compounds present in cannabis, including terpenes and cannabinoids. This interaction yields unique whole-plant benefits.

F

G

Grinder

A grinder is a tool designed to break cannabis flower into small pieces, facilitating its use in rolling papers, pipes, bubblers, or other devices for cannabis administration

H

I

J

Joint

A joint is a cannabis cigarette. Joints can be crafted by hand-rolling or produced using a machine.

K

L

M

N

O

P

Paraphernalia

Paraphernalia, or drug paraphernalia, encompasses any accessory designed for the use or concealment of drugs, often employed for recreational purposes.

Pipe

Pipes are handheld devices utilized for smoking dry cannabis flower, akin to a tobacco pipe.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a term denoting small cannabis flower buds, roughly the size of a popcorn kernel.

Potency

Potency signifies the strength of the cannabis and is typically quantified in THC percentage.

Pre-roll

A pre-roll is a pre-rolled marijuana cigarette, commonly known as a joint.

Purity

Purity characterizes the ratio of THC and the absence of additives in a THC product.

Q

Quarter

A quarter is a standard weight measurement of cannabis, referring to 7 grams or one-fourth of an ounce.

R

Reciprocity

Reciprocity refers to the practice in certain US states where medical marijuana patients are allowed to legally purchase cannabis products even when they are not in their home state. Some states permit dispensaries to accept out-of-state Registry ID cards, while others may not honor cards issued by other states. Additionally, there are states that allow traveling patients to carry their medicine across state lines but do not permit them to make purchases from local dispensaries. As of now, Florida does not have reciprocity, meaning that out-of-state visitors cannot purchase from Florida dispensaries with a medical marijuana card from another state.

Recommendation

In the context of medical marijuana, a recommendation is a document issued by a qualified healthcare professional suggesting the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. This recommendation is often required for obtaining a medical marijuana card.

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil, often abbreviated as RSO, is an exceptionally potent cannabis concentrate originally formulated by cannabis activist Rick Simpson. RSO utilizes the entire cannabis plant, distinguishing it from concentrates derived from specific plant parts. Some dispensaries may alternatively refer to this product as Full-Spectrum Oil (FSO).

Rig

A rig, also known as an oil rig, is a water pipe equipped with a heated nail used for vaporizing and inhaling cannabis concentrates.

Rolling Paper

Rolling papers are thin sheets of paper, typically crafted from plant-based fibers, used to create joints or spliffs.

Rolling Tray

A rolling tray is a flat surface or tray designed for rolling joints, blunts, or spliffs, providing a convenient and clean workspace.

Rosin

Rosin is a solventless concentrate produced by compressing and heating flower, kief, and hash from the cannabis plant. This form of concentrate boasts high potency and is gaining popularity as a sought-after cannabis product.

S

Sativa

Sativa is a distinct cannabis species, akin to cannabis indica. Sativa strains typically exhibit tall plants with thin, elongated leaves. When consumed, sativa strains are renowned for inducing more cerebral effects rather than physical and sedative effects.

Schedule 1 Substance

Schedule 1 substance refers to a classification in drug policy where a substance is deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, and lacks accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Cannabis is often classified as a Schedule 1 substance, despite evolving perspectives on its medicinal properties.

Shake

Shake pertains to loose pieces of plant material found at the bottom of a bag or container of cannabis.

Shatter

Shatter is a term used to describe Butane Hash Oil (BHO). It is a transparent form of cannabis concentrate that, when cold, takes on a glass-like consistency.

Solvent

Solvent refers to an extraction method that employs chemicals such as hydrocarbon, alcohol, or another solvent to produce cannabis concentrates.

Solventless

Solventless signifies an extraction method that creates concentrates without the use of chemicals.

Spliff

A spliff is similar to a joint but is a mixture of tobacco and cannabis rather than pure cannabis. Spliffs and joints are distinct in their composition.

Strain

A strain is a term used to describe a specific variety of a plant species. Cannabis strains are cultivated to possess particular characteristics and desired traits.

Sugar

Sugar denotes a cannabis concentrate with the consistency of wet sugar.

T

Terpene

Terpenes are aromatic and pungent compounds secreted from the resin glands, or trichomes, of the cannabis plant. These compounds significantly influence the aroma, flavor, and effects associated with individual strains.

THC

THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the psychoactive “high” associated with cannabis use. Research indicates that there is no lethal dose of THC in its natural form.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts, often carried in coconut oil or glycerin. They are typically administered by placing the tincture under the tongue or mixing it into a beverage, offering a smoke-free alternative.

Topicals

Topicals are non-psychoactive cannabis products, such as creams, lotions, or salves, infused with cannabis. Applied directly to the body, they are absorbed through the skin and provide localized relief without inducing a high.

Torch

Torches, powered by either propane or butane, are utilized to produce a consistent flame, commonly used for heating rigs and nectar collectors.

Transdermal

Transdermal refers to transdermal patches, which are applied to the skin. Cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream, providing relief without the psychoactive effects associated with traditional cannabis consumption.

Trichomes

Trichomes, often referred to as ‘crystals,’ are resin glands on the surface of the cannabis flower. These glands produce THC, CBD, cannabinoids, and flavonoids, contributing to the plant’s flavor and effects.

V

Vape Cartridge

A vape cartridge is a cannabis product filled with concentrate, intended to be vaporized.

Vaporizer

A vaporizer is a device that utilizes heat to activate compounds in cannabis flower, allowing them to be inhaled. Vaporizing is considered a healthier alternative to smoking, as it employs electricity to heat the cannabis without the combustion of flames. These devices can be used for various cannabis concentrates, including shatter, wax, vape cartridges, and some dispensaries offer disposable vaporizers for convenience

W

Water Pipe

A water pipe is a smoking device used for consuming dry cannabis flower. The smoke passes through a water chamber during inhalation, providing a smoother hit. Water pipes are commonly known as bongs or bubblers.

Wax

Wax is a form of cannabis concentrate with a consistency resembling that of candle wax.