Cannabis dictionary
Plain-English definitions for every cannabis word you'll see on a menu, in a dispensary, or on a lab report. THC, terpenes, METRC, OMMA, BOGO — all of it.
Cannabinoids
CBD
Cannabidiol — a non-intoxicating cannabinoid often used for inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. Doesn't produce a high on its own and can blunt some of THC's effects when consumed together.
CBG
Cannabigerol — the "mother cannabinoid," chemically the precursor that the plant converts into THC and CBD as it matures. Found in low concentrations; some strains are bred for higher CBG content.
CBN
Cannabinol — forms as THC ages and oxidizes. Often associated with sleep and sedation, though research on its effects is still early.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain to produce the high. Measured on labels as a percentage (flower / concentrates) or in milligrams (edibles / tinctures).
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin — a minor cannabinoid sometimes called "diet weed" for its appetite-suppressing effect at low doses. African landrace strains tend to be higher in THCV.
Terpenes
Caryophyllene
A peppery, spicy terpene also found in black pepper and cloves. The only terpene that also acts on CB2 receptors; associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
Limonene
A citrus-smelling terpene also found in lemon peels. Associated with mood elevation; common in many sativa-leaning strains.
Linalool
A floral, lavender-scented terpene. Associated with calming, anti-anxiety effects.
Myrcene
A common cannabis terpene with an earthy, musky, slightly fruity aroma. Often the dominant terpene in indica-leaning strains; associated with relaxation.
Pinene
A pine-smelling terpene; both alpha and beta forms occur in cannabis. Often credited with mental clarity and focus.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds the cannabis plant produces. They give each strain its smell and flavor — citrus, pine, diesel, berry — and contribute to the strain's effects via the "entourage effect."
Strains
Hybrid
A cross between indica and sativa lineages. Most modern strains are technically hybrids; the label usually means the effects sit somewhere between the two extremes.
Indica
A loose category for strains traditionally associated with body-relaxing, sedating effects. Modern science suggests effects are driven more by terpene profile than indica-vs-sativa lineage, but the labels persist on menus.
Sativa
A loose category for strains traditionally associated with energizing, head-focused effects. As with indica, terpenes likely drive the felt experience more than the indica/sativa label.
Consumption
Concentrate
Cannabis processed into a concentrated form — rosin, live resin, distillate, sauce, shatter, badder, wax, diamonds. Higher in THC than flower; consumed via dab rig or by topping a joint.
Edible
Cannabis-infused food or drink — gummies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages. Dosed in milligrams of THC. Onset is 30–90 minutes; effects last 4–8 hours and feel more body-heavy than smoking.
Flower
The dried, cured cannabis bud — the most traditional form of cannabis. Smoked in a joint, blunt, pipe, or bong; the cannabinoids are released by combustion. Effects come on within minutes and last 1–3 hours.
Pre-roll
A joint that's already rolled and ready to smoke. Comes in singles or multi-packs; some are infused with concentrate or kief for extra potency ("infused pre-rolls").
Rosin
A solventless cannabis concentrate made by pressing flower or hash with heat and pressure. No chemical solvents used; flavor reflects the starting material. Available as live rosin, hash rosin, and flower rosin.
Tincture
Cannabis extracted into alcohol or oil and consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food. Faster onset than edibles when taken sublingually, slower if swallowed.
Vape
A cartridge or disposable pen containing cannabis distillate or live resin, vaporized via battery. Fast-acting like smoking, more discreet, no smoke.
Legal & OMMA
Approval email
As of January 2026, Oklahoma patients can shop at licensed dispensaries using just the OMMA approval email while they wait for their physical card to arrive. The email must be presented along with a state-issued ID.
METRC
The Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance system — Oklahoma's seed-to-sale tracking software. Every legal cannabis product has a METRC tag identifying its origin batch and chain of custody.
OMMA
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority — the state agency that regulates Oklahoma's medical cannabis program. OMMA issues patient cards and dispensary licenses, and sets purchase + possession limits.
Temporary license
Non-residents who hold a valid medical marijuana card from another state can apply for an Oklahoma 30-day temporary medical license. Valid for 30 days from issue; allows purchase at any OMMA-licensed dispensary.