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Cannabis Terminology Guide for First Timers

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A high quality image, zoomed in to show the terpenes of the flower.

Whether you’re new to cannabis or just need a refresher, understanding your stuff is essential to becoming an educated consumer. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of cannabis terminology so you can feel comfortable navigating the world of cannabis products.

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Cannabinoids and terpenes are two important components in cannabis. Cannabinoids are what give cannabis its therapeutic effects, while terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the plant. The most well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is the psychoactive compound that produces a “high.” CBD is another popular cannabinoid that does not produce a high but instead has calming and therapeutic effects. There are numerous other cannabinoids including CBG, CBN, and THCA, which all have their own unique effects on the body. Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the smell and taste of cannabis. The most common terpene found in cannabis plants is myrcene, which has spicy and musky aromas. Other common terpenes include limonene (citrus-like), humulene (hoppy/earthy), linalool (floral/lavender), and caryophyllene (peppery).

A high quality image, zoomed in to show the terpenes of the flower.

Distillates/Concentrates

Distillates (or concentrates) are highly concentrated forms of cannabis extractions that have been purified through an extraction process that removes any unwanted plant material or chemicals from the final product. Distillates look like an amber wax or oil because they have been stripped down to their purest form. They contain high levels of cannabinoids such as THC or CBD along with various terpenes depending on the strain used during the extraction process. Depending on how it was processed, distillates can be used in edibles, vaporizers, dab rigs, topical creams/salves or tinctures. A staff favorite concentrate is Raw Garden’s Refined Diamonds. These go quick!  

Edibles/Tinctures/Topicals

Edibles are food products infused with either THC or CBD oil created to provide medicinal benefits without having to smoke or vape the flower itself. Tinctures are liquid extracts made with either alcohol or oil as a base and infused with either THC or CBD oil extracted from marijuana plants or hemp plants respectively. They’re usually taken orally by dropping them under your tongue but can also be added to food items such as smoothies or coffee drinks for easy consumption as well as being used topically on areas of pain such skin irritations etc Topicals refer to lotions, balms and salves made with cannabis-infused oils designed to be applied directly onto areas of pain for localized relief without producing any psychoactive effects from THC consumption.  If you’re looking for edibles, one of our top sellers are the WYLD Pear Gummies, featuring a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBG.  If you’re looking to try a tincture, one of our best sellers is the ABX Sleepytime Drops, featuring a high Dose of THC and CBD for sleep aid.  Subsequently, if you are looking to try out a topical, our staff favorite is the Cosmic View Deep Down Athletic Balm.  This is amazing for helping with aches and pains.

Learning about different types of Cannabis can help you make more informed decisions about what you choose when shopping for products at dispensaries . With this guide in hand, you’ll now know more about cannabinoids, terpenes, distillates, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals so that you can confidently purchase whatever type of product best fits your needs. Whichever you choose, it’s important to understand what each type offers so that you get exactly what you want out of your experience. With sufficient knowledge comes confidence ; so don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping -the staff will be happy to assist! You got this!

 

If you’re looking for any of these concentrates, edibles, tinctures, or topicals, Nice Guys Delivery can help! We serve Marin County, Napa, San Francisco, & Petaluma!

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