If you’re new to learning about cannabis, you’ve probably come across terms like Indica, Sativa, CBD, THC, terpenes, and extracts. While these words appear frequently in educational resources and scientific discussions, they can be confusing at first.
This guide explains the most common cannabis terminology in simple language to help you better understand the plant and its many components.
What Are Cannabis Strains?
A cannabis strain refers to a specific variety of the cannabis plant that has been selectively cultivated for particular characteristics such as aroma, appearance, and chemical composition.
Traditionally, strains have been grouped into three categories:
Indica
Indica varieties are generally associated with shorter, bushier plants featuring broader leaves. Historically, these plants originated from regions with cooler climates.
Sativa
Sativa plants typically grow taller with narrower leaves and longer flowering periods. They have traditionally been linked to warmer climates.
Hybrid
Many modern cannabis varieties are hybrids, meaning they combine genetics from both Indica and Sativa lineages. Because of extensive crossbreeding over many decades, many experts now focus more on a plant’s chemical profile than on its traditional classification.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. Researchers have identified more than 100 cannabinoids, each with unique characteristics.
Some of the most widely recognized cannabinoids include:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is one of the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis and has been the subject of extensive scientific research.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is another well-known cannabinoid that has attracted significant attention from researchers due to its unique chemical properties.
Minor Cannabinoids
Scientists continue to study numerous additional cannabinoids, including:
- CBG
- CBN
- CBC
- THCV
- CBDV
Research into these compounds is ongoing as scientists seek to better understand their roles within the cannabis plant.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds naturally produced by many plants—not just cannabis.
They contribute to the distinctive scents and flavours found in herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices.
Common cannabis terpenes include:
Myrcene
Often associated with earthy, herbal, and musky aromas.
Limonene
Known for its bright citrus fragrance commonly found in lemons and oranges.
Pinene
Recognized for its fresh pine scent, similar to evergreen forests.
Caryophyllene
Offers spicy, pepper-like aromas and is also present in black pepper and cloves.
Linalool
Provides floral lavender notes and appears in many aromatic plants.
What Are Cannabis Extracts?
Cannabis extracts are concentrated products created by separating specific compounds from the plant material.
Different extraction methods may preserve varying combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Common extract types include:
- Oils
- Concentrates
- Rosin
- Live resin
- Distillates
- Full-spectrum extracts
- Broad-spectrum extracts
Each extraction method produces a product with its own unique composition.
What Does “Full Spectrum” Mean?
Full-spectrum extracts are designed to retain a wide range of naturally occurring compounds from the cannabis plant.
These may include:
- Multiple cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Flavonoids
- Other naturally occurring plant compounds
Broad-spectrum extracts are similar but typically contain different cannabinoid profiles depending on the manufacturing process.
Why Learning Cannabis Terminology Matters
Understanding cannabis terminology helps readers better interpret educational materials, scientific studies, and industry discussions.
As research continues to evolve, becoming familiar with cannabinoids, terpenes, strains, and extracts provides a strong foundation for learning about this complex plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cannabinoids are found in cannabis?
Researchers have identified more than 100 cannabinoids, with ongoing studies continuing to discover additional compounds.
Are strains the best way to classify cannabis?
Many researchers now place greater emphasis on a plant’s cannabinoid and terpene profile rather than relying solely on traditional strain categories.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants that contribute to their distinctive scents and flavours.
What are cannabis extracts?
Cannabis extracts are concentrated preparations created by extracting naturally occurring compounds from the plant using various techniques.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis contains a diverse combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring compounds. While traditional strain names remain widely used, scientific understanding increasingly focuses on the plant’s chemical composition. Learning these key terms provides a useful starting point for anyone interested in understanding cannabis from an educational perspective.