Navigating Cannabis Industry Terminology

The cannabis industry has developed its own unique language over the years. Whether you’re visiting a marijuana dispensary for the first time or are a seasoned customer, understanding common terminology can enhance your experience and help you make informed decisions.

Basic Cannabis Shop Terms

Types of Cannabis Establishments

Dispensary: A licensed retail location where cannabis products are sold to qualified customers
Cannabis Shop: General term for any retail establishment selling cannabis products
Recreational Cannabis Shop: A dispensary that serves adult-use customers without medical cards
Medical Marijuana Dispensary: A facility exclusively serving registered medical cannabis patients

Service Types

Marijuana Delivery: Service that brings cannabis products directly to customers’ locations
Curbside Pickup: Service allowing customers to collect pre-ordered products without entering the store
Walk-in Service: Traditional in-store shopping experience

Product Categories and Terminology

Flower Products

Bud/Flower: The smokable part of the cannabis plant
Indica: Cannabis strain typically associated with relaxing effects
Sativa: Cannabis strain often linked to energizing effects
Hybrid: Strains that combine indica and sativa genetics
Eighth: 3.5 grams of cannabis flower
Quarter: 7 grams of cannabis flower

Concentrates and Extracts

Concentrates: Products with high cannabinoid content extracted from cannabis
Shatter: Glass-like cannabis concentrate
Wax: Soft, waxy cannabis concentrate
Live Resin: Concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis plants
Rosin: Solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure

Consumption Methods

Inhalation

Smoking: Traditional combustion method using joints, pipes, or bongs
Vaping: Heating cannabis without combustion using vaporizers
Dabbing: Vaporizing cannabis concentrates at high temperatures

Edibles and Other Products

Edibles: Cannabis-infused food and beverage products
Tinctures: Liquid cannabis extracts taken sublingually
Topicals: Cannabis-infused creams, balms, and lotions
Capsules: Pre-measured cannabis doses in pill form

Chemical Compounds and Effects

Cannabinoids

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Primary psychoactive compound in cannabis
CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive compound with potential therapeutic benefits
CBG (Cannabigerol): Minor cannabinoid often called the “mother cannabinoid”
CBN (Cannabinol): Cannabinoid that may promote relaxation

Terpenes

Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that influence cannabis flavor and effects
Myrcene: Common terpene associated with sedating effects
Limonene: Citrus-scented terpene linked to mood enhancement
Pinene: Pine-scented terpene that may improve focus

Massachusetts-Specific Terms

Legal Framework

Adult-Use: Massachusetts term for recreational cannabis
RMD (Registered Marijuana Dispensary): Licensed medical marijuana facility
Cannabis Control Commission: Massachusetts regulatory body overseeing cannabis industry
Host Community Agreement: Contract between cannabis businesses and municipalities

Regional Considerations

Cannabis regulations can vary between Massachusetts municipalities. Areas including Grafton, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Worcester, and Northborough each have their own local ordinances affecting marijuana shop operations, delivery services, and zoning requirements.

Shopping Tips for New Customers

What to Bring

Valid government-issued ID (must be 21+ for recreational purchases)
Medical marijuana card (if applicable)
Cash or debit card (credit cards often not accepted)

Questions to Ask Your Budtender

What effects can I expect from this product?
How should I dose this product?
What terpene profile does this strain have?
Do you offer first-time customer discounts?
What are your most popular products?

Dosing and Safety Terminology

Important Safety Concepts

Start Low, Go Slow: Dosing philosophy for new users
Tolerance: Reduced sensitivity to cannabis effects over time
Microdosing: Taking very small amounts to achieve subtle effects
Entourage Effect: Theory that cannabis compounds work better together

Understanding these terms will help you communicate effectively with dispensary staff and make informed decisions about cannabis products. Remember that regulations and terminology continue to evolve as the industry matures in Massachusetts and beyond.