The uptake of a substance (gases, liquids, or ions) into another substance. In plants, this refers to how nutrients, water, and other compounds are taken up through the roots and processed within the plant.

Equipment, products, devices, or materials of any kind that are intended or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing cannabis into the human body.

A process in which molecules of gas or liquids attach themselves to a surface, rather than being absorbed into the material.

The tissue or stage of a plant that is capable of forming flowering tissues, as opposed to juvenile tissue.

A method of growing cannabis suspended in air without the use of soil. Plants are typically grown in a misted environment with their roots exposed to air and nutrient solution.

Process by which the cannabis plant is stripped of essential oils and trichomes using ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Once the extra plant material is filtered out and the remaining alcohol is evaporated, sticky hash oil remains.

Any compound, element, contaminant organism, species, or other substance for which a cannabis sample is tested by a testing facility.

Micro-organism inhibiting substances that are applied to living tissue to reduce the chance of infection.

An agreed upon weight dictated by the state that is grown, harvested, and processed together. Batches are usually exposed to similar conditions throughout cultivation and processing.

The period when a plant produces flowers. In cannabis, this is typically triggered by a change in the light cycle and is when the plant produces the resin-rich buds used for consumption.

Minimizing extreme variation of pH in a solution, which is important for maintaining optimal growing conditions for cannabis plants.

A water-based or liquid solution that contains both a weak acid and its conjugate (opposite but similar) base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. Used to lessen the effects of acids and bases added to the solution, minimizing pH fluctuations.

Process by which cannabis flowers are blasted with butane creating an amber resin known as wax or shatter. This oil allows tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to become soluble. This method, if not performed properly and safely, can be extremely dangerous.

The second most prevalent cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. As it does not bind to cannabinoid 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) receptors, CBC is not psychoactive but binds well with other pain-related receptors, helping increase the body's levels of natural endocannabinoids.

The second most commonly used cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD is an antagonist to THC and is nonpsychoactive as it blocks the formation of 11-OH-THC and mitigates the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD has become popular for its therapeutic effects in autism, epilepsy, and nerve problems.

A cannabinoid that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It's often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" as it is the precursor from which other cannabinoids are synthesized.

Chemicals that influence cell receptors in the brain and body and can change how those cells behave. The cannabis plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids, which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.

CB1 receptors mediate physical and psychoactive effects while CB2 receptors regulate inflammation and immune response throughout the immune and peripheral nervous systems including the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands, and reproductive organs.

The amount and relative proportions of all cannabinoids in a cannabis plant or product.

A cannabinoid that occurs from the oxygenation and decomposition of THC. It typically forms when THC ages and is exposed to heat and light. CBN has mild psychoactive effects and is associated with sedative properties.

Genus of flowering plants indigenous to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Also known as marijuana, ganja, pot, bud, and Mary Jane. The plant produces cannabinoids which interact with the human endocannabinoid system.

The power of fibers to soak up water, defying gravity. This natural phenomenon helps plants draw water up from their roots to higher parts of the plant.

The process whereby carbon is captured from the air and converted into various forms of carbohydrates, based on the number of carbon atoms each hydrate contains. This is a key component of photosynthesis.

Colony forming units per gram. Refers to a measure of the amount of living bacteria per given amount (1 gram) of a sample, used in microbial testing of cannabis products.

The chronological documentation showing the collection, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of a sample. This is critical for ensuring the integrity of cannabis testing and regulatory compliance.

Organic structure that contains a loosely bound metal element and prevents it from oxidating. If for example iron oxidates, it can no longer be taken up by plants.

A specialized molecule that bonds with a metal to form a loosely bound product which is, basically, a package that loosely ties up the metal from outside influence. It is usually organic and helps improve nutrient availability for plants.

The green pigment that is found in almost any plant. It is essential to photosynthesis by capturing the photon of light and transferring this energy to a chemical reaction.

An inert growing medium made from small hard baked clay balls, often used in hydroponic cannabis cultivation.

A method of chemical extraction that reuses the solvent rather than dispersing it into the air. This method is considered safer than "open-blasting" and is currently required for all legal concentrate production in many states.

A hydroponic system in which the drainage water doesn't flow away but is re-used, creating a more sustainable growing environment.

The resulting propagule, or new plant, arising from asexually produced cells that have not changed into specific tissue types (known as an undifferentiated callus source) typically from a single cell. Used in cannabis cultivation to maintain genetic consistency.

The natural fiber from the husk of a coconut, commonly used as a growing medium for cannabis plants due to its excellent water retention and aeration properties.

Usually referring to floral initiation, a plant that requires a certain amount of time exposed to short day conditions and long day conditions in a particular order to induce flowering such as lettuce, mustard and others.

Refers to any material created by refining cannabis flowers, such as hash, dry sieve, and hash oils. Concentrates or extracts have much higher potency than the raw flower material.

Plant strain that results from the process of crossbreeding and genetic stabilization to express desired traits. In cannabis, cultivars are often bred for specific cannabinoid profiles, terpene content, or growth characteristics.

An entity licensed to cultivate, process, and package cannabis, to deliver cannabis to cannabis establishments, and to transfer cannabis to other cannabis establishments, but not to consumers.

The process of slowly drying flowers from the plant. This allows for a more gradual process to maximize flavor and smoke quality. Proper curing helps develop the full flavor and potency profile of cannabis.

Asexual propagation of plants taken from the tip containing a meristem as either a terminal or axillary bud. This is a common method for creating cannabis clones.

A method where a "dab" (small amount) of cannabis concentrate is placed on a preheated surface, creating concentrated cannabis vapor to be inhaled. This method typically produces stronger effects than smoking flower.

Usually referring to floral initiation, a plant that has no specific need for a difference in exposure or non-exposure to light basing the change on development of the tissue only, that induces flowers to form.

The process by which, when exposed to heat, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is converted to THC and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) is converted to CBC. This process is essential for activating the psychoactive properties of cannabis.

The process of making a solution, such as nutrients, weaker or less concentrated by adding additional solvent (i.e., water).

A store that can legally sell cannabis products, either medical, recreational, or both. Dispensaries are regulated by state laws and typically require age verification and compliance with local regulations.

Individualized amount of cannabinoids within products. Dosing depends on titration, which is the process of increasing medication amounts until the desired effect is achieved.

The removal of a substance such as water from another substance by natural (gravity) or other means. Proper drainage is essential for healthy cannabis cultivation to prevent root rot and other issues.

The application of water or fertilizer solution at a very slow rate that allows for the total absorption of solution into the root medium of plants, usually accomplished through very small tubes that branch off of larger pipes.

A synthetic THC pharmaceutical approved in the U.S. for the reduction of nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy and increased appetite in HIV-wasting disease.

A form of hydroponics in which the hydroponic solution floods the system and is allowed to ebb away, creating a cycle that delivers nutrients and oxygen to the plant roots.

The speed of electrons through a material. Can be used to indicate ion concentration (for example, the concentration of salt) in a given sample of water. Used in hydroponics to measure nutrient solution strength.

Cannabis products that are orally consumed. These products can contain THC, CBD, or a combination of both. Common edible products include cookies, brownies, candies, gummies, chocolates, beverages, or homemade goods.

A vaporizing device with a rechargeable battery that heats material such as cannabis flower (bud) or liquids containing THC or nicotine to produce vapor for inhalation. Used as an alternative to smoking cannabis or tobacco.

A group of receptors that make up a very complex regulatory system throughout the human brain, body, and central and peripheral nervous systems. ECS creates and maintains our body's internal stability (homeostasis) by adjusting the flow of neurotransmitters and regulating bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, emotion, and movement.

Protein molecules of a very specific function, produced by and usually found in, living cells, that act on specific substrates to change or produce specific products; a catalyst for biochemical reactions.

All enzyme-induced reactions in a plant. Can also relate to a group of enzymes composed of many different enzyme molecules that act in sequence to reduce a complex molecule such as cellulose to a simple component such as the basic glucose molecule, or to build new molecules.

The different processes by which cannabinoids within the plant can be extracted for use. These processes include alcohol extraction, butane hash oil extraction, CO2 extraction, and others.

The phase where a plant is putting on floral structures. In cannabis, this is when the valuable resin-producing flowers are developing.

Known as the hairy or sticky parts of the plant which are harvested for consumption in various products, also known as the reproductive organs of the plant. Cannabis flowers contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

1. Any plant matter, other than the marijuana product itself, which is more than 2 millimeters in size and constitutes more than 5 percent of the marijuana product; or 2. Any physical contaminants, which is included in the marijuana product.

The formation of fruits. In cannabis, this relates to the development of seed-bearing structures following pollination.

A size of material that is a bit larger than powder, for example sugar, there is powdered sugar used for confections, and granular sugar that is found in the sugar bowl. In cannabis cultivation, granular fertilizers release nutrients slowly.

The period when a plant grows. In most cases this is before the flowering phase. During this vegetative state, the cannabis plant develops its structure and foliage but not flowers.

The plant of the genus Cannabis or any part of the plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration that does not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis of any part of the plant of the genus Cannabis.

Refers to how evenly distributed the cannabis extract is through a product. For example, if 10% of the infused portion of the cannabis product contains less than 20% of the total THC contained in the product, it is homogenous. Homogeneity allows users assurance that they are consuming a consistently prepared edible.

A substance that acts on specific systems, organs, or cells to affect growth or change such as Auxin that causes cells to elongate or change forms.

Specific organic acids derived from humus (decomposed plant and animal matter) that enhance nutrient uptake and overall plant health in cannabis cultivation.

A cross between two genetically different strains of cannabis. Hybrids can happen randomly or purposefully but are typically done to mix two or more preferred traits of a plant to make another powerful combination.

The science of growing plants in nutrient rich solutions or inert material, instead of in soil. This method allows for precise control of nutrients and growing conditions.

A medium that doesn't add or take nutrient elements from the nutrient solution, serving only as physical support for plant roots.

Indoor growing allows complete control of the environment but can lead to smaller yields due to lack of sunlight. Outdoor farming requires specific environmental climates and conditions. Current markets often value indoor cannabis as higher quality compared to cannabis grown outside.

The tissue or stage of a plant that is incapable of changing to a flowering form of tissue, as opposed to adult tissue.

The resinous trichomes of cannabis that accumulate when dried cannabis flowers are sifted through a mesh screen or sieve. Kief contains a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

A terpene with a pungent citrus aroma, giving off scents of lemon and orange while providing relaxing effects and elevating mood. It also has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-carcinogenic properties.

The lowest concentration at which an analyte can not only be reliably detected but at which some predefined goals for bias and imprecision are met in laboratory testing.

Usually referring to floral initiation, a plant that requires a certain length of time with no light that is shorter than the amount of time it is exposed to light, that induces flowers to form.

An identification number or label assigned to a particular quantity of cannabis material from a single manufacturer for tracking and regulatory purposes.

Specific elements required by plants in large amounts such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium, which includes non-mineral nutrients Carbon, Oxygen and Hydrogen, typically measured as a percentage of overall plant content.

To compound, blend, extract, infuse, or otherwise make or prepare a cannabis product for consumption or use.

A slang term for the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant, specifically those varieties with THC content above 0.3%.

A product derived from medical marijuana that is kief, hashish, bubble hash, oil, wax, or other product, derived from marijuana or that includes cannabinoids extracted from the plant by any means.

The acquisition, cultivation, possession, processing, transfer, transportation, sale, distribution, dispensing, or administration of cannabis for the benefit of qualifying patients in the treatment of debilitating medical conditions or the symptoms thereof.

The set of biochemical processes that take place in cells of organisms to sustain life. In cannabis plants, metabolism involves processes that convert nutrients into energy and compounds necessary for growth and flower production.

Products of cellular metabolism that are formed after the main metabolites, often from the breakdown or utilization of primary metabolites. In cannabis, these include cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Objective evidence that a laboratory can adequately operate a standard method and meet the performance parameters specified in the test method with the matrices to which the method is being applied.

Specific elements needed in very small amounts for plant growth such as Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, and Chlorine, measured in parts per million (ppm).

A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic structure. In agriculture, minerals are essential elements for plant nutrition.

A measuring unit of electrical conductivity (milli Siemens per centimeter), the current or flow rate of electrons in solution. Used in hydroponics to measure nutrient concentration.

A group of symbiotic fungi that forms plant-specific relationships with the root cells of a plant, facilitating uptake of water and nutrients. Beneficial for cannabis cultivation when properly applied.

A secondary metabolite of a microfungus that is capable of causing illness in humans and other animals. They include aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, and ochratoxin A. Cannabis products are tested for mycotoxins to ensure safety.

A synthetic THC pharmaceutical approved in the U.S. for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

A hydroponic technique wherein there is a shallow stream of water containing all dissolved nutrients required for plant growth, continuously flowing past the bare roots of plants.

A relatively small number (2-10) of linked monosaccharides, or simple sugars, forming a polymer or chain of similar molecules. These play a role in plant immune responses and energy storage.

Any container or wrapper that might be used for enclosing or containing cannabis goods for final retail sale. Does not include shipping containers or outer wrapping used solely for transport of cannabis goods in bulk quantity to a licensee.

Chemical or organic substances that might be used on cannabis plants to protect against insects and/or fungus. Due to cannabis's federal status, there are limited approved pesticides for use on cannabis, and their application is regulated at the state level.

Measures the acidity or basicity of a solution on a scale from 1-14. For cannabis cultivation, maintaining proper pH (typically 5.5-6.5) is critical for nutrient availability and absorption.

The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a drug and the effect the drug has on the body. This is important for understanding how cannabis affects users and determining proper dosing.

The amount of time a plant is exposed to light versus darkness, which regulates functions and forms of the living tissue. Cannabis flowering is typically triggered by a 12/12 light/dark cycle.

A light-driven chemical process that converts carbon dioxide and water into basic organic compounds and energy-storing molecules used by plants to form carbohydrates and drive cellular activities.

A device for measuring electrical potential or electromotive force, often used in cannabis cultivation to measure pH or nutrient solution properties.

The medium in which roots of container-grown plants are anchored, consisting of a blend of organic and inorganic materials designed to provide proper drainage, aeration, and nutrient retention.

The medium in which roots of container-grown plants are anchored consisting of a blend of organic and inorganic materials. However, literally 'soil' refers to the Earth's untreated soil.

When a product contains THCa, the potential THC could be a combination of different analytes. Calculated as THC + (THCa × 0.877), representing the maximum possible THC after complete decarboxylation.

A special potting mix for seedlings or cuttings, typically lighter and with better drainage than standard potting soil to promote root development.

To harvest, dry, cure, trim and separate parts of the marijuana plant by manual or mechanical means to prepare it for consumption or product manufacturing.

A hydroponics system in which water is returned to the plant's root system after draining, conserving water and nutrients.

The intentional use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. Recreational cannabis can be purchased at licensed dispensaries by adults of legal age with valid identification.

A sample obtained according to a sampling procedure designed to ensure that the different parts of a batch or lot or the different properties of a batch or lot are proportionally represented for accurate testing.

A volatile organic compound used in the manufacture of a cannabis product that is not completely removed by practical manufacturing techniques. Products are tested for unsafe levels of residual solvents.

An entity licensed to purchase and deliver cannabis and cannabis products from licensed establishments and to sell or otherwise transfer cannabis and cannabis products to cannabis establishments and consumers.

A process in which a very fine filter stops minerals of specific sizes from passing through. This process removes salts and impurities from water, commonly used to purify water for cannabis cultivation.

A Dutch quality mark and knowledge center for growing on organic substrates, providing standards for growing media used in horticulture including cannabis cultivation.

The process in which cannabis enters the human body, travels into organs and tissues, and is metabolized. Different routes (inhalation, ingestion, topical application) produce different onset times and effect durations.

A hydroponic system in which the drain water is not re-used but flows away after passing through the growing medium.

An amount of cannabis collected by or delivered to a laboratory for testing. Proper sampling techniques are essential for accurate test results.

A classification of drugs, substances, or chemicals defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Cannabis remains classified as Schedule I at the federal level despite state legalizations.

The tracking system that follows everything that happens to an individual cannabis plant from seed and cultivation, through growth, harvest, and preparation of cannabis-infused products, to final sale of finished products.

Usually referring to floral initiation, a plant (like cannabis) that requires a certain length of time with no light that is longer than the amount of time it is exposed to light to induce flowers to form.

A medium without mineral soil but displaying properties similar to mineral soils, being organic based, and conducive to plant growth and development. Examples include coco coir, peat moss, and rockwool.

A substance that can dissolve another substance, forming a solution. In cannabis processing, solvents like butane, ethanol, and CO2 are used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material.

Variety of cannabis plants that have particular characteristics that might be used to express a specific desired effect. Common categories include Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and hybrids, each with different reported effects and cannabinoid profiles.

A medium in which roots can grow and the plant is able to stand up. This can be soil, coco coir, rockwool, or other materials used in cannabis cultivation.

Various manmade chemicals (such as K2 or Spice) that some people might use as an alternative to cannabis. These products can be dangerous and are not related to natural cannabis plant compounds.

A chemical the laboratory must test to see if it is present in medical marijuana, including cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants.

Fragrant oils secreted from the resin glands of flowers that provide aromatic diversity. Terpenes bind to different receptors in the brain to give different effects and contribute to the entourage effect with cannabinoids.

The most common cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. THC accounts for most of the psychoactive effects as the 11-OH-THC metabolite, formed after first-pass metabolism, is 4 times more psychoactive than THC.

Most abundant cannabinoid found in the raw cannabis plant that is decarboxylated and formed into THC by smoking, vaporizing, or heating. THCA itself is non-psychoactive.

A liquid form of cannabis that is made from glycerin or alcohol. Tinctures are usually administered under the tongue to provide fast absorption to the body, leading to quicker effects than edibles but typically less intense than inhalation.

Cannabis products such as lotions, balms, and oils that are applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. These products typically don't produce psychoactive effects.

An element that has to be present in the nutrients of an organism for growth and functioning, but only a very small quantity of it is required, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm).

Crystallized glands on the cannabis plant that produce resin. They are the parts of the plant that contain most cannabinoids and terpenes, appearing as tiny crystal-like structures on the flowers and leaves.

A group of related fungi. Most Trichoderma protect the plant against harmful fungi by feeding on other fungi. There are both beneficial and potentially harmful species to consider in cannabis cultivation.

When the plant has been harvested, a grower will trim the plant of its leaves, placing focus on the remaining buds. Trim can be used to create concentrates or edibles.

A method of cannabis use in which cannabis vapor, rather than smoke, is inhaled. Cannabis flower or concentrate is heated in a vaporizing device to a temperature below the point of combustion to produce vapor.

A device that heats cannabis flowers or extracts to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes as vapor without combustion, reducing the harmful byproducts associated with smoking.

The partial vapor pressure of water in a substance divided by the standard state partial vapor pressure of water. It's a measurement used in cannabis product testing to determine shelf stability and microbial growth potential.