Cannabis Terms in Canada: A Plain-Language Glossary
Cannabis labels and menus use specialized terms that can be confusing. This Canada-focused glossary explains the words shoppers commonly see on legal cannabis products. It is educational information, not medical advice.
Cannabis
The cannabis plant and products made from it. “Marijuana” and “weed” are common informal terms, while Canadian laws and labels generally use “cannabis.”
Cannabinoid
A chemical substance found in cannabis. Health Canada identifies more than 100 cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the best known; CBG, CBN, CBC and THCV are examples of minor cannabinoids that usually occur in smaller amounts. Research on many minor cannabinoids is still developing.
For a closer look at those compounds, read our guide to CBG, CBN, CBC and THCV.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
The principal intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. THC can cause a high and impairment. Higher THC amounts are generally associated with a greater risk of unwanted or serious effects.
CBD (cannabidiol)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid. CBD does not produce the high associated with THC, but it can still affect the brain and body, cause side effects and interact with medications. CBD is regulated as cannabis in Canada.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis and many other plants. Terpenes contribute to aroma and flavour. A terpene profile does not guarantee that every person will experience the same effects.
Dried flower
The dried flowering material of the cannabis plant. Legal packages show Total THC and Total CBD as a concentration, commonly in milligrams per gram (mg/g).
Pre-roll
Dried cannabis that has already been rolled in paper. Some pre-rolls are infused with extracts, so check the label carefully because their THC concentration may be much higher than standard dried flower.
Cannabis extract
A concentrated cannabis product. Extracts include oils, capsules, hash, kief, resin, rosin, wax and vape liquids. Formats and cannabinoid concentrations vary widely.
Edible cannabis
Food or beverages containing cannabis. Health Canada states that effects may begin 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion and may take up to 4 hours to be fully felt. Delayed effects increase the risk of taking more too soon.
Cannabis topical
A product applied to skin, hair or nails, such as a cream, lotion, balm or oil. Topicals can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Follow the product label.
Indica, sativa and hybrid
Common commercial labels describing plant lineage or product positioning. These labels alone do not reliably predict an individual’s experience. Product format, Total THC, Total CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes and personal factors all matter.
Potency
The amount or concentration of cannabinoids in a product. Depending on the product class, labels may use mg, mg/g, mg/mL, percentage, per unit or per activation. Compare the same measurement when comparing products.
Total THC and Total CBD
The amounts a cannabis product could yield after accounting for conversion of the acidic forms THCA and CBDA. These bold values appear on the main panel of legal Canadian cannabis labels.
Activation or unit
An activation is one measured amount dispensed by a device, such as a metered spray. A unit is one defined piece, such as a capsule or edible. Labels may list cannabinoid amounts per activation or per unit as well as the total package amount.
Excise stamp
A security feature found on most legal cannabis packages. Ontario’s stamp is yellow. Some very low-THC or prescription cannabis products may not require one.
Authorized retailer
A retailer permitted by a provincial or territorial government to sell legal cannabis. In Ontario, adults aged 19 and older may buy from authorized private stores or the government-operated online store.
Lower-risk use
No cannabis use is risk-free. Health Canada recommends choosing lower-THC products, avoiding frequent use, not mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances, never driving impaired, and keeping cannabis away from children and pets.
