CANNAConsumer Magazine August 2017 | Page 93

Cannabis Terms

CannaConsumer Magazine

Edibles — Any cannabis product which is consumed orally and digested is considered an edible. Whether it is the stereotypical “pot brownie” or one of the sophisticated orally-active cannabis capsules, edibles are often recommended as the best choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke anything. Cannabis consumed orally is quite a bit stronger and lasts longer, so it is always best to consume a little bit at a time in order to allow the full effects to develop.

Grinders — Generally made of metal and containing multiple pieces, these are used to break up marijuana by threshing it between teeth attached to the top and bottom as opposed to your hands, preventing all of the sticky-icky from ending up on your fingers. High-end grinders contain a screen that allows kief to pass through, allowing you to collect it and top your bowl off.

Hash — Traditionally “hashish” refers to any collection of the resin glands (trichomes) of the cannabis plant. Collection of the trichomes is performed via a variety of methods (dry sieve, water extraction), and the resulting product can be pressed, sieved, or microplaned into different consistencies depending upon the desired use and smoking method. Traditional hash-making countries press their hash, which makes it burn longer and also makes it easier for discreet transport.

ISO (isopropyl hash oil) — When alcohol (specifically isopropyl) is used as a solvent to strip trichomes from plant material, the resulting hash oil is normally refered to as “iso” hash oil. Though generally a less dangerous and equipment-intensive process than making BHO or CO2 oil, it is still essential to try to remove all of the residual alcohol from the extract, as vaporizing alcohol sugars can cause lung issues in some patients. Unlike the more selective butane, isopropyl often pulls chlorophyll as well as the cannabinoids, which necessitates a quick wash method, also known as “QWISO”.

Solventless wax — Coined originally by internet cannabis personality and Colorado resident Paul Tokin, solventless wax (or sometimes solventless oil) refers to the highest grade of water hash, which looks and smokes similar to solvent-based hashes and is capable of being dabbed. The originator of the product is Colorado-based hashmaker Selecta Nikka T, who has won multiple cannabis cups for his products over the last 4 years.

Terpene — The aromatic and flavor compounds found within cannabis (and nearly every other plant on the planet), terpenes are responsible for the veritable rainbow of cannabis strains, which all exhibit subtle differences in smell and flavor. Terpenes are volatile and evaporate at fairly low temperatures, so when storing or extracting cannabis, it is best to keep everything very cold. Terpenes also have medical benefits in themselves, as evidenced by the aromatherapy industry… this means that some of those super flavorful plants that seem to get you higher than the bland ones do actually have a stronger or more rounded effects package.

Topicals — Topicals are external applications of cannabis that can be used to treat body pain or skin conditions, infused with THC and other cannabinoids. These can include lotions, creams, balms — pretty much anything you can rub on your skin. They generally don’t give you any kind of head or body high, so they’re a favorite of patients that become disoriented when inhaling or otherwise ingesting weed.

Trichome — Holding the majority of the cannabinoid content in the plant, the trichomes are crystalline structures which coat the plant’s bract and leaf surfaces. Looking much like a mushroom when magnified, the head contains the majority of the cannabinoid content and essential oils, but the stalk also has some value; the heads are what is broken off and collected in high-grade dry sieve and water hashes, while the entire trichome is dissolved in solvent-based extracts. There are actually three distinct types of trichomes on the plant: bulbous trichomes are the smallest and not visible to the naked eye, the sessile trichomes are slender and have no head, while the glandular trichomes are the ones that are most often seen and provide the highest amount of cannabinoids.

Vaporizer — Rather than combusting your cannabis product (whether it be flowers, hash, or oil), a vaporizer heats it just enough so that the cannabinoids activate, vaporize and can then be inhaled. This method is preferable for those with breathing conditions, or those who simply don’t want to actually smoke anything but still require the direct and immediate relief that inhalation provides compared to edible consumption. A popular variation on the vaporizer that has taken the cannabis (and nicotine) market by storm is the pen vaporizer, also known as an “e-vape”; these are extremely popular due to their small size and high level of discreetness.

Pressed hash — After extraction, hash (normally water extracted, but also dry sieve) can be pressed using pressure and sometimes heat. If using heat, this process can activate the hash partially, but the primary purpose of this is to make it more dense and create an outer shell which keeps the inside terpene-rich and fresh for over a year. Traditional hash-making countries such as Morocco, Afghanistan, and Lebanon almost always press their hash, as it also makes it easier to transport.

Shatter — (see also: butane hash oil) Shatter is a texture of hash oil and refers to the transparent, shelf-stable oil which breaks into pieces rather than bending. The most popular choices of butane concentrates on the market are either shatter or wax, which are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to texture.

http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/06/13/marijuana-terms-and-definitions-cannabis-lexicon-glossary-pot-terminology/13174/

CANNABIS FOR SENIORS 93