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New to cannabis? Start here.
Cannabis terminology can feel confusing at first. This guide breaks down the basics in a simple, easy-to-scan format.
| Term | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| THC | A cannabinoid associated with cannabis’s intoxicating effects | Helps you understand potency |
| CBD | A cannabinoid that doesn’t typically produce the same intoxicating effects as THC | Commonly found in many cannabis products |
| Terpenes | Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants | Contribute to aroma and flavor |
| Cannabinoids | Naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis | Include THC, CBD, and others |
| Flower | Dried cannabis flower | One of the most traditional product formats |
| Edibles | Cannabis-infused food or beverages | Typically take longer to produce noticeable effects |
Instead of explaining this in a long paragraph, make it a two-column comparison.
| THC | CBD | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tetrahydrocannabinol | Cannabidiol |
| Intoxicating? | Yes | Not typically |
| Found in cannabis? | ✓ | ✓ |
| Commonly found in | Flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates | Oils, tinctures, flower, edibles, other products |
| Why people look for it | Cannabis’s intoxicating effects | Products containing CBD without the typical THC high |
Quick takeaway: THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, but they interact with the body differently.
You may have seen Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid on cannabis menus.
Here’s the simple version:
| Type | Traditional Description | Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Indica | Often associated with more relaxing characteristics | The label doesn’t tell the whole story |
| Sativa | Often associated with more energizing characteristics | Individual products can vary |
| Hybrid | Genetics from multiple cannabis lineages | Can have a wide range of characteristics |
When comparing products, also look at:
THC + CBD → Potency and cannabinoid profile
Terpenes → Aroma and flavor
Product type → How it’s consumed
Serving size → Especially important for edibles
Think of terpenes as part of what gives cannabis its personality.
| Terpene | Common Aroma | Often Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 🍋 Citrus | Citrus-forward profiles |
| Myrcene | 🌿 Earthy / Herbal | Earthy profiles |
| Pinene | 🌲 Pine / Fresh | Pine-forward profiles |
| Caryophyllene | 🌶️ Peppery / Spicy | Spicy profiles |
| Linalool | 🌸 Floral | Floral profiles |
Why should you care?
If you enjoy exploring different cannabis flavors and aromas, terpene information can be a useful part of comparing products.
Not sure which product type you’re looking at?
| Product | What Is It? | General Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Flower | Dried cannabis flower | Traditional cannabis format |
| 🚬 Pre-Roll | Ready-to-use cannabis flower | Convenient |
| 💨 Vape | Cannabis extract or concentrate | Inhaled format |
| 🍬 Edible | Cannabis-infused food or drink | Slower onset |
| 💧 Tincture | Liquid cannabis product | Measured format |
| 🧴 Topical | Cannabis-infused cream, balm, etc. | Applied to the skin |
| 💎 Concentrate | Highly concentrated cannabis extract | Typically much higher potency |
This is one of the most useful things for a beginner to understand.
| Consumption Method | Onset | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Inhaled | Usually minutes | Effects can be noticed relatively quickly |
| Edibles | Usually much longer | Don’t rush to take more |
| Tinctures | Varies | Follow the product directions |
| Topicals | Product-specific | Designed for application to the skin |
Edibles can take considerably longer to produce noticeable effects than inhaled cannabis.
Patience matters.
Follow the serving instructions on the package and give the product adequate time before considering another serving.
Potency is another term you’ll see frequently on cannabis menus.
For example:
Flower
THC 22%
Edible
10 mg THC per serving
These numbers aren’t directly comparable because different cannabis products are consumed differently.
| Check This | Why? |
|---|---|
| THC | Understand the cannabinoid concentration |
| CBD | See whether CBD is present |
| Serving Size | Particularly important for edibles |
| Product Type | Determines how the product is consumed |
| Terpenes | Helps you explore aroma and flavor |
| Lab/Testing Information | Provides product and regulatory information where applicable |
There’s no universal cannabis experience.
Your experience can be influenced by:
Product
THC level • CBD level • Terpenes • Formulation
You
Experience • Tolerance • Individual physiology
How you consume it
Flower • Vape • Edible • Tincture • Topical
The amount
Serving size • Potency • Frequency of use
That’s why comparing your experience directly with someone else’s isn’t always useful.
Before trying something new, ask yourself:
☐ What product am I buying?
☐ How much THC does it contain?
☐ Does it contain CBD?
☐ What is the recommended serving size?
☐ How am I consuming it?
☐ How long might it take to feel the effects?
☐ What does the product label say?
☐ Am I following my local cannabis laws?
A few simple rules go a long way.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Read the product label | Guessing the serving size |
| Follow serving instructions | Taking more too quickly |
| Store cannabis securely | Leaving products accessible to children or pets |
| Know your local laws | Assuming cannabis is legal everywhere |
| Give edibles time | Rushing the experience |
| Know how cannabis affects you | Driving while impaired |
Save this one:
THC → Intoxicating cannabinoid
CBD → Cannabinoid that doesn’t typically produce the same intoxicating effects as THC
Terpenes → Aroma + flavor
Flower → Dried cannabis
Pre-Roll → Ready-to-use flower
Edible → Cannabis-infused food or beverage
Tincture → Liquid cannabis product
Topical → Cannabis product applied to the skin
Potency → Concentration of cannabinoids
Serving Size → Amount intended for one serving
Cannabis doesn’t have to be complicated.
The more you understand about THC, CBD, terpenes, product types, potency, and consumption methods, the easier it becomes to navigate a cannabis menu with confidence.
By Any Other Name is here to make the experience easier to understand, one product at a time.
Explore the menu →
What should a cannabis beginner learn first?
Start with the basics: THC, CBD, product types, potency, serving sizes, and the differences between consumption methods.
Is higher THC always better?
Not necessarily. THC concentration is only one characteristic of a cannabis product. Product type, serving size, cannabinoids, terpenes, and personal preferences can all matter.
Why do edibles take longer?
Edibles need to pass through the digestive system before their effects become noticeable, so their onset is generally slower than inhaled cannabis.
What are terpenes in cannabis?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to the smell and flavor of cannabis and many other plants.
Can cannabis affect people differently?
Yes. Individual physiology, tolerance, product potency, consumption method, and other factors can all influence the experience.