Cannabis glossary – terms every buyer should know

From cannabinoid to vape cartridge, this glossary covers 28 essential cannabis terms in plain language. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Jungle Kingdom Flower or a seasoned buyer, bookmark this page as your quick reference for dispensary vocabulary, product types, and New York cannabis regulations.

By the JKF Team | Published August 27, 2026

Understanding cannabis terminology makes every dispensary visit smoother. New York's legal market introduces buyers to labels, lab reports, and product categories that can feel overwhelming at first. This glossary breaks down the language you will encounter on menus, packaging, and cannabis labels so you can shop with confidence at either our Bed-Stuy or East Williamsburg location.

Each term below includes a concise definition written for everyday buyers, not chemists. We have organized everything alphabetically so you can scan quickly or use your browser's search function to jump to a specific word. For deeper reading on any topic, follow the internal links to our Cannabis 101 guides and Learn hub articles.

A – C

Cannabinoid

A chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the two most recognized cannabinoids, but researchers have identified well over one hundred distinct compounds including CBN, CBG, and THCV. Each cannabinoid has a unique effect profile, and their combined presence contributes to what scientists call the entourage effect. Learn more in our cannabinoids guide.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

A non-intoxicating cannabinoid valued for its calming and wellness properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a euphoric high, making it popular among buyers seeking relaxation without impairment. CBD is available in tinctures, topicals, edibles, and flower. Read our full CBD explainer.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

A lab report documenting the cannabinoid potency, terpene profile, and safety testing results for a specific cannabis product. In New York, every product sold at a licensed dispensary must have a COA from a state-approved laboratory confirming it passed testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants. Ask any Jungle Kingdom budtender to see a COA for any product. Details in our lab testing guide.

Concentrate

A cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from flower material, resulting in a highly potent form. Common types include wax, shatter, budder, live resin, and live rosin. Concentrates typically range from 60 to 90 percent THC and can be consumed via dabbing or vaporizing. Browse our concentrates selection.

Cultivar

A cultivated variety of the cannabis plant bred for specific characteristics such as flavor, potency, growth pattern, or terpene profile. The term cultivar is gaining preference over the colloquial word strain because it more accurately reflects intentional plant breeding. Examples include Blue Dream, Gelato 33, and Runtz.

D – F

Dab

A method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing a small amount on a heated surface, typically a quartz banger or electronic nail, and inhaling the resulting vapor. Dabbing delivers potent effects quickly and is recommended for experienced consumers rather than beginners. For newcomers, we suggest starting with microdosing or lower-potency products first.

Dispensary

A licensed retail store authorized to sell cannabis products to consumers. In New York, dispensaries must hold an active retail license issued by the Office of Cannabis Management. Jungle Kingdom Flower operates two licensed dispensaries in Brooklyn: Bed-Stuy at 515 Nostrand Ave and East Williamsburg at 1055 Flushing Ave.

Edible

A food or beverage product infused with cannabis extract, offering a smoke-free consumption method. Effects typically onset in 30 to 90 minutes and last longer than inhaled cannabis. Edibles come in forms including gummies, chocolates, mints, and beverages. New buyers should start with a low dose of 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC. Browse our edibles selection or read the edibles guide.

Eighth

A common purchase quantity equal to one-eighth of an ounce, or approximately 3.5 grams of cannabis flower. An eighth is the most popular flower quantity at dispensaries and typically yields several sessions depending on consumption method. Other standard quantities include a gram, a quarter (7 grams), and a half ounce (14 grams). Shop flower by the eighth at Jungle Kingdom.

Entourage Effect

The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant compounds work together synergistically to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. This concept is why many consumers prefer full-spectrum products over isolates, and why terpene profiles matter as much as THC percentage. Our terpenes guide explores this in detail.

Flower

The dried, cured bud of the cannabis plant, which is the most traditional and widely purchased form of cannabis. Flower is typically smoked in a pipe, bong, or rolled into a joint. Quality flower displays visible trichomes, a strong aroma, and dense structure. Explore our flower menu or learn how to spot quality flower.

H – K

Hash

A concentrated cannabis product made by separating trichomes from plant material and compressing them into a solid or paste-like form. Hash is one of the oldest cannabis preparations in human history and remains popular for its clean, potent effects. Modern variations include bubble hash and dry-sift hash, both available in our concentrates section.

Hybrid

A cannabis cultivar bred from both indica and sativa parent plants, combining characteristics of each lineage. Most modern cannabis cultivars are hybrids. They can lean indica-dominant for relaxation, sativa-dominant for energy, or sit balanced in between. See our indica vs sativa vs hybrid guide.

Indica

One of the two traditional cannabis subspecies, historically associated with relaxing, body-focused effects and a broader leaf structure. Indica-dominant cultivars are often chosen for evening use, sleep support, and pain relief. However, modern research suggests terpene profiles influence effects more than the indica or sativa label alone. Browse our indica strains.

Kief

The loose trichomes and resin glands that fall off cannabis flower during handling or grinding, often collected in the bottom chamber of a grinder. Kief can be sprinkled on top of a bowl, pressed into hash, or used to make infused pre-rolls. It offers a potency boost without the need for additional products.

L – O

Live Resin

A concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, meaning the plant is frozen immediately after harvest rather than dried and cured. This process preserves the original terpene profile, resulting in exceptionally rich flavor and aroma. Live resin is available in cartridges, dabbable forms, and infused pre-rolls. Compare it to live rosin in our live rosin vs live resin article.

Live Rosin

A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to fresh-frozen cannabis or ice-water hash. Because no chemical solvents are used in extraction, live rosin is prized by purists for its clean, full-spectrum flavor. It is typically more expensive than solvent-based concentrates due to lower yields and more labor-intensive production. Read our detailed comparison.

Microdose

A very small cannabis dose, typically 1 to 5 milligrams of THC, intended to deliver subtle functional effects without strong intoxication. Microdosing has become popular among professionals and first-time users who want mild relief, focus, or creative enhancement during the day. Our microdosing guide covers how to start.

OCM (Office of Cannabis Management)

The New York State regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing all legal cannabis businesses, from cultivators and processors to dispensaries and delivery services. The OCM sets rules for product testing, packaging, advertising, and retail operations. Jungle Kingdom Flower holds OCM license numbers OCM-RETL-24-000088 (Bed-Stuy) and OCM-CAURD-26-000349 (East Williamsburg). See our license info page.

P – S

Pre-Roll

A ready-to-smoke cannabis joint that comes pre-ground and rolled, available in single or multi-packs at dispensaries. Pre-rolls are one of the most convenient product types for on-the-go use. Infused pre-rolls contain added concentrates or kief for extra potency. Browse our pre-roll selection or read about infused pre-rolls.

Sativa

One of the two traditional cannabis subspecies, historically associated with uplifting, cerebral effects and a narrow leaf structure. Sativa-dominant cultivars are commonly chosen for daytime use, social activities, and energy. Popular sativa strains include Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Green Crack. Browse our sativa collection.

Strain

A colloquial term for a specific genetic variety of cannabis, now more accurately called a cultivar. The word strain is still widely used in dispensary menus and consumer conversation. Each strain has a distinct cannabinoid and terpene profile that shapes its flavor, aroma, and effects. Explore hundreds of varieties in our strain library or learn how to choose a strain.

T – V

Terpene

Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants that contribute to flavor, scent, and may influence the overall effects of a cultivar. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, and linalool. Many researchers believe terpenes are as important as cannabinoid content in shaping how a strain feels. Our terpenes guide breaks down the major profiles.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

The primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for producing the intoxicating high. THC content is displayed as a percentage on every product label. While higher THC percentages do not always mean a better experience, they indicate greater potency. Our THC explainer and THC percentage myth article help buyers understand what the numbers really mean.

Tincture

A liquid cannabis extract typically administered under the tongue using a dropper, offering precise dosing and a smoke-free experience. Tinctures come in various THC-to-CBD ratios, making them ideal for consumers who want controlled, measured doses. Effects generally onset within 15 to 45 minutes when taken sublingually. Shop our tincture collection.

Topical

A cannabis-infused cream, balm, lotion, or patch applied directly to the skin for localized relief. Topicals typically do not cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning they generally do not produce psychoactive effects. They are popular among consumers seeking targeted relief for soreness, inflammation, or skin conditions. Browse our topicals selection.

Trichome

Tiny crystal-like structures on the surface of cannabis flower that produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes are what make quality flower appear frosty or sparkly. The density and maturity of trichomes are key indicators of potency and freshness. When trichomes are collected and separated, they become kief or hash.

Vape Cartridge

A pre-filled container of cannabis oil designed to attach to a battery-powered vaporizer pen for inhalation. Cartridges offer a discreet, portable way to consume cannabis without combustion. They come in various formulations including distillate, live resin, and full-spectrum oil. Always buy cartridges from a licensed dispensary to ensure safety. Shop our vape selection or read our vape pen guide.