Consumption, Effects & Measurement

54 terms in this category

Cannabinoid percentage measured against liquid volume — used for tinctures and drinks

Cannabinoid percentage measured against total dry weight — the standard for flower potency

Anxiolytic (effect) ⚠️

Felt reduction in anxiety after cannabis — biphasic and dose-dependent

Slang for pronounced, heavily sedated cannabis intoxication — an intensity marker

Balanced ⚠️

Marketing term for equal THC:CBD ratios or neutral effects — not pharmacologically defined

Bioavailability

Percentage of consumed cannabinoid that reaches systemic circulation — varies by method

Somatic cannabis experience — limb heaviness, warmth, analgesia, muscle relaxation

The gradual waning of cannabis effects as THC is metabolized and redistributed

Heavy physical sedation discouraging movement — associated with high-THC myrcene-dominant chemovars

Consumption method where small concentrate doses (10-50mg) are vaporized on a heated banger and inhaled via dab rig

The quantity of cannabinoid consumed in a single serving or session

Total length of cannabis effects — 2-4 hours inhaled, 4-12 hours oral

One-eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams) — the most common retail flower purchase unit

Transient positive mood state mediated by CB1-driven dopamine release in reward circuitry

First-pass metabolism

Liver processing of orally consumed THC before it reaches circulation — produces 11-OH-THC

Functional high

A mild intoxication level at which the user remains productive and social

The base metric unit for cannabis measurement — ~one packed bowl or small joint

Acute cannabis overconsumption causing nausea, dizziness, sweating, and anxiety

Cannabis overconsumption episode — acute dizziness, nausea, anxiety, pallor; resolves with hydration and time

One-half ounce (14 grams) of cannabis flower

Head high ⚠️

Cerebral cannabis experience — euphoria, creativity, energy — anecdotally linked to sativa types

General term for acute cannabis intoxication — dose-dependent, onset varies by method

A single inhalation from a joint, pipe, bong, or vape

Reduced functional capacity — relevant to driving, workplace, and legal per-se thresholds

Measurable impairment of cognition, perception, or motor function from a substance

A breakdown product of drug metabolism — 11-OH-THC is active, THC-COOH is inactive

Milligrams per milliliter — the standard concentration unit for tinctures and oils

Sub-threshold cannabis dose (1-5mg THC) intended for subtle effects without full intoxication

The dosing unit for edibles and concentrates — 5-10mg THC is a standard dose

Time from consumption to first noticeable effects — 5-10 min inhaled, 30-120 min oral

One ounce (28 grams) — the typical legal possession limit in adult-use states

Overconsumption

Ingesting more THC than comfortable — unpleasant but not life-threatening

Dose-dependent anxiety and suspicion — more common with high-THC, low-CBD use

Handing a shared joint, blunt, or pipe to the next person in a session rotation

The point of maximum subjective effect — 15-30 min inhaled, 1-3 hours oral

The concentration of cannabinoids in a product — contested as a quality proxy

The wholesale unit — 16 ounces or ~448 grams of cannabis

Any effect on mental state — CBD is non-intoxicating but technically psychoactive

Synonym for hit — a single draw of smoke or vapor

The number of inhalations a vape cartridge is rated to deliver

One-quarter ounce (7 grams) of cannabis flower

Reduced tension and calmed affect — has partial pharmacological basis but expectancy-sensitive

Sedative (effect)

Drowsiness, motor slowing, and propensity to sleep from cannabis consumption

A regulated single portion of an edible — typically 5-10mg THC in most states

A period of communal or individual cannabis consumption — "sesh"

Set and setting

Mindset and environment that shape the subjective cannabis experience

Start low, go slow

Universal cannabis dosing principle — begin with the lowest dose and increase gradually

Alertness, energy, talkativeness — associated with low-dose THC and THCV-containing cultivars

Cannabis intoxication emphasizing sedation, body heaviness, and slower mentation

T-break (Tolerance break)

A deliberate period of cannabis abstinence to reset tolerance — typically 2-4 weeks

Inactive THC metabolite detected by drug tests — can persist in urine for weeks

Slang for a puff or hit of cannabis — also used as a verb

Tolerance (consumption)

Diminished response to cannabis with repeated use — CB1 receptor downregulation

Uplifting ⚠️

Marketing descriptor for mood-elevating effects — no standardized pharmacological meaning

Other Categories

Botany & Cultivation

Chemistry, Cannabinoids & ECS

Flower, Hash & Concentrates

Edibles, Smokeware & Devices

Legal & Regulatory

Industry & Commerce

Slang, Culture & History

Medical, Science & Research