Cannabis culture is rich and diverse, with its own lexicon that has evolved over decades. In the past several years, stoner lingo has grown from a necessity for discretion to a celebrated aspect of cannabis culture. It’s a language that unites enthusiasts, conveys complex concepts simply, and adds a layer of fun to the cannabis experience.
If you’re looking to decode the chatter at your local dispensary or want to expand your cannabis vocabulary, knowing the lingo is essential.
Dank Dictionary: Know Your Stoner Lingo
Why start at A when you can kick things off with a bit of flair? In the spirit of keeping things interesting, we’re flipping the script and starting with Z. This guide will walk you through a curated selection of stoner lingo, blending the well-known with the niche, ensuring you’re well-versed in the language of the leaf.
Zaza:
A term that’s gained traction in recent years, “zaza” refers to high-quality cannabis. It’s the kind of weed that stands out for its potent effects, delightful aroma, and top-shelf quality. Originating from hip-hop culture, zaza has become synonymous with cannabis excellence.
Wax:
Wax is a sticky form of cannabis concentrate, similar in texture to lip balm. It’s used for dabbing and is favored for its strong effects and ease of handling compared to more brittle concentrates.
Wake and Bake:
A ritual for many cannabis lovers, “wake and bake” refers to consuming cannabis right after waking up. It’s often considered a way to start the day relaxed or with a creative spark.
Vape Pen:
A vape pen is a discreet, portable device used to vaporize cannabis oils and concentrates. It heats the product without burning it, releasing a vapor that is inhaled.
Trichomes:
Trichomes are the small, crystal-like structures on the cannabis plant that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. They are often indicative of a plant’s potency.
Tincture:
A tincture is a cannabis-infused liquid that users consume orally, usually with a dropper. It provides a precise dosage and a discreet way to medicate without inhalation.
Terpenes:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that influence flavor and effects. They’re key to the distinctive aromas of different cannabis strains and can modify the high. Some of the most common terps include pinene, myrcene, and limonene.
T-Break:
Short for “tolerance break,” a T-Break is a deliberate pause from consuming cannabis to decrease tolerance and enhance the effects when usage resumes.
Shatter:
Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate that is translucent and has a glass-like consistency. It breaks, or “shatters,” easily and is known for its high potency and pure flavor.
Sativa:
Sativa refers to one of the primary types of cannabis plants known for its energizing and uplifting effects. These strains typically produce a cerebral high ideal for daytime use.
Rosin:
Rosin is a solvent-free cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to plant material. It retains the full flavor and potency of the original plant.
Reggie:
Slang for regular or low-quality cannabis, “reggie weed” is often less potent and more harshly flavored than higher-quality strains.
Pre-roll:
A pre-roll is a ready-to-smoke, factory-rolled cannabis joint. They offer convenience and are perfect for those who may not know how to roll their own.
Nug:
A nug is a compact, chunky piece of cannabis flower. These are often prized for their quality and potency, representing the best part of the plant.
Mids:
Mids are mid-grade cannabis products, offering a balance between potency and affordability. They’re better than “reggie” but not as high-quality as “zaza.”
Landrace:
Landrace strains are original cannabis strains that have developed over centuries in their native environments. They are often the building blocks for breeding new hybrid strains.
Kief:
Kief consists of the trichomes, or the crystalline resin glands, sifted from the cannabis flower. It’s potent and can be sprinkled on top of flower to enhance effects.
Indica:
Indica is one of the main types of cannabis known for its relaxing and sedative effects. These strains are often recommended for evening or nighttime use.
Hybrid:
Hybrid cannabis strains are bred from both Indica and Sativa plants and are designed to offer a balanced mix of their effects.
Hippie Speedball:
A hippie speedball combines cannabis with caffeine, usually by smoking cannabis and drinking coffee simultaneously for an energetic yet mellow experience.
Hash Hole:
A hash hole is a joint rolled with a long piece of hash perfectly centered in the middle. It enhances the overall potency and extends the duration of the smoking session.
Greening Out:
Greening out is a term used when someone feels sick after consuming too much cannabis, often resulting in nausea, dizziness, and a need to lie down.
Full Spectrum:
This term refers to cannabis products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, as opposed to isolates, which contain only one compound. Full spectrum products are believed to provide the most holistic benefits due to the entourage effect.
Entourage Effect:
The entourage effect is a theory that all compounds in cannabis work together to enhance the overall effects, suggesting that whole-plant consumption can be more beneficial than isolated compounds.
Eighth:
An eighth is a common measurement of cannabis, equivalent to 3.5 grams. It’s one of the most popular quantities sold due to its convenience.
Dub:
A dub is a street term for $20 worth of cannabis, which can vary in weight depending on the quality. Usually about 2 grams, depending on local prices.
Dime Bag:
A dime bag is a $10 bag of cannabis, traditionally containing enough for a few joints, but the actual quantity can vary widely. It’s typically about 1 gram of weed, but again this depends on local prices. For more on cannabis measurements, check our article on how to measure weed.
Decarboxylate:
Decarboxylation is a process of heating cannabis to activate the psychoactive compounds. This step is necessary when making edibles to ensure potency.
Dab/Dabbing:
Dabbing refers to the consumption of cannabis concentrates by vaporizing them on a hot surface, typically using a dab rig. It produces a potent effect.
Couch-Lock:
Couch-lock is a term used to describe the feeling of deep relaxation and heavy sedation experienced after consuming certain strains of cannabis, typically heavy Indicas. It often leaves the person feeling so relaxed that they find themselves unable to move from the couch, hence the name.
Concentrate:
A concentrate is a highly potent mass of THC or CBD extracted from cannabis. These come in various forms, such as wax, shatter, and oil, and are known for their high potency and purity. They’re often used in dabbing, vaping, and as additions to flower in a bowl or joint for an intensified effect.
Cherried:
Cherried describes a bowl of cannabis that stays lit after ignited, allowing for continuous hits without the need for a lighter each time. It’s seen as a convenience during a smoking session.
Cashed:
When a bowl of cannabis is completely spent and no longer produces a worthwhile smoke, it’s referred to as cashed. This indicates it’s time to reload or finish the session.
Cannabinoids:
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids.
Budder:
Budder is a type of cannabis concentrate with a creamy consistency similar to butter. It’s known for its high THC levels and is consumed through dabbing.
Ash Catcher:
An attachment for a bong or water pipe that traps ashes and debris, preventing them from entering the main chamber. Ash catchers keep the piece cleaner and provide an extra layer of filtration.
710:
710 is a number associated with cannabis oil due to its resemblance to the word “oil” when flipped upside down. It’s celebrated by enthusiasts similarly to 4/20 and often denotes concentrate consumption.
One Final Toke
Unpacking the stoner lingo of cannabis culture is a great way to deepen one’s appreciation for the plant and its community. It’s a world rich with history, humor, and horticulture, expressed through a language that’s as dynamic as the culture itself. As you continue to explore and enjoy all that cannabis has to offer, remember to keep rolling with Old Pal and stay lit in both knowledge and spirit.
