Weed Terminology 101

Few things in the world have as many names as cannabis. If you’re not in the know, much of the terminology can feel like another language from another planet. In the past, many of these terms were often used as stoner code so people didn’t get busted by the authorities (or their lame parents).

Much of this terminology has since evolved into a fun way to speak about the plants, paraphernalia, and the herbaceous products we all love so much. Us cannabis lovers are always coming up with new ways to riff on cannabis and cannabis consumption, and we think it’s high time everyone gets on the same page — whether you’re talking about ganja, blunts, or just toking up with your homies.

So without further adieu, here’s a short list of common cannabis terms that every stoner should know. Spark up, read on, and take your vocabulary higher.


FLOWER

Refers to pure cannabis in its cured plant form, ready to be rolled and smoked. Not to be confused with extracts used in oils and edibles.


MARIJUANA

While it’s the most well-known alternate name for cannabis, marijuana has some very controversial origins, as it has ties to racist drug propaganda and the 1930s movie Reefer Madness. Our advice: keep it simple, call it cannabis, and avoid a trip-killing argument with your friend.


WEED

A classic term known all over the world, as it refers to cannabis growing “like a weed.” And hey, if Tommy Chong still calls it weed, so should you.


BUD

This term refers to the dried, cured, and consumable portions of the marijuana plant. In other words, it’s the part you grind, roll, and smoke.


NUG

This refers to the premium buds of the cannabis stalk and often contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids, like THC.


HERB

Not to be confused with basil or sage, this “herb” refers to the smokable part of your favorite marijuana plant. This does not include the weed stems, but shake weed counts.


REEFER

While “reefer” has roots dating back to the 1930s and Reefer Madness, its origins come from the Mexican slang “greefo,” which was given to those under the influence (a.k.a. enjoying the high life). Thankfully, you probably won’t hear this term from anyone under the age of 80.


GANJA

Ganja is a Hindi word for hemp plants, referring specifically to the buds of the flower. It’s also really fun to say.


CHRONIC

While Dre and Snoop made it famous, chronic is a reference to premium weed and the highly effective symptoms that come from it (like a chronic cough).


DANK

Dank is another way of saying you’ve got premium weed that’s smooth, delicious, and truly out of this world.


JOINT

The iconic way to consume cannabis and an excellent way to enjoy your flower. Find out how easy it is to roll the perfect joint with our step-by-step guide.


BLUNT

To put it “bluntly,” this is a cigar that has been emptied of its loose-leaf tobacco and filled with cannabis. The mix of tobacco and cannabis creates an added buzz that many stoners prefer over the classic joint. Never rolled a blunt? Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to roll a blunt.


TOKE

The physical act of inhaling cannabis smoke, from joints and blunts to vaporizers and bongs.


CLOSING THOUGHTS: ONE FINAL HIT

As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, so will the crafty terminology from stoners both new and old. We know it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with all this slang, so we recommend sparking up some Old Pal with your buds and have some fun with all your new vocabulary.