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.
Zoinked:
A lighthearted term for being completely, delightfully obliterated. “Dude, I am zoinked” = I’m extremely high and having a time. Often paired with snacks and saying “whoa” a lot.
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.
Terped Out:
Describes cannabis that’s bursting with flavor and aroma thanks to its terpene profile. Can also refer to the sensory effects of hitting something super flavorful: “This cart has me terped out.”
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.
SpliffTok:
The artsy, chill, often slow-mo aesthetic of weed-smoking videos on TikTok. Think vibey music, well-lit puffs, close-ups of rolling, and “get ready with me to smoke a spliff” edits.
Snapped:
Used to describe when someone clears a bowl in one big inhale—no cherry left behind. “She snapped that whole thing” means the bowl was finished in one go. Power move.
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.
Penjamin:
A vape pen, personified. It’s just “Penjamin” when you’re keeping it casual and classy with discreet hits from your cartridge. Often used when referring to a go-to pen you take everywhere.
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.
Moon Rocks:
Nugs coated in hash oil and rolled in kief. Moon rocks are not for the faint of lung—they’re high-potency powerhouses designed to launch you straight into orbit.
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.”
Loud:
When weed is so pungent you can smell it through a backpack or across the room. Loud isn’t just about aroma—it’s a status symbol. Loud weed gets noticed, whether you want it to or not.
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.
Indacouch:
A playful mashup of indica and what happens when you smoke a heavy one. Indacouch describes that full-body, melt-into-the-furniture experience that strong indicas are famous for. Expect sedation, snacks, and deep couch vibes.
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.
Hot Box:
The act of smoking in an enclosed space (car, tent, bathroom) until it’s filled with thick, hazy clouds. A classic group ritual known for bonding, giggles, and occasional chaos.
Hippie Speedball:
A hippie speedball combines cannabis with caffeine, usually by smoking cannabis and drinking coffee simultaneously for an energetic yet mellow experience.
Herb:
One of the classic euphemisms for cannabis, still going strong. Whether in flower form or ground up in a grinder, herb is an evergreen favorite in stoner vocab.
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.
Gardentenders:
Your friendly neighborhood budtenders, rebranded with a bit more flair. Gardentenders are the folks who guide you through the garden (a.k.a. dispensary), offering wisdom, recommendations, and the occasional “You’ve gotta try this one.”
Garden Center:
A cheeky euphemism for the dispensary. While it may sound like a place to buy petunias and potting soil, stoners know the real herb being sold here. Saying “I’m heading to the garden center” keeps things fun and just a little under the radar.
Gardening:
A discreet and playful way to refer to cannabis use or shopping—whether you’re lighting up or heading to the dispensary, you’re just “doing some gardening.” A wink to the plant-based life.
Gas:
Slang for fire weed that smells and hits strong. If it reeks in the best way and delivers heavy effects, it’s gas. Often used interchangeably with zaza, but with a slightly grittier, street-level edge.
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.
Flavor Savors:
A slangy nickname for terpenes, the flavorful compounds that give each strain its distinct aroma and taste. If you’re chasing citrus, berry, gas, or pine notes—you’re officially a flavor savor.
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.
Eddie:
Slang for an edible. Whether it’s a gummy, cookie, or infused chocolate square, if someone offers you an eddie—get ready for a slower, deeper ride.
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.
Doink a Doinker:
To smoke a big ol’ joint, often hand-rolled and hefty. “Let’s go doink a doinker” is a call to action—and a good time. Bonus points if it’s a personal doink.
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.
Deli Style:
Cannabis sold fresh from jars rather than pre-packaged. Deli style lets you see and smell the bud before buying, offering that old-school dispensary experience. It’s like ordering a custom cut at the butcher—only greener.
Decarboxylate:
Decarboxylation is a process of heating cannabis to activate the psychoactive compounds. This step is necessary when making edibles to ensure potency.
Dab Sweats:
The inevitable sweat that hits after taking a massive dab. It’s not cute, but it’s real. Dab sweats usually pass in a few minutes, once you’ve made peace with how high you are.
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.
Crutch / Tip:
A rolled-up filter placed at the mouth-end of a joint to keep things structured and smooth. Crutches prevent soggy ends and elevate the roll—literally and figuratively.
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.
Cannamom / Cannadad:
Terms of endearment (and empowerment) for weed-loving parents who blend cannabis into their wellness, parenting, or lifestyle with pride. Whether microdosing for mental health or rolling joints after bedtime—these folks are keeping it real.
Cannacurious:
Describes someone new or newly returning to cannabis—usually exploring modern options like edibles, vapes, or low-dose strains. It’s cannabis 101, and the vibes are welcoming.
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.
Cali Sober:
A lifestyle where someone abstains from alcohol and hard drugs, but still consumes cannabis (and sometimes psychedelics). Cali sober is growing in popularity as a mindful alternative to traditional sobriety.
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.
Bouquet (of Flowers):
A cheeky way to describe a stash of good weed, especially when it’s fresh and aromatic. It’s a bouquet, sure—but not the kind you give your grandma (unless she’s cool).
Bad Bitch:
Used to describe potent THC levels or a particularly strong strain. “That’s a bad bitch right there” is a compliment—it means the weed hits hard, comes correct, and might just knock you off your feet (in the best way). Also used like “This strain came in at 32% bad bitch” to denote the THC potency.
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.
