Whenever you try any new activity, there is always a learning curve. With the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado, along with the influx of newcomers moving to the area, there are plenty of newbies who are unfamiliar with the vernacular associated with weed. Gathering needed information can be somewhat overwhelming because there is so much available. To that end, we’ve captured everything you need to know in this article. So here is your one-stop guide on cannabis terminology.
Common Pot Terms Everyone Needs to Know
Here are terms you should know, listed alphabetically.

• Cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds of marijuana that produce both medicinal and psychoactive effects on users. There are more than 85 cannabinoids in cannabis. 
• CBC (cannabichromene). Some believe that this compound has valuable medicinal uses and anti-inflammatory, anti-viral effects, and analgesic effects. It is believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and might even have promise as an effective treatment for breast cancer. It can also be used to treat migraines. Researchers believe that CBC works best when it is combined with THC.
• CBD (cannabidiol). This is the chemical primarily responsible for the medicinal value of marijuana. It is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have minimal if any side effects. CBD can reduce nausea and vomiting, suppress seizures, combat psychosis disorders, reduce inflammation, fight neurodegenerative disorders, minimize tumor and cancer cells, and battle anxiety and depression. Some people look at CBD as a “miracle” drug—and it certainly sounds like it could be!
• CBN (cannabinol). This is the compound that is created when THC is exposed to oxygen and light. It is a THC booster that has mild psychoactive effects. It is sometimes used as an antidepressant and anti-spasmodic agent. It is used frequently for treating glaucoma because it eases intraocular pressure. Some also report that it can help to reduce seizures from epilepsy.
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the chemical that provides the psychoactive effects of marijuana that people enjoy.
• THCa. This is THC that is found in the marijuana plant before it is dried. Unlike THC, THCa has no psychoactive effects. Because people can metabolize THCa in larger doses, it can be used to treat inflammation. There is also research that shows THCa has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory qualities. It is being considered for cancer treatment.

All varieties and hybrid strains of cannabis CBC, CBD, CBN, THC, and THCa, but the concentrations of those chemicals vary, so the psychoactive and physical effects vary as well. It is generally accepted that indica-dominant plants have higher psychoactive effects so they better serve recreational use, and sativa-dominant plants have minimal psychoactive effects so the better serve medicinal use.

Still Have Questions? Contact a Denver Weed Shop to Have All of Your Questions Answered

The friendly, helpful budtenders at the best cannabis dispensary in Denver can answer your questions and assist you in picking out the best variety, depending on what you are looking for. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is the go-to choice among Denver weed shops for many happy customers. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.