Industry
General
Dec 2022
3 min

Cannabis Knowledge 101

Knowledge is key and to have a cohesive team effort, you r cannabis business employees should all have at least a shared minimum basic knowledge of cannabis and cannabis products. When you're opening a cannabis business in a newly legalized state it is only natural that you'll have more training to do since the work force in your state won't yet be highly experienced in the cannabis industry.  Here are some basic cannabis product knowledge terms that all of your team should know, owners included.  It's a great place start, and then your team competency will grow from there!

Cannabis Glossary

There is a lot of terminology involved with operating in the cannabis industry.  For newcomers, learning all of these terms can often be overwhelming and can initially be quite confusing.  Here is some core terminology to know for any cannabis industry worker or owner to keep up in conversation.

cannabis knowledge 101 written in marker on a yellow post it note

Aroma

"Aroma" is a term used to describe the general smell and/or taste of a certain plant or flower. Because consumers' individual definition of aromas (such as "earthy,"skunky," or "citrus") can differ
somewhat, aroma descriptions are meant as a basic guideline.

Backcross (BX)

A backcross is a hybrid plant that has been bred with one of its parents (or a plant that is genetically similar) in order to create offspring that is closer to that of the original parent. For example, a grower could breed a plant with its own father to make sure the baby has its dad's height. This is often done to maintain rarer strains or strengthen those with desired recessive genes.

BHO

BHO stands for butane hash oil and is a potent concentrate of cannabinoids made by dissolving marijuana in its plant form in a solvent (usually butane). The resulting product has very high THC levels(generally more than flowers or hashish) and is a thick, sticky oil. BHO is also referred to as honey oil,"dabs" or "dabbing," earwax, or shatter, depending on the manufacturing method.

Bud

Bud refers to the actual flower of the marijuana plant. These are the fluffy parts that are harvested and used for recreational or medicinal purposes as they contain the highest concentrations of active cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds unique to cannabis that act upon the human body's cannabinoid receptors, producing various effects including pain relief and other medically beneficial uses. Marijuana's most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) due to the fact that it is the most abundant, and also because it produces the psychoactive effects (or the "high") that drives the plant's recreational use. However, there are over 85 known cannabinoids all with varying effects, so THC isn't the only one.

Cannabis

Cannabis is a plant genus that produces three species of flowering plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are used to produce both recreational and medical marijuana. Cannabis ruderalis is rarely farmed due to its natural lower THC content and small stature, but there is some cross-breeding thanks to ruderalis's unique ability to auto-flower rather than mature based on light, so there is potential for this variety to grow in popularity. Cannabis is native to Asia, but grows almost anywhere and has long been cultivated both for the production of hemp and to be used as a drug.

CBD

CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the at least 85 cannabinoids found in cannabis and the second only toTHC when it comes to average volume. Recently, CBD has gained support for its use as a medical treatment as research has shown it effectively treats pain, inflammation, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects (the"high" or "stoned" feeling) associated with THC. High CBD strains, such as Harlequin, are being bred more actively and appearing more frequently on the market.

Concentrates

Concentrates are a potent consolidation of cannabinoids that are made by dissolving marijuana in its plant form into a solvent. The resulting product has very high THC levels (generally more than flowers or hashish), and can produce varying products that range from thick sticky oils (BHO) to moldable goo (budder/wax) to resinous bits (shatter). Referred to, by a variety of slang terms, the classification of concentrates is often dependent on the manufacturing method and the consistency of the final product.

Co-op

Co-op is short for cooperative and refers to a community of patients or consumers in a given area who join together to share and receive marijuana. Co-ops usually have specific membership requirements and the product available is generally exclusive to members. In some states, co-ops exist alongside or in lieu of dispensaries.

Cross (genetics)

A cross (referring to crossbreeding) is the result when two different plant strains are bred together. For example, BlueDream is a cross between Blueberry and Haze strains.

Dab/Dabbing

A dab is a slang term used to refer to a dose ofBHO received through butane combustion and inhalation. The act of "dabbing"refers to partaking in dabs.

Decarboxylation

Heating cannabis to temperatures of 220 degrees or more turns non psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC.

Dispensary

Dispensary is a general term used to refer to any location where a patient or consumer can legitimately and safely access cannabis, whether the business is technically an accesspoint, pick-up location. co-op, collective or any other version of a legal cannabis distributor.

Edibles/Medibles

Edibles and "medibles" are medicated edible goods that have been infused with cannabis extracts. They are commonly baked goods such as cookies and brownies, but options as varied as flavored coffee drinks, breads, and candies exist as well. Dispensaries also often sell marijuana-infused butters or oils for patients or consumers to make their own edibles. Consuming edibles means the active components from the extracts require longer to take effect as they need to be absorbed through the digestive system.

Entourage Effect

result of the terpenes and the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) working together.

Flowers

You probably know what flowers are; they're often the "pretty" part of a plant, and the same is true for cannabis. While cannabis flowers don't have traditional petals or look like daisies, they are still the reproductive organ of the female plants.Cannabis flowers are the hairy, sticky, crystal-covered bits that are harvested and dried to be used as medication. When they are allowed to be fertilized by male plants, these flowers will produce cannabis seeds. If not, they will continue to produce the resin that contains their active cannabinoids until they are harvested or begin to die.

Hash/Hash Oil

Hash is short for hashish, which is derived from cannabis plants and can be used for consumption or medication. Production involves the removal of the plant's trichomes by sieving or filtering. Once
the cannabinoid-laden powder has been collected, it is typically pressed and ready to be used. Hash ranges in potency, but is generally stronger than straight flowers since everything but the active part of the plant has been removed. A similar concentrated product can also be produced chemically using a solvent; however, this product is commonly referred to as hash oil or "honey oil."

Heirloom

An heirloom refers to a cannabis strain that was taken from its native homeland and propagated in another geographical location.

Hemp

Hemp is a fibrous product that can be produced from the male cannabis plant and can be used in the manufacture of rope, paper, beauty products, and a vast array of other products. Hemp plants have no value as a drug since they are males. However, they are still considered illegal in the United States.

Hybrid

Hybrid refers to a plant that is genetically a cross between one or more separate strains of cannabis. Hybrids can happen unintentionally, but they are usually bred specifically to combine desired traits of the original plants. Most marijuana on the market today is some form of hybrid.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics refers to a system of gardening that does not use soil. Plants are grown in water and receive their nutrients from the addition of solutions rather than soil. For growers, hydroponic advantages include more control over nutrient intake and stability. In terms of marijuana production, plants grown hydroponically are sometimes said to have cleaner, more distinct flavors.

Brwn wooden tray with a a multi colored glass pipe, rolling papers and a container of cannabis flower

Indica

Indica is the less scientific name for the Cannabis indica species of cannabis. Generally these plants originated in the Middle East and Asia and include both of the famous kush and Afghan lineages. Compared to their sativa counter parts, the plants are shorter, bushier and have more compact flower structure. This species tends to produce more relaxing physical effects and can have a sedative quality.

Kief

Kief is a collected amount of trichomes that have been separated from the rest of the marijuana flower. Since trichomes are the sticky crystals that contain the vast majority of the plant's cannabinoids, kief is known to be extremely potent. Kief is sometimes mistakenly referred to as pollen and is the primary ingredient in hashish production.

Landrace

A landrace refers to a local variety of cannabis that has adapted to the environment of its geographic location. This accounts for genetic variation between landrace strains, which have been crossbred to produce the cannabis variety we see today. Landrace strains are oftentimes named after their native region, like Afghani, Thai, and Hawaiian, and traces of landraces are sometimes detectable in the names of their crossbred descendants.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the general term for female cannabis plants or their dried flowers. Females are distinct from male plants in that they are the ones that produce flowers which contain the high percentage of cannabinoids that hold both their medicinal and psychoactive properties.

OG

OG is a term that's now used to describe many strains, though the term originated to describe SouthernCalifornia's Ocean Grown Kush, which was quickly shortened to OG Kush. OG Kush grew quickly in fame and reputation. Most OGs are different variations of the original OG Kush genetics or are also ocean grown on the West Coast.

Phenotype

Phenotype is a term that is heard most often in growing. It refers to the general physical characteristics of the plant such as height, color, branching, leaf configuration down to cell structure—any markers that can be used to identify and judge the healthiness of a plant.

Pistil

Pistils are part of a female plant's anatomy. On cannabis, it's identified as the little hair-like extensions on the flowers that range in color from white to red to darker orange-brown. When plants are going to be fertilized, the pistil acts to collect the male pollen. When plants are left unfertilized, as in the case of marijuana, the pistils change and can be indicators of plant ripeness.

Ruderalis

Ruderalis is a low-THC cannabis variety that is primarily selected by breeders for its CBD-rich genetics. Unlike Cannabis sativa and indica, which use light cycles to flower, ruderalis is an"auto flowering" variety, meaning it flowers with age. Originating inRussia, ruderalis is a hardy plant that survives harsh climates.

Sativa

Sativa is the less scientific name for the cannabis sativa species of cannabis plant. In general, these plants originated outside of the Middle East and Asia and include strains that are from areas such as South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Thailand. These strains tend to grow taller as plants (usually over 5 feet), are lighter in color and take longer to flower. When consumed, sativas tend to produce more cerebral effects as opposed to physical and sedative ones.

Shatter/Ice

Shatter or ice are terms used to refer to BHO.

Strain

A strain is a specific variety of a plant species. Strains are developed to produce distinct desired traits in the plant and are usually named by their breeders (or by creative consumers). Strain names often reflect the plant's appearance, its promised buzz, or its place of origin. Although the medical marijuana industry strives for consistency, strains can easily be mistakenly or purposely misidentified.

Terpene

Terpenes create the aroma of cannabis.Flower strains smell different because they contain different terpenes(referred to as a “terpene profile”).

THC

THC is an abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the most well-known and most abundantly

available cannabinoid in marijuana plants. THC is also the component in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects, or the "high." Also known as delta-9-tetracannabinol, it was first isolated in 1964 and is thought to serve as a natural defense for the plant against pests. Research has shown THC to bean effective medical treatment for a range of conditions. There is no lethal dose of the compound in its natural form.

Tincture

A tincture is a liquid cannabis extract usually made with alcohol or glycerol that is often dosed with a dropper.Tinctures can be flavored and are usually placed under the tongue, where they are absorbed quickly. Effects can be felt within minutes. Tinctures can also be mixed into a drink, but in these cases effects will take longer because the tinctures will be absorbed by the digestive system.

Topical

A topical is a type of cannabis product where the active properties of the flowers have been extracted and added to a product such as a lotion or a cream that's applied to the skin. The medicinal properties are absorbed through the skin and can be used to treat muscle aches, long term soreness, or ailments like dry skin.

Trichome

Trichomes are the resin production glands of the cannabis plant. In Greek the word means "growth of hair," and while these sticky little protrusions can make plants appear a little hairy, they are not hairs, nor are they "crystals," which is how they are often described. THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are all produced in these glands.

Vaporizer

A vaporizer is a device used to consume marijuana. It heats either flowers or marijuana-infused oils to a temperature that produces a cannabinoid-laced vapor to inhale. Vaporizing is healthier than smoking since there is no smoke to ingest, but this method still produces near instant effects. With new, more compact models on the market, vaporizing is growing in popularity.

Wax

Wax is another form of concentrate. Can be created through BHO, CO2, PHO, or Ice Water extraction methods.

Cannabis Composition

Cannabis is a complex plant with components that all work together to make it the powerhouse it is.  Understanding the basic make-up of the cannabis plant can be helpful in your team learning to work with the plant on any level.  Here are the main structural features of the plant itself.

an infographic showing and exlaining the structure of a cannabis plant

Cola

Also known as the terminal bud, cola refers to the plant’s “bud site” where tight female flowers bloom. The main cola (sometimes called the apical bud) forms at the very top of the plant, while smaller colas occur along the budding sites below. The number and size of cannabis colas can be increased through a variety of growing techniques like topping, low stress training (LST), and screen of green(ScrOG).

Calyx

To the unknowing eye, cannabis buds just look like a knobby tangle of leaves, but the calyx is what actually comprises the female flower. Look closely underneath those tiny leaves (called “sugar leaves”) and you’ll find those tear-shaped nodules. These are the calyxes, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Calyxes typically contain high concentrations of trichomes, or glands that secrete THC and other cannabinoids.

Pistil

Out from the calyxes peek tiny red-orange hairs; these vibrant strands are called pistils, and they serve to collect pollen from males. Pistils begin with a white coloration and progressively darken to yellow, orange, red, and brown over the course of the plant’s maturation. They play an important role in reproduction, but pistils bring very little to the flower’s potency and taste.

Trichome

Despite their minute size, it’s hard to miss the blanket of crystal resin on a cannabis bud. This resin (or “kief” when dry) is secreted through translucent, mushroom-shaped glands on the leaves, stems, and calyxes. Trichomes were originally developed to protect the plant against predators and the elements. These clear bulbous globes ooze aromatic oils called terpenes as well as therapeutic cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are unique to cannabis.  They impact the healing properties of the plant and the user experience.  Most people have heard of THC and CBD but don't know that there are so many more cannabinoids working in cannabis and cannabis products. We'd have to write a book to go in to all of the cannabinoids that have been discovered thus far, so here we'll cover some of the most well-known and prevalent.

an infographic created by leafly showing the various cannabinoids and what ailments they've been shown to help with

*CBD

Fullname: Cannabidiol
Benefits: anti-convulsive, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-nausea, anti-rheumatoid arthritic, blood sugar regulation and sedative properties.
Factoids: Counteracts THC
Psychological impact: Non-intoxicating
What it may treat: acne, ADD, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, Dravet syndrome, epilepsy, glaucoma, Huntington’sDisease, inflammation, mood disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain,Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
CBD has also been shown to stop the spread of cancer cells.

CBG

Fullname: Cannabigerol
Benefits: Gastrointestinal issues, interocular pressure
Factoids: Mostly found in hemp. When found in flower it is usually less than 1% Psychoactive: NO
What it may treat: Glaucoma, intestinal issues such as irritable bowels yndrome

CBN

Fullname: Cannabinol
Benefits: anti-bacterial, sleep aide, pain relief, anti inflammatory, anti-convulsive

Factoids: it is a product of THC degradation
Psychoactive: WEAK
What it may treat: Insomnia,MRSA

*THC

Fullname: TetraHydroCannabinol
Benefits: relaxation, reduced pain, and increased appetite.
Psychoactive: YES
What it may treat: ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s, anxiety, arthritis, chemotherapy side effects, Crohn’s Disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, HIV-related peripheral neuropathy, Huntington’s Disease, incontinence, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, pruritus, sleep apnea, and TouretteSyndrome, among others. THC has even been shown to reduce cancerous tumors!

THCA

Fullname: TetraHydroCannabinolic acid
Benefits: anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, anti-prostate cancer, anti-vomiting and neuro-protective Factoids: Turns into psychoactive THC (through decarboxylation) when heated to 240 degrees Psychoactive:NO (because it is not decarboxylated)
What it may treat: chronic immune system disorders, arthritis, endometriosis, menstrual cramps.

THCV

Full name: TetraHydroCannabivarin
Benefits: appetite suppression, reduced blood sugar and bone growth stimulation Factoids: It intensifies the euphoric high of THC, energizing,
Psychoactive: YES
What it may treat: Diabetes, panic attacks, alzheimers, stimulates bonegrowth

Terpenes

Terpenes (Commonly referred to as“Terps”)  are responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various plants, including cannabis. Terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others.

Basics of Terpenes

  • Effect the smell of cannabis
  • Effect the flavor of cannabis
  • Influence the effect of cannabis
  • 140 Terpenes found in cannabis
  • Each strain has a different “terpene profile” – combination of terpenes contained in the flower

an infographic definiing the various terpenes found in cannabis, with thir properties and common uses

Effect on Receptors & Neurotransmitters

Terpenes act as serotonin uptake inhibitors (similar to anti-depressants like Prozac)
enhance norepinephrine activity (similar to tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil) increase dopamine activity
augment GABA (the “downer” neurotransmitter that counters glutamate, the“upper”)

Note:

Because terpenes influence the effects of cannabis, knowing the main terpenes will greatly increase your ability to successfully guide people toward the effect that they are looking for, beyond focusing simply on THC percentage.

The effect of any given strain is the result of the terpenes and the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) working together. This is called the “entourage effect.”

Learn more at : https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-entourage-effect-why-thc--and-cbd-only-medicines-arent-g

Common Terpenes

Some terpenes have been found to have medicinal benefits. That means, there are non-psychoactive compounds that can be used to safely treat an array of medical conditions. There are a ton of different terpenes in cannabis, but here are 11profiles you should know about.

  1. Limonene
  2. Myrcene
  3. Linalool
  4. Alpha Bisobolol
  5. Delta 3 Carene
  6. Borneol
  7. Alpha-Pinene / Beta-Pinene
  8. Eucalyptol
  9. Terpineol
  10. Caryophyllene
  11. Cineole

Limonene

Flavor / Aroma: Citrus.
Medicinal Uses: promote weight loss, prevent and treat cancer, and treat bronchitis. It can also be used to

Myrcene

Flavor / Aroma: Earthy and musky with a hint of fruity flavors.
Medicinal Uses: Myrcene has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory. It also works as a sedative and muscle relaxer.This could possible contribute to the tired/stoney feeling often attributed to indicas.

Linalool

Flavor / Aroma: Floral with a hint of spice.
Medicinal Uses: Can be used as an anti inflammatory. It also helps to modulate motor movements. Another

Note: In addition to cannabis, linalool can be found in an array of flowers, mint, cinnamon, and even some fungi.

Alpha Bisabolol

Flavor / Aroma: Floral.
Medicinal Uses: Can be used to heal wounds, fights bacteria, and can be used a deodorizer. Research suggests alpha bisabolol has been effective in treating a variety of inflammations. Note: also found in chamomile.

Delta 3 Carene

Flavor / Aroma: Piney / earthy.
Medicinal Uses: Anti inflammatory. It is also known to dry fluids like tears, running noses, and menstrual flows.

Borneol

Flavor / Aroma: Earthy and camphor.
Medicinal Uses: analgesic, anti-insomnia, anti-septic, and bronchodilator.

Alpha-Pinene / Beta-Pinene

Flavor / Aroma: Pine.
Medicinal Uses: Pinene has been shown to have anti inflammatory properties.

Note: This is partially where pine trees get their scent from. study found that. Linalool could be used to help treat liver cancer.

Eucalyptol

Flavor / Aroma: Spicy.
Medicinal Uses: Eucalyptol is used in a variety of products including cough suppressants, mouthwash, and body powder.
Note: Eucalyptol is used as a cooking spice and fragrance.

Terpineol

Flavor / Aroma: Pine, clove.
Medicinal Uses: Studies suggest cannabis-extracted terpineol contains antioxidant properties.

Caryophyllene

Flavor / Aroma: Hoppy. (Cannabis and hops used to make beer are basically cousins).

Medicinal Uses: Studies suggest that caryophyllene may help treat anxiety and depression.

Cineole

Flavor / Aroma: Herbal.
Medicinal Uses: Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-nociceptive.

Cannabis Tools

COMMON TOOLS/PARAPHERNALIA

images of common cannabis tools with  description of what products each tool is used for

Consumption Methods

Inhalation – smoking or vaporizing and inhaling through the lungs

  • Joints
  • Pipes
  • Vaporizers + Dabs

Ingestion  – The cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the flower as oil and then either ingested as-is, combined with another medium like food, or processed into pills, gel caps and other traditionally seen medicinal forms that can enable very precise and controlled dosing experiences

  • Edible goods
  • Pills
  • Capsules
  • Tinctures

Oral absorption – The extracted oil is combined with another medium. The finished product is kept in the mouth while it dissolves under the tongue, on the tongue or through the inner cheek

  • Mints
  • Lozenges
  • Breath strips

Topical – The extracted oil is combined with a product that is applied to the skin

  • Lotion
  • Ointments
  • Transdermal patches

Common Products

There is an array of cannabis product types and new products are developed regularly.  Some tried and true products which are well known and well-liked by consumers include:

Flower: dried cannabis flower

Edibles: cannabis oil infused foods and candies

Beverages: cannabis infused coffees, teas, seltzers and waters

Tinctures: extract in liquid form

Topicals: lotions, patches, balms, lube, massage oils, etc.

Pills/capsules: pills filled with extracted oil with a specific THC or CBD dosage

Concentrates: oil, wax, resin, shatter, badder, etc.

Suppositories: Tampons, anal suppositories

a fresh cannabis leaf, a dried cannabis bud, four colorful  gummy bear edibles on a pink background

About Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are various versions of thc extracted from the cannabis plant. This can be accomplished using various methods including Butane, CO2, ethanol. According to Verilife, "Marijuana concentrates are exactly what they sound like—concentrated THC and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes from the marijuana flower. The flower is put through a process known as extraction that creates a much smaller, often gooey substance. This allows the user to experience the effect of the cannabis without the plant material. In their reduced form, some concentrates may allow you to experience higher THC levels, which average around 50-90%. (Traditional flower can be anywhere from 10-25% THC.)" Concentrates come in a multitude of forms, including:

Budder - Refers to extracts that take on a creamy, butter-like consistency.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) - The most commonly used extract for dabbing, BHO uses butane to strip essential compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes from the cannabis plant, concentrating them in an oil of varying consistencies (see also: shatter, wax, budder, crumble, pull-and-snap).

Concentrate - Broadly refers to any cannabis product that concentrates cannabis compounds from raw plant material.

CO2 Oil - A type of cannabis oil that uses pressure and CO2 to extract essential compounds like THC, CBD, and terpenes from the plant. This oil tends to be soft or runny, and often takes on an amber hue.

Crumble - Refers to extracts that take on a soft, crumbly texture.

Dab(bing) - “Dabbing” refers to the method of flash vaporization in which oils are applied to a hot surface and inhaled (see also: dab rig, nail).“Dabs” can refer to any extract used for dabbing.

Dab Rig - Also called an oil rig, a dab rig refers to a water pipe with dabbing attachments (see also: nail).

Honeycomb - Refers to extracts that take on a soft, honeycomb-like texture.

Nail - A nail refers to the metal, glass, or ceramic spike attached to a water pipe. Dabs are applied to the nail once it’s been heated by a torch or electronically.

Oil - A broad term that refers to many different cannabis concentrates. It implies a runny, oil-like consistency, but cannabis oil has become a ubiquitous term that describes extracts of many forms and consistencies.

Pull-and-Snap - Refers to extracts that take on a taffy-like consistency that may “snap” when bent.

Purge - Refers to the process of removing solvents during extraction.(Note: high levels of residual solvents can be unsafe for consumption, so make sure the product you’re purchasing has been lab tested).

Rosin - A solvent-less extract that uses heat and pressure to concentrate essential cannabis compounds.

Shatter - Refers to extracts that take on a transparent glass-like consistency.

Solvent - A solvent refers to the chemical compounds (e.g. butane, alcohol, propane, etc.) that strip cannabinoids and terpenes from plants. Some concentrates (e.g. rosin, ice hash) can be produced through heat, pressure, and water -- these are called "solventless"extracts.

Wax - Refers to extracts that take on a soft, waxy consistency.

Kief - The crystals (trichomes) from cannabis flower.

Water Hash - Plant material (either dry (cured resin) or fresh-frozen (live resin) generally) is mixed with cold water and ice, then agitated manually or mechanically in order to break off the now-brittle trichome heads. This solution is then filtered through specifically-sized screens to remove anything undesirable, leaving behind a relatively pure finished product

CO2 Oil - Essential oils of cannabis extracted using carbon dioxide compressed at high pressures which strip the cannabis of its essential oils.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) - Example sop BHO extract include wax, shatter, crumble, oil, honeycomb, resin, live resin, moon rock, nectar, etc. Butane is pressurized in a vessel and washed over plant material in order to extract cannabinoids.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) - Whole plant extract - including all terpenoids, flavonoids and other chemicals of the plant made by washing flower with isopropyl alcohol. Believed by many to essentially cure cancerin high doses.

Rosin - Solventless extract –translucent, sappy, sometimes shatter-like made using a solventless technique - Heat and pressure squeeze resinous sap from cannabis flower.

an infographic by weedmaps with images of different types of cannabis extracts with an explanation fo what each concentrate is

EDIBLES

Edibles are edible products that are infused with cannabis extract. The onset of the effects of THC from edibles can be delayed because the products have to travel through the digestive system. Whether or not cannabis can be tasted in the edibles has to do with the product types and the amount of extract contained in the edible. Edibles are produced by licensed processing facilities. The products are tested by cannabis testing labs to measure the THC potency levels.

Forms:

  • Pastries
  • Chocolates
  • Candies
  • Lozenges
  • Beverages
  • Syrup

Edibles only have the properties of the flower strain they are infused with if terpenes are reintroduced to the extract. Otherwise it cannot be expected that an edible will provide the exact same effects that the flower strain used to produce the edibles provides.

Tips:

  • Start with a low mg dose
  • Tolerance differs, so just because a friend can handle a certain serving amount doesn’t mean you will be able to.
  • Edibles are not created equally - Base consumption amount on mg concentration, not product type. 1⁄4 of a brownie with 100mg is much different than 1⁄4 of a brownie with 400 mg. Make sure to pay attention to the listed total mg content and the listed serving size.
  • Effects can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to set in.
  • Don’t eat too much (You’ll be super high. Possibly in a really unpleasant way.)
  • Read the package for serving size information. Often one edible is actually meant to be consumed in multiple servings.
  • Effects are more intense on an empty stomach. Eat first when beginning. If you eat afterwards, the food won’t soak up the THC, it may actually intensify the high.

TOPICALS

Good for specifically located painPlaced on skin

  • Lotion
  • Balm
  • Lube
  • Lip Balm
  • Patches
  • Oil

CAPSULES

Good for specific dosage of CBD/THC and if someone doesn’t like edibles or inhalation

  • Consumed orally like a pill
  • CBD only
  • THC only
  • CBD + THC

TINCTURES

CBD tinctures are good for building up CBD in the body by consuming dosage on a daily basis.

THC tinctures can be used similar to edibles.
Consumed orally absorbed through mouth tissue. Drops usually taken sublingually (underneath tongue)

Spray Drops

Suppositories

Good for anyone who cannot/does not want to inhale or who cannot swallow

Tampons (good for menstrual cramps) Rectal Suppositories

Measurement

Cannabis products are sold in terms of grams and milligrams.

FLOWER

Measured by weight in grams (g)

Gram = 1g
Eighth = 3.5g
Quarter = 7g
Half ounce= 14g
Full ounce (“Full O” or “Z”) = 28g One Pound = 16oz (448g)

The value is not necessarily in the weight:
Most important to pay attention to volume: mg of THC per gram or mg of THC per 1⁄2 gram.

*The testing laboratories produce a result for percentages of terpenes and cannabinoids. It is important to note that these measurements of cannabinoids are “potential” because the THC may vary slightly throughout the batch and the actual THC received (for flower)also depends upon the decarboxylation process.

“Potential THC” calculation = D9THC + (.877 x THCa )

“Potential CBD” calculation = CBD + (.877 x CBDa )

cannabis infused gummies, candies, chocloates and brownies arranged  beautifully agains a yellow orange background
image by weedmaps.com

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR DISPENSARY AGENTS

Trusted Guide, Not Medical Professional

Being a dispensary agent and dealing with cannabis as a medicine puts you in an interesting position of seemingly being a mix of a pharmacist, retail sales personnel and personal confidant.Remember that you are not a licensed medical professional and although people will ask you for medical advice, you are not to give medical advice. In making product recommendations, be clear that you are recommending these things based on your own opinion, that these remedies may help but do not speak indefinite terms or make claims of absolute certainty. You are a trusted guide through the world of Cannabis, but not a doctor or pharmacist.

Be Supportive and Knowledgeable, Not Pushy

The more you know, the more people trust you and therefore the more they will purchase products that you're commend. Do not be pushy with sales. Pushing Cannabis products can wind up badly since everyone reacts so differently to products, it’s a product that cannot be returned or refunded and it is a product that creates a substantial emotional experience. If you push a product on a patient just for the sake of sales and the patient has a bad experience, they will associate you, and therefore the company, with that bad experience. However, if you keep in mind that you are a guide and that you are helping the customer achieve the goals that they are looking to achieve (feeling, symptom relief), you can guide them towards products that will help them achieve their goals which will create the relationship, trust and reputation needed to motivate increased purchasing and return business.

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Find Required Documents

Dispensary Operating Plans

Cultivation operating Plans

Processing Operating Plans

Employee Agreements, Forms, and Handbook

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About Leafsheets

Leafsheets is a cannabis business support and acceleration platform that is breaking the barriers to entry and success in cannabis business by simplifying cannabis entrepreneurship by providing vital operating plans, business information, and answers to the most pressing questions. **Leafsheets is an experienced business advisor and not a legal advisor. For legal advice, consult with a licensed legal practitioner in your state.

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