01 / Knowledge base
Cannabis
glossary.
60 cannabis and CBD terms explained in plain English, with South African legal context — from THC and terpenes to Section 21 and Schedule 0.
60
Terms
7
Topics
SA
Legal context
02 / Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids
Broad-spectrum
A full-plant extract with the THC removed.
Cannabinoid
A family of active compounds produced by the cannabis plant.
CBC
A minor non-intoxicating cannabinoid from the CBG pathway.
CBD
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp.
CBDA
The raw acid form of CBD found in unheated hemp and cannabis.
CBG
The “parent” cannabinoid that other cannabinoids are built from.
CBN
A mild cannabinoid formed as THC ages and breaks down.
Distillate
A highly refined, potent cannabis oil concentrated in one cannabinoid.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS)
The body’s own signalling network that cannabinoids interact with.
Full-spectrum
An extract that keeps the plant’s full range of compounds, including trace THC.
Isolate
A single cannabinoid purified to near-100%, with everything else removed.
THC
The main intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the “high”.
THCA
The raw, non-intoxicating acid that converts to THC when heated.
04 / Cultivation & strains
Cultivation & strains
Curing
Controlled drying and ageing of harvested flower to improve quality.
Grade (AA / AAA / AAA+)
An informal quality tier system for cannabis flower.
Hybrid
A cross between sativa and indica lineages, which describes most modern cannabis.
Indica
A cannabis type historically classed as short, broad-leaf and hardy.
Phenotype
The observable traits an individual plant expresses from its genetics.
Sativa
A cannabis type historically classed as tall, narrow-leaf and equatorial.
Strain (cultivar)
A named cannabis variety with a distinct genetic and chemical profile.
THC:CBD ratio
The relative balance of THC to CBD in a cannabis product.
Trichome
The tiny resin glands on cannabis flower that hold cannabinoids and terpenes.
05 / Effects & experience
Effects & experience
Entourage effect
The idea that cannabis compounds work together, not in isolation.
Flavonoid
Plant compounds that add colour and subtle character to cannabis.
Microdose
Taking a very small amount to feel subtle rather than strong effects.
Potency
How strong a product is, based on its cannabinoid content.
Terpene
Aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavour.
Tolerance
Needing more over time to feel the same effect.
Tolerance break (T-break)
A deliberate pause in use to reset built-up tolerance.
07 / Legal · South Africa
Legal · South Africa
Dagga
South African slang for cannabis, used across everyday and legal conversation.
Gazette 43347
The 2020 notice that created the low-dose CBD carve-out from prescription control.
HPCSA
The Health Professions Council of South Africa, which regulates practitioners.
Medical cannabis
Cannabis accessed through a regulated, prescription-based clinical pathway.
Prescription (Rx)
A practitioner’s written authorisation to supply a scheduled medicine.
Prince judgment
The 2018 Constitutional Court ruling decriminalising private adult cannabis use.
Private members’ club
A members-only association model used for adult cannabis access in South Africa.
SAHPRA
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Schedule 0
The lowest medicines schedule, covering certain low-dose CBD products.
Schedule 6
The high-control medicines schedule that covers most THC-containing cannabis.
Section 21
SAHPRA’s authorisation pathway to access unregistered medicines.
08 / Product formats
Product formats
510 thread
The universal screw standard connecting carts to batteries.
Budder
A soft, creamy whipped cannabis concentrate.
Cannabis flower
The dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant.
Concentrate
A potent extract of cannabis cannabinoids and terpenes.
Disposable vape
An all-in-one vape with battery and oil, used then discarded.
Edible
A food or drink product infused with cannabis extract.
Hash
A concentrate made from compressed cannabis resin glands.
Kief
The loose resin trichomes sifted from cannabis flower.
Live rosin
Solventless rosin pressed from fresh-frozen cannabis.
Pre-roll
A ready-rolled cannabis joint sold ready to use.
Rosin
A solventless concentrate pressed with heat and pressure.
Shatter
A hard, glass-like cannabis concentrate that snaps.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract taken by dropper.
Topical
A cannabis-infused cream, balm or salve for the skin.
Vape cartridge (510)
A pre-filled oil cartridge that screws onto a 510 battery.