THC
The main intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. A higher THC percentage usually means greater potential potency, but it does not guarantee a better experience.
Learn the Basics
Cannabis Flower Terms Made Simple
Cannabis labels and dispensary menus can be confusing. This plain-language guide explains the terms you are most likely to see when choosing and comparing flower.
Reading the Package
Label Basics
These numbers describe the product, but no single number tells the whole story.
CBD
A cannabinoid that does not usually produce a traditional high. CBD may change how a product feels, but flower labels often show only a small amount.
Cannabinoids
Natural compounds made by the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are the best known, but the plant contains many others.
Terpenes
Aromatic compounds that help create the smell and flavor of flower. They may also influence the overall experience, but effects vary by person.
Total Terpenes
The combined percentage of measured terpenes. It can suggest how terpene-rich a batch is, but the individual terpene names and amounts provide more useful detail.
COA or Lab Report
A Certificate of Analysis from a testing laboratory. It may list cannabinoids, terpenes, and screening results for contaminants.
Smell, Flavor & Profile Clues
30 Terpenes Made Simple
Use the search box to find a terpene from a product label. Aroma descriptions are more dependable than effect predictions: no terpene guarantees relaxation, energy, sleep, pain relief, or another result.
Showing all 30 terpenes
No terpene in this guide matches that search. Try another spelling or use the analyzer's “Other Terpene” choice.
What You Are Buying
Flower & Product Terms
Names and categories are useful starting points, not promises about how a product will affect you.
Flower
The dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant. It may be smoked or used in a dry-herb vaporizer.
Strain or Cultivar
The named variety of cannabis, such as Blue Dream. The same name can differ between growers and batches, so check the actual label.
Indica, Sativa & Hybrid
Broad traditional categories often used on menus. They are not reliable guarantees of sleepy, energetic, or balanced effects.
Whole Flower
Mostly intact buds rather than small pieces or ground flower. Appearance and bud size do not automatically determine quality.
Smalls or Minis
Smaller buds usually sold at a lower price. They can have a similar chemical profile to larger buds from the same batch.
Pre-Roll
Cannabis flower already ground and rolled in paper. Quality may vary depending on the flower or trim used inside.
Comparing the Cost
Buying & Value
Compare the package size, freshness, and useful label information—not just the sale sign.
Gram
The basic unit used to weigh cannabis. Package sizes and price-per-gram calculations are based on grams.
Eighth
One-eighth of an ounce, normally 3.5 grams. This is one of the most common flower package sizes.
Quarter, Half & Ounce
A quarter is 7 grams, a half ounce is 14 grams, and an ounce is commonly treated as 28 grams.
Price Per Gram
The package price divided by its weight in grams. It helps compare differently sized packages on equal terms.
Batch or Lot Number
An identifier for a specific production group. Products with the same strain name but different batch numbers may test differently.
Harvest & Package Dates
Dates showing when the flower was harvested and packaged. They can offer clues about freshness, but storage conditions also matter.
Understanding the Experience
Effects & Use
Your dose, tolerance, method of use, and body can matter as much as the label.
Potency
How strong a product may be. THC is one part of potency, but the dose consumed and your personal tolerance strongly affect the result.
Dose
The amount used at one time. With flower, dose is harder to measure precisely than with a labeled edible or capsule.
Tolerance
Reduced sensitivity that may develop with repeated cannabis use. Someone with low tolerance may feel strong effects from an amount another person considers mild.
Onset
How long effects take to begin. Inhaled cannabis usually starts working within minutes, though timing varies.
Duration
How long effects last. The amount used, potency, tolerance, and individual response can all change the duration.
Entourage Effect
The idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds may work together. Research is still developing, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed prediction.
Practical Caution
Safety & Storage
A careful approach can reduce avoidable problems, especially with an unfamiliar product.
Start Low and Go Slow
Begin with a small amount and wait to understand its effect before using more, particularly when your tolerance is low or the product is unfamiliar.
Green Out
An unpleasant reaction to too much cannabis that may include anxiety, dizziness, nausea, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat.
Contaminant Testing
Laboratory screening for substances such as pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, or solvents. Requirements and test panels vary by location.
Humidity
The moisture level around stored flower. Too dry can harm aroma and texture; too much moisture can increase mold risk.
Proper Storage
Keep flower sealed in a cool, dark place and away from children and pets. Avoid excess heat, light, air, and moisture.
Impairment
Cannabis can affect attention, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment while impaired.