11 Medical Marijuana Terms You Need to Know

If you are already familiar with the recreational uses of marijuana, you may be considering a career in the medical marijuana industry.  While you may know what a marijuana plant looks like and what a bud is, there’s much more you need to learn if you want to work in a medical marijuana dispensary.  We’ve put together a list of the top 11 terms to help get you familiar with what you can learn if you choose to become a Cannabis Dispensary Technician.

1. Budtender

Marijuana dispensaries hire budtenders, or cannabis dispensary technicians, to sell their products.  A budtender answers questions, gives suggestions to customers, handles products, and explains the products being sold.

2. Cannabichromene

CBC comes from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) produced by the cannabis plant. CBC is not psychoactive, so it doesn’t produce the high associated with THC. CBC binds with receptors in the body that perceive pain and reacts with these receptors to reduce pain.

3. Cannabidiol

CBD is one of the most commonly used cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant. After CBD is removed from the plant, it is mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil. It is known to have therapeutic effects to alleviate nerve issues, PTSD, physical pain, epilepsy, and autism.

4. Cannabinoid

This is a class of chemical compounds that trigger cannabinoid-altering neurotransmitter releases in the brain and body. At least 113 different cannabinoids are known to be present in cannabis.

5. Cannabitriol

CBT is one of the less common cannabinoids because it is not always present in cannabis. When it is present, the concentration is very low.  There are nine different types of CBT. CBT is very similar in structure to THC, but researchers have not yet determined if it affects the human body in the same way as other cannabinoids.

6. Dispensary

In states where marijuana is legal, you can purchase medical and recreational marijuana from a licensed dispensary.  These stores are regulated establishments that can educate consumers about the various types of cannabis available.

7. Edible

While some cannabis products are smoked, there are many options today that can be consumed as food products. These products are made to taste good while delivering specific doses of THC and CBD. There is a wide variety of edibles including brownies, cookies, candies, chocolates, beverages, and jams.

8. Hemp

Although both hemp and marijuana are classified as cannabis, they are different.  Most significantly, while hemp does contain some THC, it does not have enough to create the high traditionally associated with the marijuana plant. The fibers from the stalk are extremely versatile, durable, and strong, and are used to make a variety of products including rope, paper, fabrics, biodegradable plastics, oil, and concrete.

9. Marijuana

This is the term for the dried flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems of the cannabis plant. It is known for its mind-altering properties that result from the THC it contains.

10. Medical Marijuana

This refers to the cultivation, processing, and possession of marijuana for the treatment of diseases and medical conditions. In order to purchase medical marijuana, it must be legal in your state, and you must have a condition that qualifies you for medical marijuana use. In this case, a licensed doctor can then write you a prescription for medical marijuana.

11. Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is the psychoactive compound that is responsible for the psychological effects of cannabis. THC causes cells in the brain to release dopamine, which is what creates its feelings of euphoria.

How to Learn More

This list is just the beginning of what you can learn at cannabiscareer.com. We offer a Dispensary Tech Certificate that will give you a deep understanding of what a Dispensary Tech does and the underlying chemistry of how cannabis works on the body. Our online courses give you the confidence you need to secure a job as a Cannabis Dispensary Technician.