Cannabis Industry 101: Key Acronyms You Need to Know IRL

The ABCs of Cannabis Acronyms

Whether it’s EOD, PTO or WFH, acronyms are a part of every business and the cannabis industry is certainly no exception. And while THC and CBD are the most widely known cannabis acronyms, there’s a whole world of cannabis-related lingo used every day in grow houses, dispensaries, offices, labs and more.

We created this quick reference guide to help you understand some of the most commonly used acronyms in the cannabis business. So next time a coworker casually mentions MIPs, FSE, or BHO, you’ll be in the know.

510:

A standard thread size used for vaporizer cartridges and batteries.

710:

A lesser known cannabis holiday, celebrated on July 10th, that celebrates cannabis concentrates. It’s a day for enthusiasts to enjoy oil, dabs, and extracts.

BHO - Butane Hash Oil:

A cannabis concentrate produced using butane as a solvent.

CBD - Cannabidiol:

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis known for its potential therapeutic benefits.

CBG - Cannabigerol:

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis with potential therapeutic properties.

CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

A federal agency responsible for public health and safety in the United States.

CFL - Compact Fluorescent Lamp:

A type of energy-efficient lighting used for seedlings and clones in cannabis cultivation.

CBN - Cannabinol:

A cannabinoid with potential sedative effects that forms as THC degrades over time.

CO2 - Carbon Dioxide:

A common extraction method using supercritical carbon dioxide to obtain cannabis concentrates.

COA - Certificate of Analysis:

A document verifying the composition and safety of a cannabis product, including cannabinoid and contaminant levels.

CTF - Controlled-Environment Agriculture:

A method of cultivating cannabis in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or indoor grow rooms, to optimize conditions for growth.

DEA - Drug Enforcement Agency:

A federal agency responsible for enforcing drug laws in the United States.

Dab:

A method of consuming cannabis concentrates by vaporizing and inhaling the vapor.

DLI - Daily Light Integral:

A measure of the total amount of light received by cannabis plants in a day.

DWC - Deep Water Culture:

A hydroponic system in which cannabis plants are grown in a nutrient-rich solution.

DWC - Dual Wavelength Capable:

A type of LED grow light designed to optimize cannabis growth.

EPC - Extended Plant Count:

A permit allowing individuals to cultivate and possess a greater number of cannabis plants.

EC - Electrical Conductivity:

A measure of nutrient concentration in the water used in hydroponic systems.

eGMP - Current Good Manufacturing Practices:

Standards for the production and quality control of cannabis and cannabis products.

FDA - US Food and Drug Administration:

A federal agency regulating the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and medical products in the United States.

FF - Fresh Frozen:

A method of preserving cannabis in a frozen state to maintain the plant's integrity for extraction.

FSE - Full Spectrum Extract:

A cannabis concentrate that retains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes.

GMP - Good Manufacturing Practices:

Quality standards for the manufacturing of cannabis products.

HIA - Hemp Industries Association:

A trade association promoting the growth and development of the hemp industry.

HPS - High-Pressure Sodium:

A type of grow light used in indoor cannabis cultivation.

LEC - Light Emitting Ceramic:

A type of lighting used in indoor cannabis cultivation for increased efficiency.

LST - Low-Stress Training:

A method of shaping and training cannabis plants to optimize their growth.

MED - Marijuana Enforcement Division:

A state agency responsible for regulating and enforcing cannabis laws in some U.S. states.

METRC - Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance:

A system used to track and regulate the cannabis supply chain in various states.

MIPS - Marijuana-Infused Products:

Cannabis products that have been infused with cannabinoids, often for edibles and topicals.

MITS - Marijuana Inventory Tracking Solution:

Software systems used to monitor and track cannabis inventory and sales.

MMJ - Medical Marijuana/Cannabis:

Cannabis prescribed for medical purposes and used to treat various medical conditions.

NPK - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium:

Essential nutrients for cannabis plants, often found in fertilizers.

OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

A federal agency overseeing workplace safety and health regulations.

PH - Potential of Hydrogen:

A measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil or water used for growing cannabis.

PPM - Parts Per Million:

A unit of measurement for the concentration of substances in a cannabis sample, often used to assess contaminants.

POS - Point of Sale:

Systems used for sales transactions and inventory management in cannabis dispensaries.

QWISO - Quick Wash Isopropyl Alcohol:

A method of extracting cannabinoids using isopropyl alcohol.

REC - Recreational cannabis:

Cannabis products legally available for adult recreational use in certain jurisdictions.

RQS - Royal Queen Seeds:

A popular cannabis seed bank and breeder.

RSO - Rick Simpson Oil:

A highly concentrated cannabis oil known for its potential medicinal properties.

RH - Relative Humidity:

The amount of moisture in the air, important for maintaining the proper growing conditions for cannabis.

SCROG - Screen of Green:

A cannabis training technique using a screen to optimize light distribution and plant canopy.

TERPs - Terpenes:

Aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and aroma.

THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol:

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the "high."

THCa - Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid:

The acidic form of THC found in raw cannabis that becomes THC through decarboxylation.

THCV - Tetrahydrocannabivarin:

A cannabinoid with potential appetite-suppressant and stimulant properties.

Tincture:

A liquid cannabis extract often consumed sublingually for its fast onset of effects.

VPD - Vapor Pressure Deficit:

A measure of the difference between the actual and potential water vapor pressure in the air.

TRO - Trove Cannabinol Solutions:

A company specializing in cannabinoid-infused products and solutions.

If you made it this far, you’re well on your way to becoming a certified cannabis expert. Ready for the next step? Explore 1,500+ cannabis job opportunities by creating your Vangst profile today!