A quick guide to the words you’ll see on cannabis menus and labels, and to the California rules that apply when you buy.
Cannabinoids
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in cannabis that causes the high.
- THCA is the form THC takes in the raw plant. It turns into THC when it is heated, which is why labels on flower often list THCA and total THC.
- CBD (cannabidiol) is another compound found in cannabis. It does not cause a high the way THC does. Products may contain CBD alone or together with THC; the label shows how much of each.
- CBC (cannabichromene) is a minor cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. It does not cause a high.
- CBG (cannabigerol) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. It does not cause a high.
- CBN (cannabinol) is a minor, mildly psychoactive cannabinoid. It forms as THC ages and breaks down with heat, light or air.
Indica, sativa and hybrid
These names describe a plant’s lineage. Indica and sativa are the two traditional types; hybrids are a cross of both. How a product feels depends on the product and the person, so read the label and ask our staff about a specific product.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each strain its smell and flavor, from citrus to pine. Some products list their main terpenes on the label.
Common formats
- Flower: the dried bud of the plant, smoked or vaporized.
- Pre-rolls: flower already rolled and ready to use.
- Vapes: cartridges and all-in-one pens filled with cannabis oil. See how to use a vape pen, including how to dispose of them.
- Concentrates: extracts such as wax, shatter, rosin and live resin, with much higher THC levels than flower. See dabbing 101.
- Edibles and drinks: food and beverages made with cannabis, measured in milligrams. See edibles 101.
- Tinctures and capsules: measured liquid or tablet portions.
Reading a label
Legal cannabis products in California carry the state’s cannabis symbol, the government warning, the product’s THC and CBD content, and a batch or lot number. Flower and concentrates show potency as a percentage; edibles show milligrams per serving and per package.
How much you can buy
California’s daily purchase limits for adult-use customers are 28.5 grams of non-concentrated cannabis, 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, and six immature plants. Medical patients may buy up to 8 ounces of medicinal cannabis per day, or more if a physician’s recommendation calls for it.
In California you must be 21 or older to buy cannabis for adult use, or 18 or older with a valid physician’s recommendation for medical cannabis. Use cannabis only on private property, never in public. Don’t drive or operate machinery after using it, and don’t take it across state lines. Keep every product in its original packaging, out of reach of children and pets.
An empty integrated cannabis vaporizer shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste collection facility or other approved facility. A spent cannabis cartridge shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste collection facility or other approved facility.
Source: California Department of Cannabis Control, What’s legal, and the DCC regulations (4 CCR §15409). Rules can change; check the DCC site for the current version.