Cannabis Science Glossary
Every field of science has its own language, and cannabis science is no exception. Whether you're reading research papers, product labels, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), or educational resources, you'll encounter terminology that may seem unfamiliar at first.
This glossary was created to give you a reliable, easy-to-understand reference that grows with your knowledge. Instead of memorizing complicated definitions, you'll have a place to quickly look up important terms whenever you need them.
Why a Glossary Matters
Learning scientific terminology isn't about using bigger words—it's about building confidence.
When you understand the language, you can:
- Read educational materials more easily
- Understand product labels and laboratory reports
- Follow scientific discussions with greater confidence
- Ask better questions at dispensaries and healthcare appointments
- Make more informed decisions about products and wellness strategies
Knowledge becomes much more useful when you understand the vocabulary behind it.
What You'll Find Here
This glossary includes definitions for terms you'll encounter throughout the Science Meets Stardust™ Academy, including:
- Endocannabinoid system (ECS)
- Cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Receptors
- Homeostasis
- Bioavailability
- Decarboxylation
- Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate products
- Certificates of Analysis (COAs)
- Routes of administration
- Potency
- Entourage effect
- Dosing terminology
- Laboratory testing terms
New definitions will continue to be added as the Academy expands.
Written for Real People
Scientific terminology can sometimes feel intimidating. That's why each definition in this glossary is written in clear, approachable language while remaining grounded in current evidence and accepted scientific concepts.
The goal isn't simply to define a word—it's to help you understand what that word actually means and why it matters.
Your Quick Reference Guide
As you work through the Academy, you'll likely come across terms you don't immediately recognize. That's completely normal.
Use this glossary as your go-to reference whenever you need a quick refresher. Think of it as your personal cannabis science dictionary—always available whenever a new concept appears.
Keep Learning
The more familiar you become with the language of cannabis science, the easier it becomes to understand research, compare products, and communicate with confidence.
Science Meets Stardust™ is about making evidence-based education accessible to everyone—one lesson, one definition, and one new discovery at a time.
Welcome to your growing library of cannabis science vocabulary.
Cannabis Science Glossary
A
α-Pinene – A terpene with a fresh pine aroma found in pine trees, rosemary, and cannabis.
Anandamide (AEA) – A naturally occurring endocannabinoid often called the "bliss molecule." It helps regulate mood, pain, appetite, memory, and other functions.
B
Batch Number – A unique identifier assigned to a specific production batch for quality control and traceability.
Beta-Pinene (β-Pinene) – A terpene with a woody, herbal aroma that differs chemically from α-pinene.
Bioavailability – The percentage of a compound that reaches the bloodstream and becomes available for use by the body.
Bisabolol – A floral terpene also found in chamomile that is being studied for its soothing properties.
Broad-Spectrum – An extract containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes with THC removed or present only in trace amounts.
C
Cannabinoid – A naturally occurring compound that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Cannabidiol (CBD) – A non-intoxicating cannabinoid commonly studied for its effects on wellness and symptom management.
Cannabichromene (CBC) – A non-intoxicating cannabinoid currently being studied for its unique biological activity.
Cannabigerol (CBG) – Often called the "mother cannabinoid" because many cannabinoids develop from its acidic precursor.
Cannabinol (CBN) – A cannabinoid that forms as THC naturally ages and degrades.
Caryophyllene (β-Caryophyllene) – A spicy, peppery terpene notable for its ability to interact with CB2 receptors.
Cedrene – A woody terpene commonly found in cedarwood and some cannabis varieties.
Certificate of Analysis (COA) – A laboratory report showing the results of testing for potency, cannabinoids, terpenes, contaminants, and product safety.
Consumption Method – The route by which a product enters the body, such as inhalation, ingestion, sublingual use, topical application, or transdermal delivery.
D
Decarboxylation – The process of heating cannabinoids to convert their acidic forms into active forms.
Dose – The amount of a product taken at one time.
E
Edible – A food or beverage containing cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid – A cannabinoid naturally produced by the human body.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS) – A cell-signaling system that helps maintain homeostasis by regulating many physiological processes.
Entourage Effect – A theory suggesting cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds may work together to influence overall effects.
Eudesmol – A woody sesquiterpene currently being studied for its biological activity.
F
Fenchol – A terpene with a pine and basil-like aroma found in several aromatic plants.
Full-Spectrum – An extract containing multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and other naturally occurring plant compounds, including THC.
G
Guaiol – A woody terpene found in cypress pine and certain cannabis varieties.
H
Homeostasis – The body's ability to maintain internal balance despite changes in the environment.
Humulene – A terpene with an earthy, woody aroma also found in hops.
I
Inhalation – A method of consumption where compounds are absorbed through the lungs.
Isolate – A purified product containing only one cannabinoid, without additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
L
Label – Product information that includes potency, ingredients, serving size, warnings, and other required details.
Limonene – A citrus-scented terpene naturally abundant in citrus fruit peels.
Linalool – A floral terpene commonly associated with lavender.
M
Microdose – A very small amount intended to produce subtle effects.
Myrcene – One of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis, known for its earthy, musky aroma.
N
Nerolidol – A woody, floral terpene found in jasmine, tea tree, and cannabis.
Nerol – A fresh floral terpene commonly found in citrus blossoms.
O
Ocimene – A sweet, herbal terpene found in mint, basil, orchids, and cannabis.
P
Potency – The concentration of cannabinoids within a product.
Product Formulation – The combination of active ingredients and inactive ingredients used to create a finished product.
R
Receptor – A specialized protein that receives chemical signals from cannabinoids or other compounds.
S
Sabinene – A spicy, peppery terpene found in black pepper, spruce, and cannabis.
Sublingual – A method of administration where a product is absorbed under the tongue.
T
Terpene – An aromatic compound found in cannabis and many other plants that contributes to aroma and may influence biological activity.
Terpinolene – A fresh, herbal terpene with floral and pine notes.
THC (Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The primary intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis.
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) – The non-intoxicating acidic precursor to THC found in raw cannabis.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) – A cannabinoid with pharmacological properties that differ from THC.
Tincture – A liquid preparation typically administered under the tongue.
Topical – A product applied directly to the skin for localized use.
Transdermal – A product designed to deliver active compounds through the skin into the bloodstream.
V
Valencene – A citrus-scented terpene naturally found in Valencia oranges and some cannabis cultivars.
Vaporization – Heating cannabis or concentrates to release active compounds as a vapor without combustion.