Guide to Cannabis
First Time in a Marijuana Shop? Here's How to Read a Label.
THC percentage. CBD levels. Hybrids. What does it all mean?
A typical gram bag at Uncle Ike’s in Capitol Hill.
Image: Amber Fouts
Strain
They’ll go by myriad names and brands (pictured here is the "Pearl Scout Cookies" strain), but always consist of either sativa (brings you up), indica (brings you down), or a hybrid of both.
Gram
One gram of flower usually ranges from $8 to $20. From here quantities go up in size and price to an eighth (3.5 grams), a quarter (7 grams), an ounce (28 grams), and a pound (448 grams).
Flower
It’s what you smoke or vape. The most natural and pure way to ingest cannabis. Not to be confused with an extract (which may come in many confusing forms like dab or shatter).
THC
The percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (the stuff that gets you high) in a cannabis product. Twelve percent is on the low end; 33 percent will mess you right up.
CBD
High-cannabidiol strains subvert some of THC’s intoxicating effects for a more manageable body high and are often used in medical-grade products.
