65 cannabis terms — pharmacology, cultivation, extraction, products and regulation. For healthcare professionals, cannabis manufacturers and policy professionals.
A statistical analysis method used in cannabis analytical testing to assess between-batch variability and within-batch homogeneity.
The acid precursor to CBD in raw cannabis, biosynthesised from CBGA. Converted to CBD by decarboxylation. CBD-dominant cannabis starting material typically contains predominantly CBDA rather than CBD before processing.
The biosynthetic precursor to all major cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA, CBCA). Synthesised from geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid in the cannabis plant. Often called the 'mother cannabinoid'.
A class of chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors. Includes phytocannabinoids (from cannabis), endocannabinoids (endogenous) and synthetic cannabinoids. The primary phytocannabinoids are THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCA and CBDA.
The quantitative analysis of the major cannabinoids in a cannabis preparation. A full pharmaceutical-grade profile includes THCA, THC, CBDA, CBD, CBG, CBGA, CBN, CBC and ideally minor cannabinoids. Required for product specification and batch release.
A degradation product of THC formed by oxidative degradation during storage. CBN content is a stability-indicating parameter for THC-dominant cannabis products — elevated CBN indicates degradation. Marketing claims for CBN as a sleep aid are not supported by clinical evidence.
The plant genus Cannabis, family Cannabaceae. Three species are recognised: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis, though the taxonomic classification remains debated. Pharmaceutical cannabis products are derived from Cannabis sativa L.
Dried cannabis flowers (inflorescences) used as a herbal substance in pharmaceutical cannabis preparations. Subject to the EMA Cannabis flos quality requirements and EU GMP Annex 1 CCS requirements when used in GMP manufacturing.
A recognised psychiatric diagnosis characterised by cannabis use causing clinically significant impairment or distress. Estimated prevalence approximately 9% of all cannabis users; risk factors include early-onset use, high-frequency use and personal history of psychiatric illness.
The transfer of residual cannabis material — cannabinoids, terpenes, cleaning agents — from one batch to a subsequent batch on shared equipment. Cross-contamination carry-over in cannabis manufacturing has specific patient safety implications, particularly for THC-to-CBD carry-over.
A chemical variety of a plant species characterised by a distinct chemical composition. Cannabis chemotypes are classified primarily by cannabinoid ratio: Type I (THC-dominant), Type II (THC/CBD intermediate), Type III (CBD-dominant). Chemotype must be confirmed by analytical testing, not assumed from cultivar name.
A comprehensive analytical technique producing a characteristic pattern of peaks representing the complete chemical profile of a cannabis extract. Used for identity confirmation and batch-to-batch consistency verification.
A cutting propagated from a mother cannabis plant, genetically identical to the source plant. Clone propagation (as opposed to seed propagation) ensures genetic consistency important for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis manufacturing.
In supercritical CO₂ extraction, the ratio of CO₂ pressure to the critical pressure (73.8 bar). A critical process parameter affecting the solubility and selectivity of extraction.
A process parameter whose variability has an impact on a critical quality attribute and therefore should be monitored or controlled to ensure the process produces the desired quality. In cannabis decarboxylation: temperature, time, atmosphere and loading density.
A plant variety produced by selective breeding. In pharmaceutical cannabis, different cultivars have distinct cannabinoid profiles, terpene profiles and growth characteristics. Cultivar identity should be confirmed analytically, not assumed.
The process of converting cannabinoid acids (THCA, CBDA) to their neutral counterparts (THC, CBD) by removal of a carboxyl group (CO₂). Requires heat. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, decarboxylation is a critical manufacturing step requiring formal process validation.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol — the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. When a product or study refers to 'THC' without qualification, delta-9 THC is intended. Distinguished from delta-8 THC (a positional isomer with lower potency).
A facility licensed to supply pharmaceutical cannabis products directly to patients or healthcare providers. Dispensary requirements vary by jurisdiction — in Germany, licensed pharmacies serve this function; other countries may have dedicated cannabis dispensary frameworks.
Cannabis plant material that has been dried post-harvest to a specification moisture content (typically ≤12%). Drying conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) are GACP-controlled parameters affecting microbiological quality and cannabinoid stability.
A retrograde lipid signalling system regulating multiple physiological processes. Consists of endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG), receptors (CB1, CB2) and metabolic enzymes. The primary pharmacological target of phytocannabinoids.
The proposed mechanism by which the combined effects of cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) are greater than the sum of their individual effects. Popularised by Raphael Mechoulam. The clinical evidence base for the entourage effect remains limited and contested.
The process of obtaining cannabis concentrates or oils from plant material. Methods include supercritical CO₂ extraction, ethanol extraction, hydrocarbon extraction (not used in pharmaceutical GMP) and cold-press. The extraction method is a critical process parameter affecting the cannabinoid, terpene and impurity profile of the extract.
A cannabis extract retaining the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant compounds present in the starting material. Distinguished from broad-spectrum (THC removed) and isolate (single cannabinoid purified).
The critical compliance boundary between the GACP cultivation stage and the GMP manufacturing stage. The handover point must be formally defined in the VMP and the starting material specification. This interface represents one of the most important regulatory boundaries in pharmaceutical cannabis manufacturing.
A terpenoid precursor in the cannabis plant from which both terpenes and cannabinoids (via CBGA) are synthesised. Understanding the biosynthetic pathway is relevant for cultivar selection and cannabinoid yield optimisation.
Colloquial term for cannabis extract. Not used in pharmaceutical context — pharmaceutical cannabis preparations are described by their standardised composition (THC:CBD ratio, concentration) and dosage form.
Cannabis is a known hyperaccumulator of heavy metals from soil and growing medium, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Incoming material testing by ICP-MS is mandatory for pharmaceutical cannabis starting material.
Cannabis sativa L. varieties bred for low THC content (typically <0.3% in EU). Hemp is used industrially for fibre, seed oil and CBD extraction. Pharmaceutical cannabis is not hemp — it requires GMP manufacturing regardless of THC content.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The primary analytical method for heavy metal analysis in pharmaceutical cannabis. Required for determination of Pb, Cd, As and Hg. Must be performed on representative samples of incoming cannabis starting material.
A putative cannabis variety traditionally associated with sedative effects and certain morphological characteristics. The scientific validity of indica/sativa classification is debated; pharmaceutical cannabis specifications should be based on chemotype (cannabinoid/terpene profile) not these categories.
Cannabis grown under artificial lighting in controlled environments. Provides greater environmental control (temperature, humidity, light cycle, CO₂ levels) than outdoor or greenhouse cultivation but at higher energy cost. Pharmaceutical cannabis cultivation must comply with GACP regardless of cultivation environment.
The flowering structure of the cannabis plant — the plant part with highest cannabinoid and terpene concentration. Pharmaceutical cannabis starting material typically consists of dried inflorescences (Cannabis flos).
The purification of a single cannabinoid to high purity (typically ≥98%). CBD isolate is a common pharmaceutical intermediate. Isolation requires validated purification processes with yield and purity as critical quality attributes.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. The most sensitive and specific method for pesticide residue analysis in cannabis, capable of detecting residues at sub-ppb levels. Standard method for multi-residue pesticide screening of incoming cannabis starting material.
A preparation made by soaking plant material in a solvent (typically an oil or alcohol) at room temperature or with gentle heating. Some cannabis oral preparations use maceration of cannabis flower in oil as a traditional herbal preparation approach — distinguished from GMP extraction processes.
Cannabis or cannabis-derived preparations prescribed by a healthcare professional for therapeutic purposes. Distinguished from recreational cannabis by its pharmaceutical quality, prescribing context and intended therapeutic use.
The percentage of water in a cannabis sample, typically measured by loss on drying or Karl Fischer titration. Critical specification parameter for cannabis starting material — high moisture content (>12%) increases microbial risk and affects cannabinoid stability.
Filamentous fungi. Cannabis is susceptible to contamination by moulds including Aspergillus, Botrytis cinerea (grey mould), Penicillium and Fusarium. Mould contamination is a primary quality risk in cannabis cultivation and can produce mycotoxins.
A single analytical run (typically GC-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS) that detects and quantifies a broad panel of pesticide residues simultaneously. Required for incoming cannabis starting material testing — the specific pesticide panel should be benchmarked against target market requirements (BfArM, Infarmed, etc.).
Secondary metabolites produced by certain moulds that are toxic to humans. Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) and ochratoxin A are the mycotoxins of primary concern in cannabis. Produced when cannabis is contaminated with mycotoxin-producing moulds (primarily Aspergillus species). Mycotoxin testing is not required by all markets but should be considered given the inherent microbiological risk of cannabis starting material.
The use of inert nitrogen atmosphere to protect cannabis extracts from oxidative degradation during storage and processing. THC oxidation to CBN is accelerated by oxygen exposure. Nitrogen blanketing is a recommended storage control, particularly for THC-dominant extracts.
Chemical degradation of cannabinoids caused by reaction with atmospheric oxygen. THC degrades to CBN; CBD degrades to various oxidation products. Minimised by light-protective packaging, nitrogen blanketing and temperature-controlled storage.
In cannabis manufacturing, the Permitted Daily Exposure calculation for THC cleaning limits must use the pharmacological threshold for intoxication (approximately 0.5–2mg for a naive adult patient) rather than a toxicological limit. This produces substantially more stringent cleaning acceptance criteria than standard PDE calculations and may drive equipment dedication decisions.
Documentation maintained by the prescribing physician or dispensing pharmacist for magistral (individually prepared) cannabis preparations. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Traces of pesticides remaining in cannabis plant material after cultivation. Cannabis is susceptible to pest infestations and some growers use pesticides not licensed for cannabis. Incoming material specifications must include pesticide residue limits appropriate for the target market(s).
Degradation of cannabinoids caused by exposure to light, particularly UV radiation. THC is susceptible to photodegradation. Light-protective (amber) packaging and light-controlled storage are standard controls for pharmaceutical cannabis products.
A cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, as opposed to endocannabinoids (produced endogenously in the body) or synthetic cannabinoids (chemically synthesised). The primary phytocannabinoids are THCA/THC, CBDA/CBD, CBGA/CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV, CBDV and THCA-C4.
The cannabinoid content of a cannabis preparation, typically expressed as mg/mL (for liquids) or % w/w (for solids). Potency testing by validated HPLC is a mandatory batch release test for pharmaceutical cannabis products.
The reproduction of cannabis plants for cultivation. Pharmaceutical cannabis cultivation uses either clonal propagation (cuttings from a mother plant — ensures genetic consistency) or seed propagation (from selected genetics — introduces variability).
The sticky, oil-rich secretion from cannabis trichomes containing high concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabis resin is the basis for many pharmaceutical cannabis preparations.
A putative cannabis variety traditionally associated with stimulating effects. As with 'indica', the scientific validity of this classification for pharmaceutical purposes is limited. Chemotype (cannabinoid/terpene profile) is the relevant pharmaceutical classification.
Complete documentation of the cannabis product supply chain from cultivation through to patient. Required by many national regulatory frameworks and supported by the GACP-to-GMP documentation chain in pharmaceutical cannabis manufacturing.
A cultivar or variety of cannabis with particular characteristics. In pharmaceutical context, 'cultivar' or 'variety' is preferred over 'strain'. The specific genetics (verified by analytical testing) rather than the cultivar name should form the basis of pharmaceutical specifications.
An extraction process using CO₂ at conditions above its critical temperature (31.1°C) and pressure (73.8 bar). Produces a clean extract with controllable selectivity by adjusting temperature and pressure. The primary extraction method for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in EU GMP manufacturing.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid — the non-psychoactive acid precursor to THC in raw cannabis. Most THC in cannabis plants exists as THCA before decarboxylation. THCA content in starting material and the THCA→THC conversion efficiency of the decarboxylation process are critical manufacturing parameters.
A class of naturally occurring organic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. Terpenes contribute to the aroma and flavour of cannabis and may modulate pharmacological effects. Key cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, pinene, terpinolene, ocimene and humulene.
The sum of all cannabinoids in a preparation, typically expressed as THC+CBD or as a full cannabinoid profile total. Relevant for potency labelling and comparison across preparations.
Microscopic hair-like outgrowths from the cannabis plant surface. Glandular trichomes (stalked and sessile) are the primary sites of cannabinoid and terpene biosynthesis and storage. Higher trichome density generally correlates with higher cannabinoid content.
A measure of the availability of water in a material to support microbial growth. Cannabis starting material with high water activity (aw >0.65) is susceptible to mould growth. Drying to low moisture content reduces water activity below the threshold for most microbial growth.
A cannabis extract produced from the whole plant (not just the inflorescence) using methods that preserve the full spectrum of plant compounds. Less common in pharmaceutical manufacturing where standardised inflorescence is the preferred starting material.