Cannabis menus can feel like they have their own language. Flower, pre-rolls, terpenes, potency, onset time, tinctures, concentrates. If you are new to shopping, that is a lot to take in at once.
The good news is you do not need to become an expert before visiting a dispensary. Knowing a few common cannabis terms can make the menu easier to understand and help you feel more comfortable asking questions.
Cannabis
Cannabis is the plant used to create products like flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals. In everyday language, some people also call it weed, marijuana, or pot.
Flower
Flower refers to the dried cannabis bud. It is one of the most traditional product types and is often sold by weight.
Pre-Roll
A pre-roll is cannabis flower that has already been rolled for convenience. It is a popular option for shoppers who do not want to roll their own.
Vape
A vape is a cannabis product designed for vaporization. This category can include cartridges, disposable vapes, and all-in-one devices.
Edible
An edible is a cannabis product you eat or drink. Gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and infused beverages can all fall into this category.
Concentrate
Concentrates are cannabis products made through extraction processes that create concentrated forms of cannabis. Common examples include wax, badder, resin, rosin, and shatter.
Tincture
A tincture is a liquid cannabis product typically packaged in a bottle with a dropper. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Topical
A topical is a cannabis-infused product applied to the skin, such as a cream, balm, or lotion.
THC
THC is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis. It is the compound most commonly associated with intoxicating effects.
CBD
CBD is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it is not typically associated with intoxicating effects.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are two of the most well-known cannabinoids.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants. They contribute to the smell and flavor of different cannabis products.
Strain
A strain is a specific variety of cannabis. Strain names often appear on flower, pre-roll, and vape products.
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid
These are common cannabis categories shoppers may see on menus. Effects can vary by person and product, so it is always helpful to ask a budtender for guidance.
Potency
Potency refers to the strength of a cannabis product, often shown as a percentage or milligram amount on the label.
Serving Size
Serving size is especially important with edibles and beverages. Always read the label carefully before using any cannabis product.
Onset Time
Onset time refers to how long it may take to feel the effects of a product. Different product types can have different onset times.
COA
COA stands for Certificate of Analysis. It is a lab report that provides information about a cannabis product.
Budtender
A budtender is a dispensary team member who helps customers understand products, menu options, and shopping questions.
Menu
A dispensary menu shows available products, categories, prices, brands, and product details.
You Don’t Need to Know Everything Before You Shop
A good dispensary experience should not feel like a test. You can know exactly what you want, or you can walk in with questions. Both are completely fine.
At BluLight, our team is here to help you understand the menu, compare product types, and shop at your own pace.
Shop BluLight
Ready to browse? BluLight carries flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and more.
Shop BluLight Gloucester City or BluLight Woodbury Heights to explore the menu before your next stop.



