Cannabis has its own vocabulary, but you do not need to memorize every term to shop confidently. Three of the most common words you will see are THC, CBD, and terpenes.
THC
THC is the cannabis compound most associated with intoxicating effects. Products with higher THC may feel stronger, especially for new or occasional shoppers. THC can be listed as a percentage on flower and vape products or as milligrams on edibles and beverages.
CBD
CBD is another cannabis compound that does not create the same "high" feeling as THC. Some shoppers prefer CBD-forward products because they are interested in cannabis options with little or no intoxicating effect. Some products include both THC and CBD, while others focus mainly on one or the other.
Terpenes
Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. They influence smell and flavor. If a product smells citrusy, piney, sweet, floral, earthy, or spicy, terpenes are part of the reason why. Some shoppers like to browse by terpene profile because flavor and aroma are part of the experience.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate
You may also see terms like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate on CBD products. Full-spectrum usually means the product includes a wider range of plant compounds. Broad-spectrum usually means it includes multiple plant compounds but is made to avoid THC. Isolate usually means a single compound, such as CBD, has been separated out. Always check the specific product label for details.
The most important thing to remember is that cannabis is personal. The same product can feel different from one person to another. Potency, format, serving size, and individual tolerance all matter.
When shopping, do not feel like you need to chase the strongest product. A better goal is to find something that fits your experience level, preferences, and comfort zone.