As marijuana business attorneys, we know there is a lot of lingo in the industry. In this post, we hope to help you get a better grasp on some of the marijuana industry jargon. Here are some useful definitions to help get you through the confusing and convoluted laws and conversation around marijuana in America:
Cannabis:
Cannabis sativa, the Latin name for the plant that, in certain variations, is considered either marijuana or hemp
Marijuana:
A legal term of art for cannabis plants and products that has 0.3% THC by dry weight; commonly outside the legal context, marijuana is understood to be the variety of cannabis that gets you high due to its THC content
Hemp:
Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC; commonly used in industrial and other purposes
Cannabinoid:
The entire class of compounds that are extracted from cannabis plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most commonly known and used cannabinoids.
THC:
Tetrahydrocannabinol, the most famous cannabinoid; known for its psychoactive qualities. This is what makes marijuana a Schedule I drug
CBD:
Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid gaining in popularity for a variety of uses in health and beauty products; while not psychoactive in any way, it is still listed in the federal Controlled Substances Act, but as a Schedule V drug. Schedule V drugs have some demonstrated medical value and the least potential for abuse or addiction.
Acts/Statutes:
Laws passed by Congress through the regular process of voting on a bill (a proposed law); rules and regulations are based on acts
Rules/Regulations:
Explanations and applications of laws written by executive agencies; these are basically how an agency is going to interpret and enforce a law passed by Congress; by definition, they are subordinate to laws and can be found by courts to be improper for a number of reasons (such as incorrect procedure, interpretation that exceeds the bounds set by the law itself)
If you have questions or need clarification on terminology not covered in this post, reach out and let us know. This blog is a resource to you, and your input is appreciated!