Medical Cannabis Terms: A Patient's Guide

What is Medical Cannabis?

"Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day." — Dr. Joycelyn Elders, Former U.S. Surgeon General, Paediatrician, Public Health Administrator

Picture this: you're talking about your struggles with a condition, and the conversation turns to medical cannabis, and suddenly you're faced with a world of unfamiliar terms and complex decisions. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. So you turn to doing your own research, and if anything even more terms are being thrown around on forums/ in reviews and you're now even more overwhelmed. 

Medical cannabis represents hope for countless patients[6]. You might hear it called medicinal cannabis or medical marijuana (MMJ), but whatever name you use, it all stems from the Cannabis plant, which houses well over 100 different cannabinoids [6].

Think of cannabinoids as nature's toolkit. The two stars of the show are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC touches your mood, behaviour, and thoughts, it's the one that creates those psychoactive effects or 'high' you've probably heard about. CBD, on the other hand, works quietly in the background without altering your mental state [13]. These remarkable compounds weave through your body, potentially offering relief from symptoms that have been weighing you down. Beyond this there is a whole world of cannabinoids, but in terms of medical cannabis in the UK, THC and CBD are the two primary compounds focused on. 

When your doctor discusses medical cannabis options, you'll discover it comes in forms that fit different lives and preferences:

• Inhaled: Dried cannabis flower through a dry herb vaporizer, or a 'Cart' that contains a cannabis extract such as Distillate, Rosin, or Live Resin. 

• Oral: Capsules or 'Pastilles'/ Gummies. 

• Sublingual: Liquids or sprays that dissolve under your tongue

• Rectal: Suppositories for those who need alternative delivery methods

• Topical: Lotions or gels that work directly on your skin [13]

Here's something that might surprise you: cannabis carries a medicinal story that stretches back more than 4000 years. Chinese Emperor Shen Nung recognized its healing potential around 2700 BC [9]. For millennia, healers used cannabis to address over 100 different ailments across civilisations worldwide, until modern restrictions cast shadows over research possibilities.

Today, hope is returning. Countries like Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay have opened their doors to medical cannabis [1]. Here in the United Kingdom, November 2018 marked a turning point when cannabis-based medicines became legally prescribable by specialist doctors [11].

Here in the UK, the medical cannabis industry has grown substantially with well over 45,000 legal cannabis patients at the time of writing this. These patients access a wide range of medical cannabis products through their clinics and pharmacies. 

Here's where the story becomes complex and, frankly, disappointing for many patients. Despite legal availability, NHS prescriptions remain heartbreakingly limited due to strict NICE guidelines—only 18 people received NHS prescriptions in 2019 [6]. This is why private practitioners have taken charge in the UK offer more flexibility, but this isn't cheap. 

The journey towards medical cannabis isn't straightforward, but understanding these realities helps you navigate the path ahead with clearer eyes and realistic expectations.

Common Cannabinoids and What They Do

When you first hear about cannabinoids, the sheer number can feel overwhelming. Cannabis houses over 100 cannabinoid compounds, yet three stand out as particularly meaningful for those seeking medical relief [3]. These remarkable chemical messengers work within your body's own endocannabinoid system, each offering its own potential for healing and comfort.

Understanding these compounds isn't just about science, it's about empowering yourself to make informed choices about your treatment journey.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, might just be the gentle giant of the cannabinoid world. Unlike THC, CBD won't alter your mental state or leave you feeling intoxicated. Instead, it works behind the scenes, interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system in subtle yet profound ways, without directly latching onto cannabinoid receptors [6].

Hemp plants naturally contain higher concentrations of CBD compared to CBG or CBN [6], making it more readily available for therapeutic use. For many patients, CBD has become a beacon of hope, offering potential relief from discomfort, helping manage stress, supporting the body's response to inflammation, and even reducing seizure activity [6].

The story becomes even more compelling when we consider children with severe epilepsy. CBD has earned approval for treating certain childhood epilepsy disorders, including the devastating Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome [7]. Watching families find relief after years of struggle speaks to CBD's powerful anti-inflammatory, anxiety-reducing, and antipsychotic properties [3].

What is CBG?

Meet cannabigerol—CBG—often lovingly called the "mother of all cannabinoids." This name isn't just poetic; it reflects a biological truth. CBG serves as the parent molecule from which your other beloved cannabinoids spring to life within the cannabis plant [6].

You'll find CBG in modest amounts, typically less than 1% of the plant's total composition [9]. Think of it as the "stem cell" of the cannabinoid family—its acid form, CBGA, directly transforms into both CBD and THC [10]. What makes CBG particularly fascinating is its direct relationship with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system [11].

Early research hints at CBG's neuroprotective qualities and its ability to calm inflammation [6]. Some studies suggest it might offer relief for conditions like glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease [12], though we're still learning about its full potential.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol, or CBN, tells a different story, one of transformation and time. CBN doesn't begin its life in the plant; instead, it emerges as THC ages and breaks down through exposure to light, heat, or simply the passage of time [6]. This cannabinoid is born from change, developing as plant material matures [13].

While CBN carries mild psychoactive properties, roughly one-fourth the potency of THC, it affects your CB1 receptors in its own unique way [9] [11]. Many patients know CBN as the "sleepy cannabinoid," and for good reason. Its association with sedative effects has made it a companion for those struggling with restless nights [6].

Yet the truth about CBN's sedative reputation might be more nuanced than we once believed. The drowsy effects could stem from aged cannabis plants losing their energising terpenes while holding onto relaxing compounds, rather than CBN working alone [6]. This reminds us that cannabis healing often comes from the symphony of compounds working together, not just individual players.

Terms That Often Confuse Patients

Walking into the world of medical cannabis feels like stepping into a foreign country where everyone speaks a language you barely recognize. The terminology swirls around you—tolerance breaks, curing, irradiation, each word carrying weight you don't quite understand yet desperately need to grasp. You're not alone in this confusion. Every patient before you has stared at these same terms, feeling the same overwhelming mix of hope and bewilderment.

What does tolerance break mean?

You've been using cannabis medicinally for months, maybe even years. What once brought you relief now seems to demand higher doses to achieve the same effect. Your body has grown accustomed to the medicine, like a longtime friendship that's settled into comfortable routine. A tolerance break becomes your reset button, an intentional, temporary pause from cannabis or reduction that allows your body to remember what it felt like before this therapeutic relationship began [3].

Unlike the finality of quitting, tolerance breaks carry the promise of return. You step away knowing you'll come back, but with renewed sensitivity [3]. During this pause, your body works quietly behind the scenes. THC metabolites slowly clear from your system whilst CB1 receptors, those tiny cellular doorways that had grown tired from constant knocking, begin to perk up again, ready to welcome cannabis back with fresh enthusiasm [2].

Most patients find that approximately 21 days gives their system enough time to reset, allowing THC to bid its farewell [14]. Yet for those who've relied heavily on cannabis, patience becomes crucial. Sometimes 4-8 weeks pass before the body fully releases its cellular memory of constant cannabis presence [2]. It's a test of endurance, but one that often rewards with renewed effectiveness.

With that said, tolerance tempering is also another option for those who cannot go with a complete break. Looking at slightly reducing how many doses you have in 24 hours, or reducing the amount you load into the chamber over time can also have the same effect. Not only reducing your tolerance slowly, but helping with the costs of medical cannabis overall. 

What does curing your cannabis do?

Imagine you've just baked bread, the dough has risen, the oven has done its work, but the loaf needs time to settle into its final form. Cannabis curing works much the same way. After harvest, the plant isn't ready for you yet. It holds onto moisture, sugars, and chlorophyll that would make your medicine harsh and unforgiving [15].

This patient process transforms rough, green-tasting plant matter into something gentle enough for healing [16]. Chlorophyll, that sharp, grassy bite that makes you wince, gradually breaks down, leaving behind the smooth, earthy flavours that make consumption tolerable [17]. Meanwhile, cannabinoid precursors quietly convert into their active forms, potentially gifting you with more available THC and other therapeutic compounds [16].

The difference between cured and uncured cannabis mirrors the difference between a rushed conversation and a thoughtful letter. Properly cured cannabis speaks softly to your throat and lungs, offering its medicine without the harsh protests that make you question whether healing should hurt this much [16]. Beyond comfort, curing protects your investment, creating the precise moisture balance that keeps mould and harmful pathogens at bay during storage [15].

Many patients will mention curing their flower once received to help with its long term storage prior to purchase. This can help balance and restore some moisture content to help with the overall experience of the flower. 

What is irradiated flower?

The word "irradiation" might conjure images of nuclear plants and danger, but the reality feels more like a protective embrace for vulnerable patients. Cannabis that's undergone gamma irradiation has been bathed in carefully controlled energy that destroys the microscopic threats lurking within, mould, bacteria, fungi that could turn your medicine into poison [4].

For those whose immune systems already fight daily battles, irradiated cannabis meets the strict Pharmaceutical European Pharmacopoeia standards that stand guard over your safety [4]. This sterilisation process becomes especially precious for patients whose bodies can't afford additional microbial challenges [4]. The trade-off feels manageable: whilst some of the more delicate terpenes, those aromatic compounds that create flavour and scent, may diminish slightly, the essential cannabinoids like THC and CBD remain largely untouched [4].

In the UK, gamma irradiation has become the trusted standard, embraced by regulatory bodies for its effectiveness and clean finish—no radioactive residue lingers to complicate your healing journey [4].

With that said, there is a lot of controversy around this process, particularly from patients who want to preserve terpene profiles to their full extent. Since medical cannabis has been introduced to the UK there has been a lot of problems with muted cannabis flower coming through that despite being different strains, they ended up with the same stale scent and flavour. This has been incredibly frustrating for patients who have been used to better quality flower elsewhere. 

Ultimately there are now non irradiated flower options to address these issues. 

What is non-irradiated flower?

Some patients seek cannabis in its most natural state, untouched by radiation, carrying all the aromatic compounds nature intended. Non-irradiated flower represents this purist approach, cannabis that's been dried and cured but never subjected to sterilising radiation [18]. These products often reward users with fuller, more robust flavours and aromas, while some believe the complete terpene profile enhances therapeutic benefits through what researchers call the entourage effect [19].

The appeal feels obvious, why wouldn't you want your medicine exactly as nature crafted it, with all its original aromatic fingerprints intact [19]? Yet this natural state comes with vulnerability. Without radiation's protective shield, these flowers remain more susceptible to contamination, especially when humidity creeps in during storage [4]. This means that the growers have to be extremely talented at producing consistent quality flower that isn't impacted by these risk factors. Medcan producers of Tokoloshe Sherbet are one producer who have managed to achieve this with their purpose built facility. 

This reality means non-irradiated flower appears less frequently in UK prescriptions [4], though some craft products still preserve their natural qualities, untouched by remediation processes [5]. The choice becomes deeply personal, do you prioritise the full sensory experience and potential enhanced effects, or does peace of mind about safety take precedence in your healing journey?

How Medical Cannabis Differs from Street Cannabis

"I have seen many patients with chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, anorexia, and other unpleasant symptoms obtain significant—often remarkable—relief from cannabis medicines, well beyond what had been provided by traditional (usually opiate-based) pain relievers." — David Hadorn, MD, PhD, Medical Consultant for GW Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

Picture this: you're struggling with chronic pain that conventional medications barely touch. Someone mentions cannabis might help, and suddenly you're faced with a choice that feels overwhelming. The difference between medical cannabis and what you might find on the street isn't just about legality, it's about your safety, your health, and your peace of mind [8].

Regulation stands as the defining line between these two worlds. Medical cannabis lives under the watchful eye of pharmaceutical standards, whilst street cannabis exists in the shadows, completely unmonitored and unaccountable [8]. This isn't just bureaucratic paperwork, it's the difference between knowing exactly what you're putting into your body and taking a dangerous gamble.

Every batch of medical cannabis tells its story through mandatory laboratory testing. These tests reveal the precise cannabinoid content and confirm the absence of harmful contaminants that could jeopardise your already fragile health [8]. Street cannabis, however, carries hidden dangers, pesticides that shouldn't exist in any medicine, microorganisms that thrive in uncontrolled environments, and contaminants that pose particular threats to those whose immune systems are already compromised [8]. These are things that the BM grower may have done everything to avoid, but has no way or knowing if they made it into their plant without testing. 

Perhaps most importantly, medical cannabis comes with something invaluable: professional guidance. Healthcare practitioners don't just hand you a prescription and send you on your way, they carefully select appropriate strains, monitor your response, and adjust dosages based on your unique medical situation [21]. Street cannabis leaves you navigating this complex landscape alone, potentially leading you down paths that could worsen your condition rather than improve it [22].

The legal protection that comes with properly prescribed medical cannabis offers something precious: legitimacy [22]. You're no longer hiding a treatment that helps you function, no longer looking over your shoulder, no longer risking legal consequences whilst simply trying to manage your pain or symptoms [21].

The people who turn to medical cannabis often paint a different picture from recreational users. They're typically dealing with poorer overall health, yet they show lower rates of alcohol problems and other substance use, suggesting they're genuinely seeking relief, not escape [23]. Medical cannabis users also tend to use cannabis daily, reflecting its role as consistent medicine rather than occasional recreation [23].

This distinction matters more than you might initially realise. When you're already fighting one battle with your health, the last thing you need is uncertainty about your treatment.

 

Additional Glossary:

Medical Cannabis Glossary

Balanced Flower
Cannabis flower with roughly equal ratios of THC to CBD, typically used for therapeutic purposes where patients want the benefits of both cannabinoids without strong psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoids
Chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. The two most well-known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

CBD (Cannabidiol)
A non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its potential therapeutic properties, including support for relaxation and general wellness.

Coarse Grind
A larger, chunkier grind of cannabis flower that allows for slower, more even burning and is often preferred for certain consumption methods. Typically achieved with less turns of a grinder. 

Couch Lock
A term describing the heavy, sedative sensation that can make users feel physically relaxed or reluctant to move, typically associated with certain indica-dominant strains.

Cultivar
The scientifically preferred term for what is commonly called a "strain" – a specific variety of cannabis bred for particular characteristics.

Decarboxylation
The heating process that activates cannabinoids by converting their acidic forms (like THCA) into their active forms (like THC).

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A complex cell-signaling system in the human body that plays a role in regulating various functions including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response.

Entourage Effect
The theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds work together synergistically to produce enhanced effects compared to isolated compounds.

Fine Grind
A finely ground consistency of cannabis flower that increases surface area and is often used for specific consumption methods requiring more efficient extraction. This is achieved with additional turns of the grinder until the right consistency is met. 

Full-Spectrum
Products containing the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant naturally rather than specific compounds isolated.

Hybrid
Cannabis varieties bred from both indica and sativa genetics, offering a blend of characteristics from both plant types. Though these days there are no true pure sativas/ indicas meaning the majority of strains are a hybrid of sorts. 

Indica
A classification of cannabis traditionally associated with plants that have broader leaves and shorter stature, often linked with relaxing effects.

Sativa
A classification of cannabis traditionally associated with taller plants with narrow leaves, historically linked with more energizing effects.

Kief
The crystalline, powdery trichomes that separate from cannabis flower, containing concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes.

Limonene
A citrus-scented terpene found in cannabis and citrus fruit peels, associated with uplifting aromatics.

Myrcene
A common terpene found in cannabis with an earthy, musky aroma, also present in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes.

Phenotype
The observable characteristics of a specific cannabis plant, resulting from the interaction between its genetics and growing environment.

Strain Profile
The unique combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that define a particular cannabis variety's characteristics and potential effects.

Terpenes
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants that contribute to scent, flavor, and may influence the overall experience.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis, known for its psychoactive properties.

Throat Hit
The sensation felt in the throat when inhaling cannabis vapor or smoke, which can vary in intensity based on temperature, method, and product quality.

Trichomes
Tiny, crystal-like glands on cannabis flowers that produce and store cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. They appear as a frosty coating on quality flower.

Bioavailability
The rate and degree at which cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream, which varies depending on the consumption method.

Broad-Spectrum
Cannabis products containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but with THC removed, offering an entourage effect without intoxication.

Caryophyllene
A spicy, peppery terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, and cloves, unique for its ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors.

CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often called the "mother cannabinoid," CBG is a non-intoxicating compound from which other cannabinoids are synthesized in the plant.

CBN (Cannabinol)
A mildly intoxicating cannabinoid that forms as THC ages, often associated with sedative properties.

Dosing
The process of determining the appropriate amount of cannabis or cannabinoids for individual needs, often following a "start low and go slow" approach.

Flavonoids
Plant compounds that contribute to the color, flavor, and potential therapeutic properties of cannabis.

Grinder
A device used to break down cannabis flower into a consistent texture for consumption.

Microdosing
The practice of consuming very small amounts of cannabis to achieve subtle therapeutic benefits without significant intoxication.

Myrcene
A common terpene found in cannabis with an earthy, musky aroma, also present in hops, lemongrass, and mangoes.

Phenotype
The observable characteristics of a specific cannabis plant, resulting from the interaction between its genetics and growing environment.

Pinene
A pine-scented terpene found in cannabis, pine needles, and rosemary, associated with alertness and focus.

Strain Profile
The unique combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that define a particular cannabis variety's characteristics and potential effects.

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
The non-intoxicating acidic precursor to THC found in raw cannabis, which converts to THC when heated.

Titration
The gradual adjustment of cannabis dosage to find the optimal amount for individual therapeutic needs.

Key Takeaways

Understanding medical cannabis terminology empowers patients to make informed treatment decisions and communicate effectively with healthcare providers about their therapeutic options.

• Medical cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, with CBD (non-psychoactive), CBG (the "mother cannabinoid"), and CBN (mildly sedative) offering distinct therapeutic benefits.

• Tolerance breaks lasting up to 21 days help reset the body's cannabinoid receptors, allowing patients to achieve desired effects with smaller doses.

• Properly cured cannabis provides smoother consumption and enhanced therapeutic properties, whilst irradiated flower ensures microbiological safety for immunocompromised patients.

• Medical cannabis undergoes rigorous laboratory testing and professional oversight, unlike unregulated street cannabis which may contain harmful contaminants and lacks dosage guidance.

• UK patients can access cannabis-based medicines through specialist doctors, though NHS prescriptions remain extremely limited compared to private healthcare options.

The key to successful medical cannabis treatment lies in understanding these fundamental concepts and working closely with qualified healthcare practitioners to develop personalised treatment plans.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main differences between medical cannabis and street cannabis? Medical cannabis is regulated, laboratory-tested, and produced under controlled conditions with specific cannabinoid concentrations. It's prescribed by healthcare professionals and legal when properly obtained. Street cannabis is unregulated, potentially contaminated, and illegal in many jurisdictions.

Q2. How long should a tolerance break from cannabis last? A typical cannabis tolerance break should last about 7- 21 days. This allows time for THC to leave the system and for cannabinoid receptors to reset. Heavy users might need longer breaks of 4-8 weeks for a complete tolerance reset. However this should always be discussed with your Dr. 

Q3. What are the potential benefits of CBD in medical cannabis? CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, may help with discomfort relief, stress management, inflammation support, and seizure reduction. It has been approved for treating certain childhood epilepsy disorders and shows promise for various medical applications due to its anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties.

Q4. What is the purpose of curing cannabis? Curing cannabis is a post-harvest process that enhances the quality of the final product. It helps break down chlorophyll, improving taste and smoothness, potentially increases cannabinoid availability, and extends shelf life by achieving optimal moisture levels to prevent mould growth.

Q5. How does irradiated cannabis differ from non-irradiated cannabis? Irradiated cannabis has undergone ionising radiation to eliminate microbial contaminants, ensuring microbiological safety. While it may slightly reduce some terpenes, cannabinoid content remains largely unchanged. Non-irradiated cannabis retains its full terpene profile but is more vulnerable to contamination and may not pass required safety testing.

References

[1] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis
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[4] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803256/
[5] - https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8355/
[6] - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids-drug-licencing-factsheet/drug-licencing-factsheet-cannabis-cbd-and-other-cannabinoids
[7] - https://lyphe.com/medical-cannabis-laws-uk
[8] - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
[9] - https://neurogan.com/blogs/news/cbd-vs-cbg-vs-cbn?srsltid=AfmBOopRlXXOHwAFU9UTw6nOjZRcEdgz2zxegc-kWxSP09cCbIc9CpGE
[10] - https://www.mdbiowellness.com/blogs/doctors-desk/cbn-vs-cbd-vs-cbg-your-guide-to-cannabinoids?srsltid=AfmBOoqUHh0GYHNYUb7QHA_8dWEm84jTOwCp3v1w-y8b__lFrAYltqz0
[11] - https://www.dynamed.com/drug-review/medical-uses-of-cannabinoids
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[14] - https://nuleafnaturals.com/blogs/learn/cbd-vs-cbn-vs-cbg-differences
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[16] - https://neurogan.com/blogs/news/cbd-vs-cbg-vs-cbn?srsltid=AfmBOoqM4HYs0_W1zqP35M6ZVY8l5DQbU-SjCiUiHtS_qThIiS28kY23
[17] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10561190/
[18] - https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/weed-tolerance-break-guide-duration-withdrawal-and-best-t-break-methods/
[19] - https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/how-avoid-high-tolerance-cannabis
[20] - https://www.greenhousegrower.com/production/why-curing-cannabis-is-critical-to-plant-quality/
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[22] - https://www.leafly.com/learn/growing/harvesting-marijuana/drying-curing-cannabis
[23] - https://cb1medical.com/2025/05/22/irradiated-cannabis-what-patients-need-to-know/
[24] - https://releaf.co.uk/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-irradiated-and-non-irradiated-medical-cannabis
[25] - https://cannaplus.co.nz/irradiated-vs-non-irradiated-cannabis-flower/
[26] - https://wellfordclinics.com/wellford-non-irradiated-non-remediated-vs-irradiated-remediated-cannabis/
[27] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10249738/
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