Essential terminology for cannabis cultivation
C
The small, tear-shaped pods that make up cannabis flowers. Calyxes are covered in trichomes and contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids. A cutting taken from a mother cannabis plant that produces a genetically identical copy. Clones guarantee the same cannabinoid profile, terpene expression, and growth characteristics as the mother. The cluster of buds that form at the top of main stems. The main cola grows at the plant's apex; training techniques can create multiple colas for higher yields.
F
Cannabis seeds that are bred to produce only female plants. Female plants produce the flowers (buds) that are harvested for consumption. The number of weeks a cannabis plant needs in a 12/12 light cycle to fully mature and be ready for harvest. Most strains flower in 8-10 weeks.
H
A pathogen that infects cannabis plants, reducing cannabinoid and terpene production by up to 50%. HLVD spreads through contaminated tools, handling, and infected plant material. PCR testing is the gold standard for detection. A cannabis strain created by crossing indica and sativa genetics. Most modern cannabis strains are hybrids with varying ratios of indica to sativa traits.
I
One of the two primary cannabis subspecies. Indica plants tend to be shorter, bushier, with wider leaves, and produce sedating, body-focused effects. They typically have shorter flowering times. A comprehensive approach to pest control that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment. Professional cannabis nurseries use IPM protocols to keep plants clean.
L
A greenhouse technique where plants are covered to reduce light hours, triggering flowering at any time during the growing season. This allows multiple outdoor harvests per year. A training technique where branches are gently bent and tied to create an even canopy, improving light distribution and increasing yield without cutting the plant.
M
A mature cannabis plant kept in vegetative state specifically for taking clone cuttings. Mother plants are selected for exceptional traits and maintained indefinitely.
P
Polymerase Chain Reaction testing — the most accurate method for detecting HLVD and other pathogens in cannabis plants. PCR amplifies specific genetic sequences to identify the presence of viroids. The observable physical characteristics of a cannabis plant (appearance, smell, yield, etc.) resulting from the interaction of genetics and environment. Different seeds from the same cross can express different phenotypes. The process of growing multiple seeds from a cross and selecting the best-performing individual plant to keep as a mother for cloning. This is how unique strains are discovered.
S
One of the two primary cannabis subspecies. Sativa plants tend to be taller, with thinner leaves, and produce energizing, cerebral effects. They typically have longer flowering times. A training method using a horizontal screen or net to create a flat, even canopy. Plants are woven through the screen during veg, maximizing light exposure in flower.
T
An established vegetative cannabis plant, typically 12-18 inches tall, that has been growing for several weeks beyond the clone stage. Teens save growers 3-4 weeks of veg time. Aromatic compounds produced by cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to flavor, aroma, and potentially therapeutic effects. Common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC content is usually expressed as a percentage of dry weight and typically ranges from 15-35% in modern cannabis strains. A laboratory propagation technique where small plant tissue samples are grown in sterile media to produce clean, disease-free plants. Used for large-scale propagation and virus elimination. A training technique where the main growing tip
V
The growth phase when cannabis plants develop stems, branches, and leaves under 18+ hours of light. Plants do not produce flowers during this stage. The visual attractiveness of cannabis flower — trichome coverage, color, density, and trim quality. High bag appeal commands premium prices. A fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) that causes gray mold inside cannabis buds. Choose mold-resistant strains for prevention. A cannabis plant kept in vegetative state specifically for taking cuttings. Healthy HLVD-tested mother plants produce the best clones. Cannabis extract produced through various methods (BHO, rosin, live resin, ice hash). Extract-grade strains produce the best results. The first rounded leaves that emerge from a seedling. Clones skip this stage since they're already vegetative. De
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