Cannabis terminology mixes botanical names, processing terms and laboratory measurements. These terms are useful only when their limits are clear.
Cultivar and strain
Cultivar is a horticultural term; strain is widely used informally. A commercial name alone does not establish a consistent chemical profile across different batches.
Indica, sativa and hybrid
These labels are not reliable promises of relaxing or energizing effects. Research has found that the commercial sativa–indica scale poorly captures overall genetic and chemical variation.
Terpenes
Compounds associated with aroma in cannabis and other plants. A terpene name or percentage is not a clinical prediction of a person’s response.
Resin, rosin and distillate
These names refer to extracts and processing approaches. They are not quality grades, and the name alone does not establish ingredients, potency or safety.
COA
Certificate of Analysis: a report of laboratory findings for a sample. Match it to the product batch and read its units, methods and reporting limits.
OCM
New York State Office of Cannabis Management, the state cannabis regulator.
Sources and further reading
Nature Plants: research on cannabis labeling and chemical variation
