VETERAN CANNABIS GLOSSARY.

Cannabis that is legal for adults 21+ regardless of medical need. Adult-use states do not require a medical card. Taxes are typically higher than medical cannabis.

The federal form required to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer. Question 21(e) asks about cannabis use. Answering "yes" disqualifies purchase; answering "no" when you use cannabis is a federal crime.

The proportion of a substance that enters the bloodstream and has an active effect. Cannabis bioavailability varies by route: smoking (~30%), vaporizing (~50%), oral (5-20%).

Any of the chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified, most poorly studied.

A plant (Cannabis sativa) containing hundreds of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most studied are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabis is used medically, recreationally, and industrially.

A clinical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Approximately 10% of adult cannabis users develop CUD. Risk is higher for those who start young or use daily. Treatment is available through the VA.

A cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the brain and central nervous system. THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors, producing psychoactive effects.

A cannabinoid receptor found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues. CB2 activation is associated with anti-inflammatory effects without psychoactive effects.

A non-intoxicating compound in cannabis. CBD has been studied for seizure disorders, anxiety, and inflammation. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high. Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD medication, is used for certain seizure disorders.

A cannabis product made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Concentrates are significantly more potent than flower. Types include hash, rosin, wax, shatter, and oils.

The process of applying heat to cannabis to convert THCA (non-psychoactive) into THC (psychoactive). This happens when cannabis is smoked, vaporized, or cooked.

An FDA-approved synthetic THC medication used for nausea associated with chemotherapy and appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS. It is Schedule III, unlike cannabis which is Schedule I.

When cannabis affects how another medication works in the body. Cannabis can interact with blood thinners, SSRIs, benzodiazepines, opioids, and other medications. Always discuss interactions with your provider.

A food or beverage product infused with cannabis. Edibles have delayed onset (30 minutes to 2 hours) and longer duration than inhaled cannabis. Dosing errors are common — start low and go slow.

A biological system in the human body that regulates functions including sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response. It consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids produced by the body, and enzymes that break them down.

A theory that cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) work together to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. The theory is debated and not conclusively proven.

An FDA-approved medication containing CBD, used to treat certain seizure disorders (Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes). It is the first FDA-approved cannabis-derived medication.

A cannabis concentrate made by collecting trichomes (resin glands) from the plant. Bubble hash is made using ice water; charas is made by hand-rubbing live plants.

A cannabis strain bred from both sativa and indica plants. Most modern cannabis is hybrid.

A cannabis plant type traditionally associated with relaxing, sedating effects. As with sativa, this categorization is not scientifically reliable.

A state-issued identification card that allows a patient to purchase cannabis from licensed medical dispensaries. Card requirements vary by state. VA providers cannot complete medical cannabis card applications.

An FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoid medication used for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Schedule II.

The use of multiple medications simultaneously. Common in older veterans. Cannabis added to a polypharmacy regimen increases the risk of drug interactions and should be discussed with a provider.

A medical condition that a state has approved for treatment with medical cannabis. Qualifying conditions vary by state. PTSD is a qualifying condition in most medical-cannabis states.

The process of moving a substance to a different schedule under the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III has been proposed but is not yet final as of September 2026.

A solventless cannabis concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. No solvents are used, making it a preferred option for consumers concerned about residual chemicals.

A cannabis plant type traditionally associated with energizing effects. The sativa/indica distinction is not well-supported by science — chemical composition (cannabinoid and terpene profile) is a better predictor of effects.

The most restrictive category under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I substances are defined as having high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Cannabis is Schedule I, making it federally illegal.

A variety of cannabis with a specific genetic profile. Strains are often categorized as sativa, indica, or hybrid, though these categories are not scientifically precise and do not reliably predict effects.

Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and many other plants that give strains their distinctive smells. Some terpenes may have therapeutic effects, but research is limited.

The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is responsible for the "high" and has been studied for pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation. It can also cause anxiety, paranoia, and impaired memory.

A liquid cannabis extract, typically alcohol-based, taken sublingually (under the tongue). Tinctures allow for precise dosing and have a faster onset than edibles.

A reduction in the body's response to cannabis with repeated use. Tolerance develops to some effects (like euphoria) but not others (like pain relief). Tolerance is reversible.

A cannabis product applied to the skin (creams, balms, patches). Topicals typically do not produce psychoactive effects and are used for localized pain or skin conditions.

The resin glands on cannabis flowers that produce cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes appear as tiny crystal-like structures and are the basis of concentrate production.

Healthcare, disability compensation, education, and other benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans do not lose VA benefits for cannabis use.

A healthcare professional employed by or contracted through the VA. VA providers cannot recommend medical cannabis but can discuss it clinically and must provide care regardless of cannabis use.

A VA approach to healthcare that focuses on what matters to the patient, including complementary and integrative health approaches. Many VA facilities have Whole Health coaches.

Symptoms that may occur when a regular cannabis user stops. Cannabis withdrawal is real but generally less severe than withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Symptoms include irritability, sleep difficulty, and decreased appetite.