Evidence-based cannabis information for adults 50 and older Peer-reviewed citations · Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist · No product sales

Cannabis Glossary for Seniors

Plain-English definitions of CB1, CB2, anandamide, terpenes, decarboxylation, entourage effect, full-spectrum, and the other terms you'll encounter.

Cannabis medicine comes with unfamiliar vocabulary. This glossary defines the terms you will encounter on this site and in dispensaries, in plain English.

Numbers

2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol)
One of the two primary endocannabinoids your body produces naturally. 2-AG activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Research shows that 2-AG levels decrease in the hippocampus (a brain region involved in memory) during aging.
11-hydroxy-THC
A metabolite produced when THC is processed by the liver after eating an edible. 11-hydroxy-THC is more psychoactive than THC itself and crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. This is why edibles often produce stronger effects than inhaled cannabis at comparable doses — and why starting doses for edibles should be very low.

A

Anandamide
One of the two primary endocannabinoids your body produces naturally. The name comes from the Sanskrit word for "bliss." Anandamide binds primarily to CB1 receptors and plays roles in pain regulation, mood, and appetite. A 2025 study in Nature Scientific Reports found that older adults (55-71) have significantly lower baseline anandamide levels than younger adults.

B

Broad-spectrum
A cannabis extract that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had THC removed. Broad-spectrum products aim to provide some entourage effect benefits without the psychoactive effects or drug-test risks of THC.

C

Cannabinoid
Any chemical compound that acts on cannabinoid receptors. There are three types: endocannabinoids (produced by your body, such as anandamide and 2-AG), phytocannabinoids (produced by the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured in a lab, such as dronabinol).
CB1 receptor
One of two primary cannabinoid receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the brain and central nervous system and mediate most of the psychoactive effects of THC. CB1 expression declines by roughly 50% over a human lifespan.
CB2 receptor
The second primary cannabinoid receptor. CB2 receptors are concentrated in immune tissues and play roles in inflammation and immune response. Activating CB2 does not produce a "high."
CBD (cannabidiol)
The second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. CBD does not produce intoxication but is a potent inhibitor of CYP450 liver enzymes, meaning it can raise blood levels of many prescription medications. The only FDA-approved CBD medication is Epidiolex, used for certain seizure disorders.
CYP450 (cytochrome P450)
A family of liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing most prescription medications. Both CBD and THC inhibit specific CYP450 enzymes — CBD more potently than THC — which can raise blood levels of other drugs processed by the same enzymes. This is the primary mechanism behind cannabis-drug interactions and is especially important for seniors on multiple medications.

D

Decarboxylation
The chemical process that converts the inactive acid forms of cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA) in raw cannabis into their active forms (THC, CBD). This happens naturally when cannabis is heated — by smoking, vaping, or cooking. Raw cannabis that has not been decarboxylated will not produce psychoactive effects.

E

Edible
Any cannabis product consumed by mouth — gummies, chocolates, capsules, beverages, baked goods. Edibles are processed by the liver, producing 11-hydroxy-THC, which means effects are delayed (60 to 120 minutes), stronger, and longer-lasting than inhaled cannabis. Start with 1 to 2.5 mg of THC.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS)
A body-wide signaling network that regulates pain, sleep, mood, appetite, inflammation, memory, and dozens of other functions. The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2), endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG), and the enzymes that create and break them down. This system deteriorates with age, which may explain why many age-related conditions respond to cannabinoid supplementation.
Entourage effect
The theory, pioneered by Dr. Ethan Russo, that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than in isolation — that the whole plant produces different therapeutic effects than any single compound alone. This is why full-spectrum products are often preferred over isolates, though the clinical evidence remains limited.

F

Full-spectrum
A cannabis extract that retains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds, including THC. Full-spectrum products are thought to benefit from the entourage effect. They will produce psychoactive effects and will appear on drug tests.

I

Indica / Sativa
Traditional categories used to describe cannabis strains. Indica is marketed as sedating and sativa as energizing. However, there is no clinical basis for this effects distinction in peer-reviewed research. Actual effects are driven by cannabinoid and terpene profiles, not plant morphology. Do not rely on indica/sativa labels to predict how a product will affect you.
INR (International Normalized Ratio)
A blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot, used to monitor patients on warfarin (Coumadin). Cannabis — especially CBD — can raise INR, increasing bleeding risk. Case reports have documented INR increases from +0.4 to +9.61 when cannabis was added to a stable warfarin regimen. Seniors on warfarin who start cannabis need INR monitoring at least weekly.
Isolate
A cannabis extract containing a single purified cannabinoid — typically CBD or THC — with all other plant compounds removed. Isolates provide precise dosing but do not benefit from the entourage effect.

M

Microdose
A very small dose of cannabis — typically 1 to 2.5 mg of THC — intended to provide therapeutic benefit without noticeable intoxication. Many seniors find that microdoses are sufficient for pain relief, sleep improvement, or mood support. Microdosing is the recommended starting approach for cannabis-naive older adults.

P

Psychoactive
Producing effects on mood, perception, or consciousness. THC is psychoactive; CBD is not. At microdoses (1 to 2.5 mg THC), many people experience therapeutic effects without noticeable psychoactive effects.

S

Sublingual
Administered under the tongue. Sublingual tinctures and strips are absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue, bypassing the liver and producing effects in 15 to 30 minutes — faster than edibles and without producing 11-hydroxy-THC. A preferred delivery method for seniors who want more predictable onset and dosing.

T

Terpene
Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to smell, flavor, and potentially therapeutic effects. Common terpenes include:
  • Myrcene — The most common cannabis terpene. Also found in mangoes and hops. Associated with sedating effects.
  • Beta-caryophyllene — Also found in black pepper and cloves. Unique among terpenes because it directly activates CB2 receptors, potentially providing anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Limonene — Also found in citrus peels. Associated with mood elevation and stress relief.
  • Alpha-pinene — Also found in pine needles. Associated with alertness and may counteract some of THC's memory-impairing effects.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC produces the "high" associated with cannabis use, but also has documented effects on pain, nausea, appetite, and sleep. It is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 liver enzymes. Evidence-based starting dose for older adults: 1 to 2.5 mg orally.
Tincture
A liquid cannabis extract, typically in an oil or alcohol base, administered with a dropper under the tongue (sublingual) or added to food. Tinctures offer precise dosing — often measured in milligrams per drop or per milliliter — making them a preferred product type for seniors.
Titration
The process of gradually adjusting a dose to find the minimum effective amount. "Start low, go slow" is the titration principle applied to cannabis: begin with the smallest available dose, wait for full effects, and increase slowly over days or weeks. An international Delphi consensus recommended elderly patients increase THC by only 1 mg per week.
Topical
A cannabis product applied to the skin — creams, balms, lotions, salves. Topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive effects and with negligible systemic absorption, meaning effectively no drug interactions. A good option for seniors concerned about medication interactions who want localized pain or inflammation relief.
Transdermal
A cannabis product — typically a patch — designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream. Unlike topicals, transdermal products do produce systemic effects and can interact with medications. They offer steady, long-lasting dosing without the peaks and valleys of oral products.