Cannabis Vocabulary: A Glossary for Tourists in Koh Samui

Cannabis Vocabulary: A Glossary for Tourists in Koh Samui

Walking into a cannabis dispensary for the first time comes with its own vocabulary. Here's a clear, plain-English glossary of the terms you'll actually hear at a menu counter in Koh Samui.

Product & Plant Terms

Sativa — one of the two main cannabis plant types, traditionally associated with a brighter, more energizing character. Most modern strains are hybrids of sativa and indica genetics rather than purely one or the other.

Indica — the other main plant type, traditionally associated with a more relaxed, calming character. Like sativa, most strains today are hybrids.

Hybrid — a strain bred from both sativa and indica genetics, which describes the majority of strains on a typical modern menu.

Strain — a specific, named genetic variety of cannabis (for example, a particular sativa or hybrid cross), each with its own flavor and aroma profile.

Landrace — a traditional, regionally-specific cannabis genetic line that developed naturally over generations in one place, rather than being deliberately bred — Thai landrace genetics are a real, distinct example.

Trichomes — the tiny, crystal-like glands covering the cannabis plant, where cannabinoids (like THC) and terpenes are actually produced. Trichomes are what concentrates like hash and rosin are made from.

Cannabinoids & Compounds

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the primary compound responsible for cannabis's effects.

THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) — the raw, non-heated form of THC present in fresh cannabis. THCA content is also a practical freshness indicator, since it gradually degrades with age or improper storage — see our THCA vs. THC guide for more detail.

Terpenes — the aromatic compounds responsible for cannabis's flavor and scent, distinct from cannabinoids. Terpenes are also the most fragile part of the plant, easily lost to poor drying, curing, or storage.

CBD (cannabidiol) — a non-intoxicating cannabis compound, legally available in Thailand at concentrations under 0.2% THC without a prescription.

Concentrates & Formats

Hash — a concentrate made by separating trichomes from the plant and pressing them into a solid form. See our full concentrates guide for the different types.

Kief — the loose, powdery collection of trichomes themselves, before being pressed into hash.

Rosin — a solventless concentrate made by pressing flower, kief, or hash with heat and pressure.

Live Rosin — rosin made from fresh-frozen (rather than dried-and-cured) flower, generally preserving more of the original terpene profile.

Dabbing — the method of vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a heated surface, using a dab rig or a concentrate vape pen, rather than smoking it directly.

People & Process

Budtender — the staff member at a dispensary who helps customers navigate the menu and answers product questions — the cannabis-retail equivalent of a bartender or sommelier.

PT33 — the official Thai medical certificate required to legally purchase cannabis flower, issued by a licensed doctor following a genuine consultation. See our complete PT33 guide for how it works.

GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) — a recognized standard covering how cannabis is grown, harvested, and handled before reaching a dispensary shelf.

COA (Certificate of Analysis) — the lab report behind a tested cannabis product, documenting what was tested for and the results.

Ready to see these terms in action? Browse the cannabis menu, or see our guide to choosing quality cannabis for how they all fit together. Magical Garden is at 78 Moo 1, Thanon Laan Thong, Bo Phut, Fisherman's Village, Ko Samui, open daily 9 AM to 2 AM. Message us on WhatsApp at +66 98 192 2088 with any questions.