Common Hemp Terminology
A Beginner’s Glossary to Understanding Hemp
Published: August 2026
Author: Ray Osmolski, Founder — Illinois Hemp & Seed Co., LLC
Welcome
Learning about hemp can sometimes feel like learning a new language.
Terms such as cannabinoid, cultivar, genotype, phenotype, terpene, feminized seed, and dioecious may be unfamiliar when you’re first getting started.
That’s why we created this beginner’s glossary.
You don’t need to memorize everything. Use this page as a reference whenever you encounter a hemp term you don’t recognize.
As the Hippie Seeds Hemp Learning Center grows, we’ll continue adding new terminology and links to more detailed lessons.
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Hemp Glossary
Biomass
Plant material harvested for processing or other uses. Depending on the crop and intended purpose, hemp biomass may include flowers, leaves, stems and other plant material.
Cannabinoid
A class of chemical compounds associated with the cannabis plant. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two well-known cannabinoids, although cannabis produces many others.
Cannabis
The genus of plants that includes hemp and cannabis commonly referred to as marijuana.
Hemp is cannabis, but not all cannabis meets the legal definition of hemp.
Cannabis sativa L.
The botanical name commonly used for the cannabis species that includes hemp.
The “L.” refers to Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who formally described the species.
CBD — Cannabidiol
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
CBD itself is not generally considered intoxicating in the way delta-9 THC is.
Compliance Testing
Testing performed to determine whether hemp meets applicable regulatory requirements, including requirements involving THC concentration.
Testing rules, sampling procedures and legal requirements can vary by jurisdiction.
Cultivar
Short for cultivated variety.
A cultivar is a plant or group of plants selected and maintained because of particular characteristics.
In everyday cannabis conversation, people frequently use words such as cultivar, variety, strain, and genetics, although these terms do not always mean exactly the same thing scientifically.
Delta-9 THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid associated with the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
Delta-9 THC concentration also plays an important role in the federal legal definition of hemp in the United States.
Dioecious
A plant population in which male and female reproductive structures generally occur on separate individual plants.
Many cannabis populations are dioecious.
This means one plant may primarily produce male flowers while another primarily produces female flowers.
Female Plant
A cannabis plant expressing female reproductive structures.
When successfully pollinated and fertilized, female flowers can produce seeds containing genetic material from both parents.
Feminized Seed
Seed produced using breeding techniques intended to greatly increase the likelihood of female offspring.
Feminized seeds are different from regular seeds, which can produce both male and female plants.
Fiber Hemp
Hemp selected and cultivated primarily for its stalk and fiber.
Hemp fiber has historically been used for products including rope, textiles, paper and other materials.
Genetics
The inherited biological information passed from one generation to another.
Genetics influence characteristics such as plant structure, growth patterns, maturity, cannabinoid potential and many other traits.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an individual plant.
You can think of genotype as part of the plant’s inherited biological blueprint.
Germination
The process through which a viable seed begins developing into a seedling under suitable environmental conditions.
Grain Hemp
Hemp cultivated primarily for seed or grain production.
Hemp grain can be used in food ingredients, oils and other agricultural products.
Hemp
Under current U.S. federal law, hemp generally refers to Cannabis sativa L. and its parts that meet the applicable legal definition, including the federal delta-9 THC concentration limit.
Hemp laws and requirements may differ by jurisdiction and can change over time.
Hemp Genetics
The inherited characteristics found within hemp plants and populations.
Preserving genetic diversity gives future growers, researchers and breeders access to plant characteristics that might otherwise disappear.
Male Plant
A cannabis plant expressing male reproductive structures that typically produce pollen.
Male plants can make important genetic contributions to breeding and seed production.
Marijuana
A commonly used and legal term for cannabis that does not fall within the applicable legal definition of hemp.
The distinction between hemp and marijuana is not reliably determined by appearance alone.
Monoecious
A plant that produces both male and female reproductive structures on the same individual.
Some hemp cultivars have been bred for monoecious characteristics.
Phenotype
The observable or measurable characteristics expressed by a plant.
Phenotype can include characteristics such as:
* Height
* Color
* Branching
* Flower structure
* Maturity
* Aroma
* Seed characteristics
Phenotype results from the interaction between genetics and environment.
Pollination
The transfer of pollen to female reproductive structures.
Successful pollination and fertilization can lead to seed development.
Regular Seed
Cannabis seed produced through conventional male-and-female reproduction that has not been feminized.
Regular seed populations can produce both male and female offspring.
Seed Preservation
The practice of properly storing and maintaining seeds to help protect their viability and preserve genetic material for future use.
Seed preservation is an important part of conserving plant genetic diversity.
Strain
A widely used term in the cannabis industry for a particular named genetic line or type.
In formal plant science and horticulture, terms such as cultivar, variety, line, or population may sometimes provide greater precision depending on the circumstances.
Terpene
A type of naturally occurring aromatic compound produced by many plants, including cannabis.
Terpenes contribute to the aromas associated with different plants and cultivars.
THC
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol.
Several forms of THC-related compounds can occur in cannabis. Delta-9 THC is particularly important because of its intoxicating properties and its role in hemp regulation.
Trichome
A small structure found on the surface of many plants.
Cannabis has several types of trichomes, including glandular trichomes associated with the production and accumulation of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Variety
A term used to describe plants sharing particular characteristics.
The terminology surrounding variety, cultivar, strain, and genetic line can vary depending on whether the discussion is botanical, agricultural, commercial or informal.
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Five Terms Every Beginner Should Remember
If you’re just getting started, begin with these five:
1. Hemp — Cannabis that meets the applicable legal definition of hemp.
2. Genetics — Inherited biological information passed from parent plants to their offspring.
3. Genotype — A plant’s genetic makeup.
4. Phenotype — The characteristics we can observe or measure as genetics interact with the environment.
5. Cultivar — A cultivated plant or group selected and maintained for particular characteristics.
Understanding those five concepts will make many of the more advanced lessons in our Hemp Learning Center much easier to follow.
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Why Terminology Matters
Words matter—especially when discussing hemp.
Using terminology carefully helps growers, researchers, breeders, businesses and consumers communicate more clearly.
It also helps separate scientific concepts from industry slang and legal terminology.
You don’t need to become a botanist to understand hemp.
You simply need a good foundation.
And that’s exactly what Hemp Basics is designed to provide.
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Hemp Basics — Where You Are Now
You’ve now reached the end of our introductory Hemp Basics series:
➡️ What Is Hemp?
➡️ Hemp vs. Marijuana: Understanding the Differences
➡️ Understanding Cannabis sativa L.
Now you’re ready to move into our next subject:
Hemp Genetics
That’s where we’ll begin exploring how characteristics are inherited, why plants differ, how seeds are produced and why preserving genetic diversity matters.
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Our Mission
Preserving Hemp Genetics. Educating Growers. Building the Future.
At Hippie Seeds, education is an important part of preserving hemp for future generations.
The better we understand the plant, the better prepared we are to appreciate and preserve its genetic diversity.
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Continue Your Hemp Journey
Next: Hemp Genetics
➡️ What Are Hemp Genetics?
➡️ Regular vs. Feminized Seeds
➡️ Understanding Phenotype
➡️ Seed Preservation
➡️ Land of Lincoln (LOL)® Genetics
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About Hippie Seeds
Hippie Seeds, a division of Illinois Hemp & Seed Co., LLC, is dedicated to preserving hemp genetics, supporting education, and building a trusted resource for growers, researchers, collectors and anyone interested in learning about hemp.
Educational Disclaimer: This glossary is provided for general educational purposes. Scientific terminology, industry usage and legal definitions can differ, and hemp regulations can change. Consult appropriate scientific or regulatory sources when precise botanical or legal definitions are required.