Welcome to the ultimate weed slang guide, designed to help you navigate the unique vocabulary of cannabis culture. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the ever-evolving weed terminology can make conversations about cannabis a lot smoother. The world of marijuana is filled with code words, inside jokes, and region-specific phrases that might be confusing at first, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
The Evolution of Weed Slang
From “marijuana” and “ganja” to “dope” and “dro,” cannabis has no shortage of nicknames. The variety of slang for weed can be traced back to historical efforts to obscure its use, especially during prohibition. Governments often outlawed cannabis for political reasons, and in response, consumers adopted secretive language to discuss, buy, and sell it discreetly. Over time, these terms evolved, forming the diverse weed lingo we recognize today.
Another reason for the abundance of stoner slang is simple: smoking often sparks creativity. Conversations naturally lead to new nicknames, and those words spread, reinforcing and expanding the lexicon of weed terms.
Common Weed Slang and Measurements
40 Bag
A 40 bag is a set price for marijuana, typically costing $40. The quantity received depends on location and supplier, so it’s always good to check the weight before purchasing. Learn more about cannabis pricing here.
20 Bag
A 20 bag contains $20 worth of cannabis. The amount of weed varies based on quality and location, but typically, a 20 bag contains around 2 grams. For more insights into buying small amounts, check out this resource.
Eighth
An eighth refers to one-eighth of an ounce, or approximately 3.5 grams. Pricing varies from $25 to $60 depending on quality and region. Since weed is measured by weight rather than bud count, an eighth might look small if the nugs are dense. More details on weed measurements can be found here.
Half
A half refers to half an ounce (14 grams) of cannabis, usually costing around $100. With proper rolling, a half can supply at least 30 joints. This amount is ideal for those who prefer stocking up on strains they enjoy. Explore more about purchasing in bulk here.
Additional Weed Slang Terms
Yerba
Slang for weed in Spanish-speaking countries, but don’t confuse it with the heavily caffeinated tea Yerba Mate. For someone looking for herb in a foreign country, asking for yerba would be a more generic term. For a tourist seeking something specific like a joint or a dealer, more specific slang would be needed.
Treefer
A combination of two popular weed slang words: ‘tree’ and ‘reefer.’ This term doesn’t carry any specific connotation but is just a fun way to refer to your stash.
Chiefing
Hogging the weed in a group smoke session or taking huge rips. This term comes from the idea of a Native American chief smoking in large, deep hits off their pipe. It’s usually used to poke fun at someone who’s taking too long to take their hit or seems to think they deserve more weed than others. Learn more about what does chiefing mean here.
Bogart
To selfishly keep a joint to yourself without passing it on to the next person in your smoke circle. Originally, it referred to keeping a cigarette in your mouth as you talked, just like classic actor Humphrey Bogart did in many films. As cannabis culture grew, bogarting became a term used for joints and blunts shared among friends. It can also be applied to any situation where someone is hogging something all to themselves.
Wacky Tobacky
A lighthearted term for cannabis flower popularly used in the advent of 1950’s “reefer madness” culture. Wacky tobacky is a reference to tobacco, probably because both were rolled up into paper and then smoked, but one made the smoker a little bit more silly. The word is not often used in modern cannabis culture unless as a joke.
Tree
A term for cannabis plant bud, or more generally, any cannabis. It refers to the idea of cannabis as a plant, especially since it resembles small trees. This term gained popularity through the r/Trees subreddit, which became a humorous mix-up for arborists looking for tree discussions. Eventually, the r/MarijuanaEnthusiasts subreddit was created as a nod to the confusion.
Couchy
Used to describe indica-heavy strains that make you groggy or sleepy. If you smoke some couchy weed while you’re on a couch, you’re probably not getting up anytime soon.
Budtender
The employee of a dispensary from whom consumers purchase cannabis products. A great budtender is knowledgeable, professional, and provides personal recommendations based on customer preferences. They serve as the main point of communication between consumers and their cannabis products, making them highly valued in the industry.
