Clear terminology helps patients understand labels, state rules, clinician documents and reimbursement discussions.
Access and legal terms
Certification: a clinician’s state-law confirmation that a patient meets program requirements. Reciprocity: limited recognition of another jurisdiction’s patient status. Dispensary: a state-authorized cannabis retail or treatment-center location.
Product terms
Cannabinoid: a chemical constituent associated with cannabis, including THC and CBD. Concentrate: a product with concentrated cannabinoids. Tincture: a liquid preparation usually measured by volume. Topical: a product applied to the skin.
Testing and label terms
COA: certificate of analysis. Batch or lot: a defined production group. Potency: the measured amount or concentration of cannabinoids. Contaminant testing: testing for specified substances such as pesticides, microbes or metals.
Tax and benefit terms
Qualified medical expense: an expense meeting the federal tax definition. Substantiation: records supporting a claim. Reimbursement: payment from an account or plan for an expense. Itemized deduction: a deduction claimed on Schedule A when requirements are met.
Official sources and further reading
Reviewed for publication in July 2026. Rules, plan terms and agency guidance can change.
Questions about Medical Cannabis Terminology: A Patient Glossary
Are recommendation and prescription interchangeable?
No. They can have different legal meanings.
Does “medical grade” have one national definition?
No. Marketing terminology and state requirements can differ.
What does full spectrum mean?
It is commonly used for products containing multiple plant constituents, but labeling and legal definitions can vary.
What does this page explain?
It explains the main patient issue described in “Medical Cannabis Terminology: A Patient Glossary” and provides practical information, context and next steps for medical cannabis patients.
What should patients verify before acting on this information?
Check current state and federal rules, official agency guidance and any applicable healthcare or benefit-plan requirements because policies can change.