Parents trying to stay informed about teen marijuana use often find themselves navigating a new and confusing language — one filled with slang terms, acronyms, and highly potent products that barely resemble the “weed” of the past.
At Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center, clinicians frequently speak with families who didn’t realize how sophisticated — and dangerous — today’s marijuana use has become. This guide is here to help.
“Parents need to be aware that today’s marijuana is very different from what they may have encountered decades ago,” says Elizabeth Fikes, Co-Founder and Director of Outreach.
Teens often use slang and euphemisms not just to sound cool — but to avoid detection. Knowing the terminology can help parents understand conversations, recognize red flags, and ask better questions.
Dab / Dabbing: Inhaling vaporized marijuana concentrate (often wax or oil) through a dab rig or vape pen. Dabs are extremely potent, with THC levels as high as 90%.\n
Dank: Slang for high-quality, strong-smelling marijuana. Often seen as a badge of strength or potency.\n
Flower: Traditional dried marijuana buds. Often rolled into joints or smoked in a pipe.\n
Edibles: THC-infused food or drink products, including gummies, baked goods, and sodas. Effects are delayed but often more intense.\n
Vape Pen / Cart: A small device that heats marijuana oil to produce a vapor. “Cart” refers to the THC cartridge inserted into the vape.\n
Shatter / Wax / Crumble: Types of cannabis concentrates used for dabbing. Highly potent and easy to conceal.\n
BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A form of concentrate extracted using butane. Used in many vapes and dab rigs.\n
710: The “oil” equivalent of 420 — refers to concentrates. Flip “710” upside down and it spells “OIL.”\n
Hotboxing: Smoking marijuana in an enclosed space to intensify the effects.
Today’s marijuana isn’t limited to joints. Here’s how teens are using it:
Vaping: Devices that allow THC oils or flower to be consumed as vapor. Discreet and odorless.
Dabbing: Flash-vaporizing concentrated THC for an extremely strong high.
Smoking: Pipes, bongs, blunts (marijuana rolled in cigar paper), and joints.
Edibles: Consumed as candy, brownies, drinks, or even “THC syrup.”
Tinctures / Sprays: Liquid forms of THC used under the tongue or in drinks.
“A lot of parents assume that if they don’t see a joint or smell smoke, their kid isn’t using,” says Jeff Noles, Clinical Director. “But with today’s products, it’s easier than ever to hide — and more dangerous to ignore.”
The biggest danger isn’t just that marijuana is easier to consume — it’s that it’s far more potent than ever before. Many concentrates have THC levels of 70% to 95%, compared to 3–5% in marijuana from the 1990s.
These high levels can dramatically increase the risk of:
Psychosis
Dependency
Anxiety and depression
Cognitive impairment
Academic decline
“We’re not just seeing kids getting high — we’re seeing them lose their sense of reality,” says Bryan Fikes, CEO and Co-Founder. “And parents are often the last to know because they don’t know what to look for.”
Learn the language. Stay informed about new terms and trends.
Ask open questions. “What have you heard about edibles?” is more effective than “Are you using drugs?”
Watch for subtle changes. Behavioral shifts, secrecy, or new accessories may be indicators.
Model healthy coping. Teens need to see how you manage stress, not just hear advice.
Don’t wait. If you’re concerned, trust your gut — and seek professional guidance.