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Cannabis Product Taxonomy

Cannabis Product Taxonomy

Summary

The cannabis product landscape spans dozens of distinct product types organized into four top-level groups: Inhalables (flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates), Ingestibles (edibles, beverages, tinctures, capsules, sublinguals), Topicals (lotions, balms, transdermal patches, bath products, lubricants), and Accessories (batteries, papers, grinders, pipes). Each category carries its own standard formats, weights, required attributes, and naming conventions that vary across POS systems.

For migration validation and catalog completeness, every product should have the correct category assignment, standard weight/format, and required attributes populated. The taxonomy below maps each category to its exact Treez category name, documents how competing POS systems name the same category, and lists the standard sizes and attributes that a well-maintained catalog entry should contain.

Concentrate subcategories go the deepest -- three or more levels -- reflecting the real distinctions the industry makes between extraction methods (solvent-based vs solventless) and the dozens of product forms that result. For a full deep-dive on extraction methods, quality indicators, and market trends, see concentrates-extraction.md.

Inhalables

Flower

Treez category: Flower Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Flower | Blaze: Flower | Flowhub: Flower | IndicaOnline: Flower Standard formats/weights: 1g, 3.5g (eighth), 7g (quarter), 14g (half oz), 28g (ounce) Required attributes: strain, weight, THC%, CBD%, classification (indica/sativa/hybrid) Optional attributes: terpene profile, grow method (indoor/outdoor/greenhouse), harvest date

Dried cannabis flower buds -- the most traditional and widely consumed form of cannabis. Flower is sold by weight in standardized increments from single grams to full ounces. Quality is assessed by bud structure, trichome density, aroma, moisture content, and trim quality. Subcategories reflect grow environment and bud size, both of which significantly affect positioning and consumer expectations.

Subcategories

Loose Flower (Standard)

The primary flower SKU -- full-sized buds sold in jars, bags, or pop-top containers. Indoor flower commands the highest quality perception, followed by greenhouse/light-dep, then outdoor/sun-grown. Living soil cultivation occupies the ultra-premium craft tier.

Popcorn / Smalls

Smaller buds from the same plant, typically the lower canopy. Sold at a discount to full-sized flower. Identical cannabinoid and terpene profiles -- the difference is purely cosmetic (bud size and density). Popular value offering.

Shake / Trim

Loose leaf material that accumulates during processing. Lowest flower tier. Suitable for rolling joints or making edibles/extracts at home. Some dispensaries sell "shake bags" as a budget entry point.

Pre-Rolls

Treez category: Pre-Roll Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Pre-Rolls | Blaze: Pre-Rolls | Flowhub: Pre-Rolls | IndicaOnline: Preroll Standard formats/weights: 0.5g, 0.75g, 1g, 1.5g (individual); multi-packs by count (3-pack, 5-pack, 7-pack) Required attributes: strain, weight per unit, count (if multi-pack), THC%, classification Optional attributes: infused (yes/no), concentrate type if infused, wrap type

Pre-rolled cannabis joints ready to consume -- no grinding or rolling required. The fastest-growing flower-adjacent category, driven by convenience and the rise of infused pre-rolls that combine flower with concentrates or kief for elevated potency.

Subcategories

Singles

Individual pre-rolled joints, typically 0.5g to 1g. The standard grab-and-go purchase. Packaging ranges from simple tubes to branded boxes.

Multi-Packs

Packs of multiple joints (commonly 3, 5, or 7). Each joint is typically 0.5g. Often positioned as a value play or social/sharing format.

Infused Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls enhanced with concentrates (distillate, live resin, rosin), kief, or diamonds. Significantly higher potency than standard pre-rolls -- often 35-50%+ THC. Premium segment with higher margins. The infusion method and concentrate type are key differentiators.

Blunts

Cannabis rolled in tobacco leaf or hemp wraps. Larger format (1g-2g), slower burn. Hemp wraps are increasingly replacing tobacco wraps as health-conscious consumers shift away from nicotine.

Vapes

Treez category: Vaporizer Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Vape Pens | Blaze: Vapes | Flowhub: Cartridges | IndicaOnline: Vaporizer Standard formats/weights: 0.3g, 0.5g, 1g, 2g Required attributes: strain, weight, THC%, cart type (510/pod/disposable) Optional attributes: terpene profile, battery compatibility, live/cured, hardware brand

Vaporizer products heat cannabis oil to produce inhalable vapor without combustion. The category includes cartridges (which require a separate battery), pod systems (brand-specific batteries), and disposables (all-in-one units). Vapes are the second-largest category by revenue in most markets, driven by convenience, discretion, and consistent dosing.

Subcategories

510 Cartridges

Standard 510-thread cartridges compatible with any 510 battery -- the universal vape format. Available in 0.5g and 1g sizes. Fill types include distillate, live resin, live rosin, and full-spectrum oil. The 510 standard ensures cross-brand compatibility, making it the most consumer-friendly format.

Pod Systems

Proprietary pod cartridges designed for brand-specific batteries (Pax Era, Stiiizy, LIIIL, and others). Better leak resistance and more consistent heating than 510 carts, but locked into a single ecosystem. Battery and pod must match brands.

Disposables

All-in-one vape pens with built-in battery and pre-filled oil. No charging or cartridge swapping needed -- use until empty and discard. Available in 0.3g through 2g sizes. Growing market share due to zero-maintenance convenience. Increasingly available in live resin and live rosin fills.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Devices that heat ground flower to vaporization temperature without combustion. Portable units (Pax, DaVinci, Mighty) and desktop units (Volcano, Arizer). Classified as accessories in most POS systems -- not a consumable product.

Concentrates

Treez category: Concentrate Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Concentrates | Blaze: Concentrates | Flowhub: Concentrates | IndicaOnline: Extract Standard formats/weights: 0.5g, 1g, 2g, 3.5g Required attributes: strain, weight, THC%, concentrate type, extraction method Optional attributes: solvent/solventless, live/cured, terpene %, starting material

Cannabis extracts produced by separating trichomes and cannabinoids from plant material through various extraction methods. Concentrates deliver significantly higher potency than flower (60-99% THC vs 15-30%) and come in a wide range of textures and forms. The category divides into two fundamental branches: solvent-based extraction (using chemical solvents like butane or CO2) and solventless extraction (using only heat, pressure, water, or mechanical agitation).

For detailed extraction method breakdowns, quality indicators, and market trend analysis, see concentrates-extraction.md.

Solvent-Based Concentrates

Produced using chemical solvents (butane, propane, CO2, ethanol) to dissolve and extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. The solvent is then purged from the final product. Solvent-based methods dominate commercial production due to efficiency and scalability.

Shatter

Glass-like, brittle, translucent concentrate. Snaps when bent. THC range: 70-90%. One of the original concentrate forms, known for visual clarity and stability. Consumed via dab rig, e-nail, or nectar collector.

Wax

Soft, opaque, malleable concentrate with a waxy consistency. THC range: 60-80%. Easy to handle and portion. Consumed via dab rig or vape pen with concentrate chamber.

Budder / Badder / Batter

Creamy, butter-like concentrate with a smooth, whipped texture. THC range: 70-90%. Created by whipping during the purging process. The three names (budder, badder, batter) describe the same general texture with minor consistency variations.

Crumble

Dry, honeycomb-textured concentrate that crumbles when handled. THC range: 60-80%. Versatile -- can be dabbed, sprinkled on flower in a bowl, or added to a joint.

Sugar

Wet, granular, crystalline concentrate resembling wet sugar. THC range: 70-85%. The crystal structure forms naturally during extraction when THCA begins to separate from the terpene-rich liquid.

Live Resin

Made from fresh-frozen plant material (never dried or cured), preserving the full terpene profile. THC range: 65-95%. Available in multiple textures (sugar, badder, sauce). The "live" designation indicates the starting material was fresh-frozen at harvest. Premium positioning driven by superior flavor and aroma.

Sauce

Liquid, viscous, terpene-rich concentrate. THC range: 60-80% with exceptionally high terpene content (often 10%+). Prized for flavor. Often contains small THCA crystals suspended in terpene sauce. Consumed via dab rig at low temperatures to preserve terpenes.

Diamonds / THCA Crystalline

Crystalline THCA formations -- the purest form of cannabis concentrate at 90-99% THCA. Diamonds form through a slow crystallization process during extraction. Often sold in sauce (diamonds + terpene-rich liquid) for a combination of potency and flavor. Pure diamonds are nearly flavorless without accompanying terpenes.

Distillate

Highly refined cannabis oil with 85-99% THC. Produced through short-path distillation that strips away all plant material, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. Clear, viscous oil used primarily as vape cartridge fill and edible ingredient. Botanical or cannabis-derived terpenes are sometimes re-added for flavor.

RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

Dark, thick, full-spectrum cannabis oil produced via ethanol extraction. THC range: 60-90%. Retains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. Consumed orally (in capsules, on food, or sublingually) or applied topically. Named after Rick Simpson, who popularized the extraction method for medical use.

Solventless Concentrates

Produced without chemical solvents -- using only mechanical agitation, water, heat, and/or pressure. The solventless category commands premium positioning driven by consumer perception of purity and craft quality.

Hash (Dry Sift)

The oldest cannabis concentrate -- trichome crystals mechanically separated from flower by sifting through progressively finer micron screens. Product forms include loose kief and pressed hash bricks. THC range: 30-60%. Quality depends on screen micron size and starting material quality.

Bubble Hash / Ice Water Hash

Trichomes separated from plant material through ice water agitation and filtered through a series of micron bags. Quality is graded on a 1-6 star rating system:

  • 1-2 star: Cooking/edible grade. Does not melt cleanly. Contains significant plant material.
  • 3-4 star: Half-melt. Partially melts when dabbed. Suitable for pressing into rosin or smoking.
  • 5 star: Near full-melt. Melts almost completely with minimal residue. Dabbable.
  • 6 star: Full-melt. Melts completely into a clean oil puddle with zero residue. The highest grade, dabbable, and commands premium positioning. Requires exceptional starting material and precise wash technique.

THC range: 50-80%. Quality depends heavily on starting material (fresh-frozen preferred for live bubble hash) and wash technique.

Rosin

Solventless concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis material. Zero chemical solvents involved. The quality hierarchy:

  • Flower rosin: Pressed directly from dried flower. Lower quality tier -- contains more plant lipids and fats. Darker color.
  • Hash rosin: Pressed from bubble hash (typically 4-6 star). Higher quality -- cleaner, lighter color, better flavor. The standard for premium solventless.
  • Live rosin: Hash rosin made from fresh-frozen starting material (live bubble hash pressed into rosin). The highest quality tier in the entire concentrate category. Full terpene preservation from fresh-frozen material combined with the purity of solventless extraction.

THC range: 60-80%.

Rosin Forms

Rosin is sold in several textures, each achieved through different post-press processing:

  • Fresh press: Rosin immediately after pressing, before any curing. Translucent, sap-like consistency. Sold as-is for maximum terpene expression.
  • Badder / Batter: Whipped rosin with a creamy, frosting-like texture. Created by mechanical agitation after pressing.
  • Jam: Semi-liquid, marmalade-like consistency. Rich terpene content gives it a wet, saucy texture.
  • Cold cure: Rosin sealed at room temperature or slightly below for days to weeks. Develops a butter-like consistency and enhanced flavor complexity through slow terpene interaction. Considered the premium rosin form by many connoisseurs.

Ingestibles

Edibles

Treez category: Edible Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Edibles | Blaze: Edibles | Flowhub: Edibles | IndicaOnline: Edible Standard formats/weights: Per-piece mg (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50mg THC); per-pack total (100, 200, 500mg THC) Required attributes: THC mg per piece, THC mg per package, servings count, edible type Optional attributes: CBD mg, onset type (fast-acting/standard), ingredients, allergens

Cannabis-infused food products metabolized through the digestive system. Edibles produce qualitatively different effects than inhalation due to hepatic first-pass metabolism -- the liver converts delta-9 THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is significantly more potent and produces longer-lasting, more body-focused effects. Onset is slower (30-120 minutes) but duration is extended (4-8+ hours).

Subcategories

Gummies

The dominant edible format -- cannabis-infused gummy candies. Standard packaging: 10-piece packs with 100mg total THC (10mg per piece). Available in indica, sativa, and hybrid formulations. Some brands offer nano-emulsified fast-acting gummies with 10-20 minute onset.

Chocolates

Cannabis-infused chocolate bars and truffles. Standard dosing: 100-200mg per bar, typically scored into 5-10mg pieces for easy portioning. Popular formats include dark, milk, and white chocolate with various flavor additions.

Baked Goods

Cannabis-infused cookies, brownies, and other baked items. Dosing ranges from 50-100mg per item, typically 10-25mg per piece. Less precise dosing than gummies or chocolates due to uneven distribution of cannabis oil in batter.

Hard Candies / Mints

Low-dose cannabis candies and mints. Standard dosing: 2.5-5mg per piece, 100mg per tin/pack. Popular as a discreet, microdose-friendly entry point. Lozenges dissolve slowly, providing partial sublingual absorption alongside standard oral metabolism.

Savory

Cannabis-infused savory snacks including chips, crackers, honey, and cooking oils. An emerging category with wide dosing variability. Represents a growing consumer segment seeking alternatives to sweet edibles.

Beverages

Treez category: Beverage Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Beverages | Blaze: Beverages/Drinks | Flowhub: Beverages | IndicaOnline: Beverage Standard formats/weights: Per-can/bottle mg (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 100mg THC) Required attributes: THC mg per unit, volume, beverage type Optional attributes: CBD mg, onset type (nano-emulsion), flavor, serving size

Cannabis-infused drinks -- the fastest-growing edible subcategory. Most beverages use nano-emulsion technology for faster onset (15-45 minutes vs 60-120 for standard edibles) and more predictable effects. Positioned as a social consumption format and alcohol alternative.

Subcategories

Ready-to-Drink

Pre-mixed cannabis beverages in cans or bottles. Common dose ranges from 2.5mg (microdose seltzers) to 100mg (high-dose elixirs). Seltzers, tonics, lemonades, and sodas are the dominant formats. Low-dose (2.5-5mg) beverages dominate the social/session segment.

Drink Mixes / Powders

Single-serve powder packets that dissolve in water or other beverages. Offer flexibility in dosing and drink choice. Typically nano-emulsified for fast onset. Portable and shelf-stable.

Shots

Small-format, high-dose concentrated cannabis beverages (typically 25-100mg in 2-4oz). Functional positioning -- energy, sleep, relaxation.

Tinctures

Treez category: Tincture Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Tinctures | Blaze: Tinctures | Flowhub: Tinctures | IndicaOnline: Tincture Standard formats/weights: Bottle volume (15ml, 30ml); total mg (150, 300, 500, 1000mg THC) Required attributes: THC mg total, CBD mg total, volume, ratio (THC:CBD) Optional attributes: carrier oil, dropper dosing (mg per ml), full/broad spectrum

Liquid cannabis extracts taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and beverages. Tinctures offer precise dosing via calibrated droppers and versatile consumption -- sublingual administration partially bypasses first-pass liver metabolism for faster onset than standard edibles. Available in a wide range of THC:CBD ratios (1:1, 2:1, 20:1, CBD-dominant, etc.).

Capsules / Softgels

Treez category: Capsule Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Capsules | Blaze: Capsules/Pills | Flowhub: Capsules | IndicaOnline: Capsule Standard formats/weights: Per-cap mg (5, 10, 25mg THC); per-bottle count (10, 30, 60ct) Required attributes: THC mg per cap, count, capsule type Optional attributes: CBD mg, formulation (RSO, distillate, full-spectrum), shell type (gel, vegan)

Cannabis-infused pills, tablets, and gel caps that provide the most precise and consistent oral dosing. Pharmacokinetics are similar to edibles (hepatic first-pass metabolism) but with more reliable per-dose accuracy. Popular among medical patients and consumers who prefer a familiar pill format. Formulations range from pure THC distillate to full-spectrum RSO capsules.

Sublinguals

Treez category: Tincture Cross-POS names: (typically grouped with tinctures across POS systems) Standard formats/weights: Strips (5-10mg per strip); tablets (2.5-10mg per tablet) Required attributes: THC mg per unit, count, format type Optional attributes: CBD mg, onset time, flavor

Dissolvable strips and tablets designed for sublingual (under-tongue) absorption. Faster onset than standard edibles (15-30 minutes) because cannabinoids absorb through oral mucous membranes, partially bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism. Discreet, precise dosing with no odor or preparation required.

Topicals

Treez category: Topical Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Topicals | Blaze: Topicals | Flowhub: Topicals | IndicaOnline: Topical Standard formats/weights: Product weight/volume (1oz, 2oz, 4oz); total mg (100, 200, 500mg THC) Required attributes: THC mg total, product type, volume/weight Optional attributes: CBD mg, application area, menthol/cooling, additional active ingredients

Cannabis-infused products applied externally to the skin. Standard topicals provide localized relief without systemic psychoactive effects -- cannabinoids interact with CB1/CB2 receptors in the skin without entering the bloodstream in significant quantities. The exception is transdermal patches, which are specifically designed for systemic absorption.

Lotions / Creams

Emulsified cannabis products with a smooth, spreadable consistency. Applied to skin for localized relief. THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors in the dermis. Common formulations include cooling (menthol), warming, and unscented varieties.

Balms / Salves

Thicker, wax-based cannabis preparations. Higher concentration of active ingredients per application area than lotions. Popular for targeted application to joints, muscles, and specific pain points. Often combined with other active botanicals (arnica, camphor, eucalyptus).

Transdermal Patches

Standard formats/weights: Per-patch dosing (10, 20, 40mg THC)

Adhesive patches designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream for systemic effects. Unlike standard topicals, transdermal patches DO produce psychoactive effects. Slow, steady release over 8-12 hours provides consistent dosing. Uses permeation enhancers to cross the dermal barrier.

Bath Products

Cannabis-infused bath bombs, salts, and soaks. Combine the topical benefits of cannabis with aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. Typically CBD-dominant formulations. Localized skin absorption during soaking -- minimal systemic effects.

Lubricants

Cannabis-infused personal lubricants designed for topical application to intimate areas. THC and CBD interact with local cannabinoid receptors. Effects are localized -- not systemically psychoactive. Available in oil-based and water-based formulations (oil-based not compatible with latex).

Accessories

Treez category: Accessory Cross-POS names: Dutchie: Gear/Accessories | Blaze: Accessories | Flowhub: Accessories | IndicaOnline: Merchandise Standard formats/weights: units (sold individually) Required attributes: accessory type, brand (if applicable) Optional attributes: compatibility (510 thread, brand-specific), color, material

Non-cannabis hardware and accessories sold alongside cannabis products. Many dispensaries carry a limited accessories selection focused on consumption devices. Not all POS systems track accessories with the same granularity as cannabis products.

Batteries

Vape pen batteries for use with 510 cartridges or brand-specific pods. 510-thread batteries are the universal standard. Variable-voltage batteries allow temperature adjustment for different oil viscosities. Brand-specific batteries (Pax Era, Stiiizy) only work with their corresponding pod cartridges.

Papers / Wraps

Rolling papers, hemp wraps, cones, and filter tips for hand-rolling or cone-stuffing. Paper sizes range from single-wide to king-size. Pre-rolled cones are increasingly popular for convenience.

Grinders, Pipes, Bongs

Glass pipes, water pipes (bongs), grinders, and other smoking accessories. Not typically managed as detailed catalog items in most POS systems -- often tracked as generic accessory SKUs rather than individual product entries.

Cross-POS Category Mapping Summary

The table below consolidates how each POS system names the standard cannabis product categories. These are the default category names each system ships with -- individual dispensaries may customize or rename categories. The migration tool handles variations via the alias system.

| Standard Name | Treez | Dutchie | Blaze | Flowhub | IndicaOnline | |---------------|-------|---------|-------|---------|--------------| | Flower | Flower | Flower | Flower | Flower | Flower | | Pre-Rolls | Pre-Roll | Pre-Rolls | Pre-Rolls | Pre-Rolls | Preroll | | Vape Cartridges | Vaporizer | Vape Pens | Vapes | Cartridges | Vaporizer | | Concentrates | Concentrate | Concentrates | Concentrates | Concentrates | Extract | | Edibles | Edible | Edibles | Edibles | Edibles | Edible | | Tinctures | Tincture | Tinctures | Tinctures | Tinctures | Tincture | | Topicals | Topical | Topicals | Topicals | Topicals | Topical | | Capsules | Capsule | Capsules | Capsules/Pills | Capsules | Capsule | | Beverages | Beverage | Beverages | Beverages/Drinks | Beverages | Beverage | | Accessories | Accessory | Gear/Accessories | Accessories | Accessories | Merchandise |

Confidence note: These mappings represent default POS configurations. All major POS systems allow dispensaries to create custom category names, rename defaults, and add subcategories. During migrations, always verify the source dispensary's actual category names against these defaults and use fuzzy matching / alias lookup for non-standard names.