Quick answer: “Za” (short for “exotic za”, from “zaza”) means top-quality, exotic flower. “Gas” means flower with a strong fuel smell, or just great flower. “Loud” means a strong smell. “Mids” is middle-grade flower, and “boof” means low-quality flower.
Weed slang glossary
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Za / zaza | Top-shelf, exotic flower with big smell and bag appeal |
| Exotic | Rare or trendy genetics, usually with unusual flavors or colors |
| Gas | A fuel or diesel smell; also slang for great flower |
| Loud | Flower with a smell you notice across the room |
| Dank | Strong-smelling, good-quality flower |
| Top shelf | The best flower a shop sells |
| Mids | Middle-grade flower: fine, not special |
| Boof | Low-quality flower: dry, weak smell, poor trim |
| Smalls / popcorn | Small buds from the lower part of the plant |
| Shake | Loose pieces that broke off buds |
| 420 friendly | Open to cannabis use; someone or somewhere that is fine with it |
What is za?
Za comes from “zaza”, a word that spread through rap lyrics and social media around 2020. It means flower that stands out: dense, frosty, colorful buds with a loud smell. Today “za” and “exotic” are used almost the same way.
What makes flower exotic?
- Genetics: newer crosses, often candy, dessert or gas flavors.
- Bag appeal: heavy trichome coverage, deep greens and purples, tight trim.
- Terpenes: a strong, unusual smell when you open the bag.
Strains like Gelato 41, Moonbow and Hella Jelly fit the exotic profile. Browse our THCA flower for sale to see what’s in stock.
What are gas strains?
Gas strains smell like fuel, diesel or even a fresh-paved road. That profile usually comes from OG Kush, Chemdawg and Sour Diesel family trees. Mule Fuel, Jet Fuel and Garlic Breath are gas-forward strains we carry. Many people also use “gas” to mean any excellent flower.
Mids and boof: what they mean
Mids are average: they smoke fine but don’t wow anyone. Boof is the bottom: dry, harsh, weak smell. One exception is our Super Boof crumble. Super Boof is a strain name (Tropicana Cookies x Black Cherry Punch), not a quality grade.
Value flower isn’t the same as boof. A budget strain with a good cure and a current lab report can be a great everyday smoke. Our THCA flower clearance page lists the best values we have right now.
What does 420 friendly mean?
“420 friendly” means someone, or somewhere, is fine with cannabis. You will see it on dating profiles, roommate ads and rental listings. A 420-friendly roommate won’t mind if you smoke, and a 420-friendly rental allows cannabis use, though often only outside or in certain areas.
It doesn’t always mean “smoke anywhere.” Hotels and rentals that say 420 friendly may still ban smoking indoors. Always ask what is allowed.
Where does 420 come from?
The most widely accepted story goes back to a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, in 1971. They called themselves the Waldos and met at 4:20 p.m. to search for a rumored abandoned cannabis crop. “420” became their code word, spread through Grateful Dead fan circles, and is now known worldwide. April 20 (4/20) is the unofficial cannabis holiday.
How to judge quality yourself
- Look: visible trichomes, good trim, no brown or gray spots.
- Smell: a clear strain aroma. Musty or hay-like is a bad sign.
- Feel: a little sticky, springs back, breaks without turning to dust.
- Lab report: THCA % and safety panels on a recent COA.
For the warning signs, read how to tell if weed is moldy.
FAQ
What does “za” mean in weed?
Top-quality, exotic flower.
Is gas weed good?
In slang, yes. “Gas” means great flower or a fuel-heavy smell, often both.
What’s the difference between mids and boof?
Mids are average. Boof is below average.
Is exotic flower stronger?
Not always. Exotic is about genetics and looks. Strength shows on the lab report.
What does 420 friendly mean?
It means a person or place is fine with cannabis use. Ask what is allowed, since many 420-friendly rentals still ban smoking indoors.
