cannabis

noun

can·​na·​bis ˈka-nə-bəs 

1

: a tall Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough fiber and is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica) : hemp sense 1a

—used especially for cultivated varieties having high levels of THC

2

a

: the psychoactive dried flower buds, leaves, or preparations (such as hashish) or chemicals (such as THC) that are derived from the cannabis plant

especially : marijuana

b

: cannabinoid

Examples of cannabis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis, with the side effect linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026

Using ancestral sequence reconstruction, which reconstructs ancient proteins from modern genetic data, the team resurrected cannabinoid-producing enzymes from early cannabis ancestors. —New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2026

City council members heard a proposal Monday night to modify the section of the Independence City Code restricting and criminalizing the ways that residents purchase, transport and consume cannabis. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2026

The bill proposes creating a new section of the state constitution that would allow anyone over the age of 21 to possess, use, buy or sell one ounce or less of cannabis. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, hemp, from Greek kannabis; akin to Old English hænep hemp

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cannabis

• medical cannabis

Kids Definition

cannabis

noun

can·​na·​bis ˈkan-ə-bəs 

: hemp sense 1

also : a preparation (as marijuana) made from hemp and affecting the mind

Medical Definition

cannabis

noun

can·​na·​bis ˈkan-ə-bəs 

1

: a tall Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough fiber and is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica) : hemp sense 1

—used especially for cultivated varieties having high levels of THC

2

: the psychoactive dried flower buds, leaves, or preparations (as hashish) or chemicals (as THC) that are derived from the cannabis plant

especially : marijuana