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

For Trump Peter Barsoom, founder and CEO of cannabis edibles brand 1906, says that Steube’s bill would benefit consumers as well as regulated cannabis companies. —A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Magu, the Chinese deity and mythological Goddess of cannabis, is a woman for a reason. —Lindsey Bartlett, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025

Reema Khairallah, 22, Burbank, was arrested Aug. 10 and accused of delivery/manufacture cannabis during a crash investigation in the 11100 block of Southwest Highway, police said. —Dennis Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

The term legally refers to cannabis that has more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 13 Aug. 2025

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