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

There's also been a considerable increase in the number of cannabis flowers growing in the system in the last year. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

The City Council acknowledged the harm, apologized and committed $20 million collected from the city's tax on cannabis sales and real estate transfers to pay reparations of $25,000 per person. — Adrian Florido, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026

Earlier Instagram Stories suggested the restaurant was hosting an event for cannabis brand Jeeter. — Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026

As legalization makes more edibles and other cannabis products available, young children are more likely to find and consume them in their own homes. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 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