cannabis

noun

can·na·bis | \ ˈka-nə-bəs

Definition of cannabis

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

2a : 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

Skokie, was cited for possession of cannabis in the 2500 block of Dempster St. on June 10. — Brian L. Cox, chicagotribune.com, "Blotter: 3 vehicles reported stolen in Evanston," 17 June 2019 The bill allows adults aged 21 and over to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis, with nonresidents allowed to possess up to half the amount of state residents. — Michael Smith, USA TODAY, "After Illinois, these states could legalize recreational marijuana next," 14 June 2019 Under Ohio law, possession of less than 100 grams of cannabis is a minor misdemeanor punishable by a $150 fine. — Julia Starostina, Cincinnati.com, "'I don't think it's a great idea.' Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine not a fan of Cincinnati's marijuana decriminalization," 13 June 2019 After the stop, police allege a strong odor of cannabis was detected. — Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, "Police: Motorists cited for DUI and cannabis possession on Deerfield roadways," 13 June 2019 Medical cardholders, for example, used to buy gummies or chocolate bars infused with 400 mg of THC, the high-inducing element of cannabis. — Anchorage Daily News, "Analysis: Medical pot takes hit when weed legal for all," 11 June 2019 Among the 75 or so companies that won permits in Pennsylvania, several still haven’t grown or sold a single gram of cannabis. — Sam Wood, https://www.inquirer.com, "Big marijuana firms are ‘rolling up’ local dispensaries and growers, skirting Pennsylvania’s laws," 4 June 2019 Most Read Business Stories He’s been fighting to make Colorado’s cannabis industry more accessible to people with drug convictions and entrepreneurs of modest means. — Jennifer Peltz, The Seattle Times, "Pot ‘legalization 2.0’: Social equity becomes a key question," 20 May 2019 Recreational cannabis is also legal in eight other U.S. states—Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—and Washington D.C. — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "LAX Lets Travelers Bring Marijuana in a Carry-On," 3 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cannabis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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24 Jun 2019

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The first known use of cannabis was in 1783

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More Definitions for cannabis

cannabis

noun

can·na·bis | \ ˈkan-ə-bəs

Medical Definition of cannabis

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