cannabis

noun

can·​na·​bis ˈka-nə-bəs How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
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

Examples of cannabis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Parenting is a hard gig, and for many, relaxing with cannabis has become as normalized as drinking alcohol. Sarah Cottrell, Parents, 12 Sep. 2023 The city of West Hollywood launched its own cannabis lounge program in 2018 with a limited number of licenses. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023 Delta-8 is produced in the cannabis plant through a process called biosynthesis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023 The smell of illicit marijuana typically floats through crowds at rock and rap concerts, but this weekend will mark a new experience in Illinois: a cannabis concert where smoking weed is legal. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 Thousands of Stop & Shop workers in Massachusetts have long been organized, and growers and trimmers at the Pittsfield cannabis company Berkshire Roots joined a union in 2020. Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2023 And with the growing number of states starting medicinal or recreational cannabis programs, the chasm between state and federal regulation is growing. Theara Coleman, The Week, 7 Sep. 2023 The city, home to the most dispensaries in the state of Michigan, recently announced that cannabis shops can stay open later than ever before. Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press, 7 Sep. 2023 Patients who receive a medical cannabis card from a doctor will be able to buy the products at licensed dispensaries. Mike Cason | McAson@al.com, al, 6 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cannabis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannabis was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near cannabis

Cite this Entry

“Cannabis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabis. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

cannabis

noun
can·​na·​bis ˈkan-ə-bəs How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cannabis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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