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

By Terry Hacienda, The Fresh Toast The Voice Of America has helped mainstream cannabis by sharing the health benefits Another federal agency helps cannabis. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2025

In an 84-6 vote, the Iowa House voted to create a Psilocybin Production Establishment Licensing Board that would be housed in the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, similar to the Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board that oversees Iowa’s medical cannabis program. —Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025

Connecticut was the 17th state to join the country-wide movement to legalize cannabis in 2012. —David Goldburg, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025

Smoking weed and ingesting cannabis also have varying effects on your health. —Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 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