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

The program is funded by the city of Sacramento through a 2022 bond measure which requires that the city spend 40% of its local cannabis tax revenues on child and youth services. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The communities were early proponents of solar power, too, for their homes and greenhouses, as well as cannabis farming. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

The nondescript door on Eighth Avenue is flanked by a liquor store and a cannabis dispensary, and the lobby has no directory. — Gabe Kirchheimer, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026

The village’s tax on cannabis products was 2% last year but increased to 3% this year. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 24 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