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

From July 1, cannabis will be available in licensed not-for-profit clubs with no more than 500 members – all of whom would have to be adults. —Jack Guy, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024

Wine, once the height of boomer culture and conspicuous consumption, has lost its cool among young, more frugal and health-conscious potential customers, many of whom prefer cannabis over Cabernet, experts say. —Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

Your Highness cannabis is as prevalent as its clothing. —Lindsey Bartlett, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

While folks prepare for April's solar event, cannabis enthusiasts look forward to this year's festivities landing on a palindrome on April 20, 2024. —The Arizona Republic, 28 Mar. 2024

This season builds to their biggest day of the year — 4.20 — as the gang attempts to expand nationwide and release their own top-shelf cannabis brand. —Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024

What This Means For You Daily cannabis use—regardless of method of consumption—has been linked to heart problems. —Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024

The results illuminate heated local debates over where cannabis businesses can open up shop. —Scott Clement, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024

Despite federal laws outlawing marijuana, Washington has largely allowed more than 30 states to legalize and regulate medical or recreational cannabis, for example. —Jack Healy, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024

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