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

In 2020, the City Council agreed to allow recreational cannabis businesses and approved the first delivery-only retail sales. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Brian Vicente, founding partner at cannabis law firm Vicente LLP and one of the architects of the bill, expects drink manufacturers to offer even lower doses, such as 3 to 5 milligrams per serving. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026

The rope from outside was wrapped in duct tape, packed with pieces of paper covered in synthetic cannabis, more than 100 strips of buprenorphine, about 27 bags of marijuana, wrapping paper, more than 400 cigarettes, two lighters, a scalpel and a cellphone charging cord and plug. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026

New Texas state regulations around smokable cannabis products will take effect on March 31. —Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 27 Mar. 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