medical marijuana

noun

variants or less commonly medical cannabis

: marijuana that is available only by prescription and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions (such as pain, anxiety, nausea, and glaucoma)

In the 14 states that allow medical marijuana, middle-aged baby boomers talk quite freely about filling their prescriptions at the local dispensary (of which there are nearly 1,400 in California alone).

—Eve Conant

also : any of various substances (such as cannabidiol) extracted from marijuana and used similarly

Examples of medical marijuana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fourteen more states allow it for medical purposes, including Kentucky, where medical marijuana legislation that passed last year will take effect in 2025. —Gene Johnson, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

Critics say the measure is driven by medical marijuana operators that want less competition if recreational marijuana is approved, according to Health News Florida. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2024

The same lawmakers who could not even agree on a highly restrictive medical marijuana proposal earlier this year have made no moves to rein in an essentially identical product. —John Diedrich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Ashley Okwuosa, The Examination | Amy Yurkanin, Al.com, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

However, the Lone Star State does allow for medical marijuana consumption on numerous aliments and illnesses. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024

People with medical marijuana cards can purchase up to 6 ounces within a 30-day period. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024

Michigan's cannabis industry sold $3 billion in both recreational and medical marijuana in 2023, making the state the second biggest cannabis market in the U.S. behind only California. —Detroit Free Press, 9 Feb. 2024

In April 2006, Lynch opened a medical marijuana dispensary in the seaside city of Morro Bay. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024

Nationwide, 23 states, two territories and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while 37 states and two more territories allow medical marijuana. —Daniella Silva, NBC News, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

medical marijuana

noun

variants also medical cannabis

: marijuana that is available only by prescription and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions (as pain, anxiety, nausea, and glaucoma)

also : any of various substances (as cannabidiol) extracted from marijuana and used similarly