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

Colorado’s laws against driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis also apply to natural psychedelics and synthetics such as LSD. —Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026

In 2021, Parnas was convicted of federal campaign finance violations tied to a scheme to trade political contributions for support for a cannabis company and was sentenced to 20 months in prison. —Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

The Forest Lake City Council in October increased the cap on the number of cannabis retail locations allowed in the city from two to three, and the city has issued three interim-use permits. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026

Archos, who grew up in the family restaurant business, had already opened several successful Wildberry Pancake and Cafe locations in Chicago and the suburbs, and was convinced his hospitality experience would serve him well in the nascent cannabis industry. —Chicago Tribune, 9 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