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

Studies have traditionally been limited in part because cannabis is classified by the federal government as a Schedule 1 drug in the United States. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Woody Harrelson took the stage shortly after to share his memories of Redford while wearing not a cowboy hat but a baseball hat with a cannabis leaf embroidered on it. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

With the closing of the application period at the end of 2025, a total of 98 entities submitted applications for Rhode Island's 24 cannabis dispensary licenses. —Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Officers smelled marijuana in her vehicle and then found the 31-pound cannabis cargo. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Jan. 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