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 this case, the money is generated entirely by the licensed cannabis industry — from retail taxes of up to 25%, and license fees reaching $60,000 every two years for a dispensary, and $100,000 every two years for a full-size cultivation license. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Colorado was the first to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 and paved the way in terms of figuring out how to regulate a state-legal but federally-illicit substance. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026

The owner of the SPARC cannabis company began growing medical marijuana on the down-low in 1998. —John Ramos, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

The day’s coverage also hit cannabis laws, a Wahooz expansion, a building renaming and a basketball transfer. —Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 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