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

Deputies said the charges varied between the two but included violations of the Water Code and Fish and Game Codes while growing cannabis. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026

Willie Nelson preaching the health benefits of cannabis in the seventies as Nixon declared the War on Drugs. —Philip Wolf, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026

Councilmember Rick Robinson said tax revenue expected from some of the cannabis business opening in the city might be a source of money for the station in the future. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026

Most importantly for medical cannabis users, the bill would allow any licensed dispensary to sell what’s designated as medical cannabis, which is not subject to the same high retail taxes as recreational weed. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 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