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

The cannabis program, which is still being developed, would help people disproportionately affected by the war on drugs open dispensaries. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024

Assuming that reform moves at a comparable speed to cannabis, researchers have estimated that 25 states could legalize psychedelics in the next decade or so. —Jane C. Hu, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024

These two strains of cannabis either relax or heighten your sense of arousal. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

The drugs Prince Harry admitted to using that spurred this moral outrage are widely consumed in America — cannabis (42.3 million), hallucinogens (2.3 million), and cocaine (2.0 million). —Giorgi Minasovi and Jonathan Jk Stoltman, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

Smoking cannabis in public may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 for a first-time offense. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 5 Apr. 2024

The cannabis producer in 2022 announced an agreement with Circle K to rent space at some of the gas station’s Florida stores to open RISE Express dispensaries, with plans to sell cannabis products. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

John Sinclair — the celebrated counterculture icon, poet, and political activist who advocated for cannabis and rock & roll and managed the MC5 — died on Tuesday at the age of 82. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2024

From July 1, cannabis will be available in licensed not-for-profit clubs with no more than 500 members – all of whom would have to be adults. —Jack Guy, CNN, 1 Apr. 2024

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