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

Interestingly, the teens who documented close relationships with their mothers who used cannabis had more positive attitudes about the drug. —Sarah Bregel, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024

And overall, 18 million Americans now show signs of a cannabis substance use disorder. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Two more former Southern California city officials have admitted to participating in a cannabis corruption ring in which bribes were funneled to a Baldwin Park City Council member in exchange for his influence in obtaining marijuana business permits. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024

Watch: Cannabis room shakes as magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes California Another video from California shows plants and overhead lights in a cannabis grow room rattle as the magnitude 7.0 quake strikes. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 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