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 his place is a campaign targeting cannabis fans celebrating 4/20, the unofficial national holiday for cannabis culture. —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Not all cannabis strains are suitable for these extraction methods, and yields can vary accordingly. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025

A little more than 24 hours earlier, Robert Caudle, 20, of Champaign, was taken into custody April 2 outside Topgolf on one count each of felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and misdemeanor unlawful possession of cannabis. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Medical cannabis is an alternative treatment that may benefit some veterans. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

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