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

Khalifa, on the other hand, is not typically subject to restrictions around his cannabis consumption. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024

Washington's system for tracking cannabis from seed to sale still doesn't work properly, 12 years after the statewide vote to legalize the drug, according to a new state audit. —Axios Seattle, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

The new outpost is likely to attract travelers as well as South Bay cannabis consumers like Milne, who had driven from Torrance and made the trek to the new location in about 15 minutes. —Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

Those with cannabis use disorder reported more sleep problems compared to the other group. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 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