cannabis

[ kan-uh-bis ]

noun

1. a plant of the genus Cannabis, most notably hemp, C. sativa :

   They live where the cannabis grows wild, like an aggressive weed.

2. any of the various parts of the plant, especially the leaves and flowering tops of C. sativa , from which hashish, marijuana, bhang, and similar mildly euphorigenic and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared:

   The legality of possessing cannabis varies state by state.

3. marijuana ( def 1 ).

cannabis

/ ˈkænəbɪs /

noun

1. the hemp plant, esp Indian hemp ( Cannabis indica ) See hemp
2. the drug obtained from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which is smoked or chewed for its psychoactive properties. It produces euphoria and relaxation; repeated use may lead to psychological dependence See also cannabin hashish marijuana bhang

Derived Forms

• ˈcannabic, adjective

Other Words From

• can·na·bic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannabis¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; from New Latin, from Latin: literally, “hemp,” from Greek kánnabis; hemp

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannabis¹

C18: from Latin, from Greek kannabis; see hemp

Example Sentences

At the time, Rios and Rodriguez were among hundreds of residents who opposed an ordinance that would allow cannabis retailers to operate in the city.

From Los Angeles Times

Rodriguez accused cannabis interest groups of targeting Rios because he’s spoken against them and because at least one of their candidates lost the election.

From Los Angeles Times

Lee Davis was a prison officer from 2006 until 2010, during which time he regularly supplied cannabis, steroids and phones to inmates, getting paid £400-500 for every package he delivered.

From BBC

Matarico is also accused of giving cannabis to the boy.

From Los Angeles Times

She said her mother was smoking cannabis, not feeding her, leaving her alone with another child and burning her with a lighter.

From BBC

Related Words

• bhang
• hashish
• hemp
• pot
• tea