Indian hemp

noun

1. a North American dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum, having erect clusters of greenish-white flowers and a root with laxative and emetic properties.
2. hemp ( def 1 ).

Indian hemp

noun

1. another name for hemp, esp the variety Cannabis indica, from which several narcotic drugs are obtained
2. Also calleddogbane a perennial American apocynaceous plant, Apocynum cannabinum, whose fibre was formerly used by the Indians to make rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian hemp¹

An Americanism dating back to 1610–20

Example Sentences

His group built a shed to mark its territory and had a reputation — they smoked cigarettes and Indian hemp.

From New York Times

“In no one case to which I have administered Indian hemp, have I witnessed any such results.”

From Science Magazine

Addressing the society, Hooke described it as “so like to hemp ... that it may be said to be only Indian hemp”.

From Nature

After weeks of monotonous green, the leaves of common milkweed and Indian hemp have taken on a soft, lemony complexion.

From New York Times

It has been suggested that the incoordination of nervous action under the influence of Indian hemp may be due to independent and non-concerted action on the part of the two halves of the cerebrum.

From Project Gutenberg