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

To make a cannabis edible or vape taste like a candy cane or a cherry pie, custom terpenes and flavorants need to be added back in. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The industry has boomed since the legalization of hemp, which like marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, but lacks regulation. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025

Since 2018, Oceanside’s City Council has taken a number of steps to authorize various types of cannabis businesses. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Ava’s cannabis use is presented as part of her lifestyle, contributing to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something writer. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 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