cannabis

noun

can·​na·​bis ˈka-nə-bəs How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His has recorded and toured incessantly since the ‘60s and his name can also be found in film credits, on book jackets and now on a line of cannabis products. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026 San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson fielded wide-ranging questions from residents about libraries, cannabis programs, data centers and social programs during a community town hall on Saturday at San Diego Oasis in Rancho Bernardo. — Amy Stark Shireman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Early last year, The Artist Tree launched its Compassion Program at its West Hollywood, Fresno and Laguna Woods stores to help medical cannabis patients in need. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cannabis

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannabis was in 1783

Phrases Containing cannabis

Browse Nearby Words

cannabinol
cannabis
cannabis indica
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cannabis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabis. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cannabis

noun
can·​na·​bis ˈkan-ə-bəs How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cannabis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cannabis

Nglish: Translation of cannabis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cannabis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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