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

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.
He has also been charged with cultivating a cannabis plant and possession of the drug, according to court documents shared with AFP. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Brands are now repurposing the same under-the-lip delivery system for caffeine, cannabis, vitamins and melatonin, with nootropic pouches sitting at the newest edge of that shift. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Most recently, Brady served as SVP of Communications and Social Impact at cannabis company Green Thumb Industries. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 Many cannabis companies paid tax on gross profit rather than net profit, creating chronic cash-flow pressure. — Carolyn Schenck, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cannabis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabis. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

cannabis

noun
: hemp sense 1
also : a preparation (as marijuana) made from hemp and affecting the mind

Medical Definition

cannabis

noun
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

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