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.
Some former law enforcement officers and military veterans are trading their careers protecting communities for new roles transporting cannabis products. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Four conversations in which Lucas allegedly discussed her cannabis business included one or more unindicted colleagues between 2022 and March, according to the federal grand jury indictment of Lucas announced Thursday. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2026 The researchers did not assess parenting quality or childrenâs health, and the findings do not establish that parental cannabis use causes adverse child outcomes. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Faced with declining revenue on untaxed cigarette sales, a traditionally reliable source of income, the tribe has diversified into cannabis dispensaries, music festivals and rodeos. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 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

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 29 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cannabis

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