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