marijuana

Sometimes ma·ri·hua·na

[mar-uh-wah-nuh]

noun

1. a psychoactive narcotic drug rendered from the leaves and flowering tops of a cannabis plant, especially Cannabis sativa, used for recreational or medical purposes by smoking, vaping, or ingesting.

   He’s tried marijuana but claims it has no effect on him.

2. the dried leaves and flowering tops from which the drug is rendered.

   Her personal stash of marijuana is rarely more than an ounce or two.

3. any plant of the genus Cannabis, especially C. sativa, whose leaves and flowering tops have psychoactive properties.

   several acres of cultivated marijuana.

marijuana

/ ˌmærɪˈhwɑːnə /

noun

1. the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, used for its euphoric effects, esp in the form of cigarettes See also cannabis

2. another name for hemp

Word History and Origins

Origin of marijuana¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; from Mexican Spanish marihuana, mariguana; the traditional association with the personal name María Juana is probably a folk etymology

Word History and Origins

Origin of marijuana¹

C19: from Mexican Spanish

Example Sentences

They performed at several benefit shows as well, including concerts for the victims of the Attica prison riots and for John Sinclair, a Michigan activist jailed for marijuana possession.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

How much social and public-health damage will Americans suffer before doing a U-turn on marijuana promotion?

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The smell of pepper spray and marijuana was pervasive.

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On the alleged syndicate members they arrested, police said they found 25 sachets of marijuana and six ecstasy pills.

Read more on BBC

Residents also warn visitors to be wary of danger: Since the fire, illegal marijuana grows, long a presence here, have multiplied and marched across the landscape, sometimes protected by armed lookouts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bhang 
• cannabis 
• dope 
• hashish 
• hemp 
• herb 
• tea