cannabis
Americannoun
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a plant of the genus Cannabis, most notably hemp, C. sativa .
They live where the cannabis grows wild, like an aggressive weed.
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any of the various parts of the plant, especially the leaves and flowering tops of C. sativa , from which hashish, marijuana, bhang, and similar mildly euphorigenic and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared.
The legality of possessing cannabis varies state by state.
noun
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the hemp plant, esp Indian hemp ( Cannabis indica ) See hemp
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the drug obtained from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, which is smoked or chewed for its psychoactive properties. It produces euphoria and relaxation; repeated use may lead to psychological dependence See also cannabin hashish marijuana bhang
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cannabis
First recorded in 1790–1800; from New Latin, from Latin: literally, “hemp,” from Greek kánnabis; see origin at hemp
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hunter also called the lobbying a “sign of maturity” for the industry, which is a sentiment shared by other hemp and cannabis businesspeople interviewed by Salon.
From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2026
Mr. Sabet’s outfit made these arguments during two weeks of hearings before the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is considering whether to move cannabis to Schedule III from Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
The judge noted that any exemption permitting the use of cannabis for religious purposes would require a sound constitutional and legal foundation.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that GLP-1 medications were associated with lower risks of developing substance use disorders involving alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and other substances.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 3, 2026
How to Remove a Wart From the Hand.—Take of salicylic acid, 30 grains; ext. cannabis indic.,
From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Burroughs, Barkham
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
