cannabis /ˈkænəbɪs/

noun

Origin

From Latin cannabis, from Ancient Greek kánnabis, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European kanap- (hemp)

Meanings

1. A tall plant (Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica) with serrated leaves, used to produce hemp fiber and as a psychoactive drug
2. A psychoactive drug derived from the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, commonly known as marijuana or pot (informal)

Example Sentences

• The government has strict regulations on cannabis cultivation.
• Medical cannabis is now legal in many countries for treating various conditions.
• Scientists are studying the effects of cannabis on chronic pain management.

Related Words

• Forms:

  • plural: cannabises
  • adjective: cannabic
  • compounds: cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD)

• Synonyms:

  • marijuana
  • hemp (when referring to industrial use)
  • pot (informal)
  • weed (slang)

Memory Tricks

• Think "CAN-na-bis" - it CAN be used as medicine, but it's BISness (business) is regulated
• Remember its distinctive leaf shape with typically 5-7 pointed leaflets, forming a fan-like pattern
• Link to the word "canvas" (historically made from hemp, a variety of cannabis)

Usage Notes

• Often used in medical and scientific contexts
• Term "marijuana" is more common in casual usage
• Legal status varies by country and region
• Used both medicinally and recreationally