cannabis
noun
can·na·bis
ˈka-nə-bəs 
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
Examples of cannabis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many in town say the struggle to transform Scotia mirrors a larger struggle in Humboldt County, which has been rocked, first by the faltering of its logging industry and more recently by the collapse of its cannabis economy.
—
Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
The highs and lows of industrial hemp The fate of industrial hemp in Sutter County rocked back and forth throughout the past year, from a temporary ban, to a partial resumption, then ultimately an outright prohibition of the cannabis-adjacent crop officials decided brought more trouble than worth.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
One recent study found that heavy cannabis use might’ve contributed to 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men in recent years.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
His signature cannabis law has yet to deliver the avalanche of investment and exports its backers promised.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannabis
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Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
The highs and lows of industrial hemp The fate of industrial hemp in Sutter County rocked back and forth throughout the past year, from a temporary ban, to a partial resumption, then ultimately an outright prohibition of the cannabis-adjacent crop officials decided brought more trouble than worth.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
One recent study found that heavy cannabis use might’ve contributed to 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men in recent years.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
His signature cannabis law has yet to deliver the avalanche of investment and exports its backers promised.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannabis
Cite this Entry
“Cannabis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabis. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cannabis
noun
can·na·bis
ˈkan-ə-bəs
: 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
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
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