# cannabis

/ˈkænəbəs/ (US) · /kˈænɐbˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cannabis
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the drug

noun · CEFR B2

a drug made from the dried leaves or flowers of the cannabis plant, often used for relaxation or medicine.

For teachers: the psychoactive or medicinal preparation derived from the flowers, leaves, and resin of the plant. Uncountable in its general sense.

- The doctor discussed using cannabis to help the patient manage chronic pain.
- Recent legislative changes have led to a significant increase in the clinical study of cannabis as a treatment for severe epilepsy.

### 2. the plant

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a tall plant with leaves shaped like a hand, grown for its strong fibers or for making drugs.

For teachers: the botanical species Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica, characterized by palmate leaves and tough bast fibers. Countable when referring to individual specimens.

- Farmers in this region have grown cannabis for hundreds of years to make rope.
- The botanical garden features a secure section dedicated to various strains of cannabis to educate the public on industrial hemp production.

## Examples

- The doctor discussed using cannabis to help manage the patient's chronic pain.
- Several countries have recently changed their laws to allow the sale of cannabis for recreational use under strict government regulation.
- While the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for certain neurological conditions are well-documented, researchers continue to study the long-term effects of its active compounds on adolescent brain development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.