ENGLISH
REFERENCE

marijuana

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌmɛɹəˈwɑnə// UK //mˌæɹɪwˈɑːnɐ// mar·i·jua·na

n. a drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. People often smoke it or eat it to feel relaxed or to help with pain.

n. the dried leaves and female flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, used as a psychoactive drug or as medicine. Often used in legal and medical contexts, though increasingly replaced by 'cannabis' in formal scientific discourse.


SIMPLE

The doctor discussed the medical use of marijuana with the patient.

CONTEXTUAL

Several countries have changed their laws to allow the sale of marijuana for recreational use under strict government regulations.

COMPLEX

While historically classified as a prohibited substance, marijuana has gained recognition in the pharmaceutical industry for its efficacy in treating chronic pain and certain forms of epilepsy.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Mexican Spanish marihuana, from mariguana. First attested in 1874 in the publications of Hubert Howe Bancroft. Altered by influence of a folk etymology involving the proper name María Juana (“Mary Jane”).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the substance; occasionally countable when referring to specific strains or varieties.

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