# marijuana

/ˌmɛɹəˈwɑnə/ (US) · /mˌæɹɪwˈɑːnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marijuana
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the drug

noun · CEFR B2

the dried parts of the cannabis plant that people use as a drug.

For teachers: the dried inflorescence and leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, typically smoked or ingested for its psychoactive effects.

- In some countries, it is legal to buy marijuana for medical reasons.
- The local government debated whether the tax revenue from legal marijuana sales would outweigh the potential social costs of increased consumption.

### 2. the plant

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the hemp plant that the drug comes from.

For teachers: the Cannabis sativa plant itself, specifically varieties cultivated for high THC content.

- The farmer was arrested for growing marijuana in his backyard.
- Botanists distinguish between industrial hemp and marijuana based on the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol present in the plant's resin.

## Examples

- The doctor discussed the medical use of marijuana with the patient.
- Several countries have changed their laws to allow the sale of marijuana for recreational use under strict government regulations.
- 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.

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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.