There are many words used to refer to the cannabis plant… weed, marijuana, chronic, dope, pot, herb, bud, flower, dank, dro, hyphy, grass etc.. Here at Curated, we prefer to use the term “cannabis” to promote a more neutral and scientifically accurate understanding of the plant. Let’s take a look at the etymology of the word “cannabis” and probably one of the most popular terms, “marijuana”.
The word “cannabis” has it’s origin in the Latin language. It was derived from the Latin word “cannabis,” which was borrowed from the Greek word “kánnabis.” The Greek term is thought to have been influenced by a Scythian or Thracian word, though the specific origins and meanings of the earlier word are not completely clear.
The original meaning is likely related to the hemp plant, which has been cultivated for thousands of years for it’s strong fibers and versatile uses. Hemp fibers have been used to create ropes, textiles, and other durable materials. The word “cannabis” may have originally denoted the fibrous properties and practical applications of the plant.
Now, the word “cannabis” refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. It’s commonly used to denote the Cannabis genus, which includes various species and subspecies.
Cannabis is also used as a general term for the plant’s dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds, which are known for their psychoactive and medicinal properties. The plant contains compounds called cannabinoids, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the primary psychoactive component. Another well-known cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which does not produce psychoactive effects but has various potential therapeutic applications. (See The Entourage Effect”
If we look towards the other side of the globe, we find the term “marijuana” has its origins in Spanish and can be traced back to the early 20th century. It’s believed to be derived from the Mexican Spanish word “mariguana” or “marihuana.” The exact etymology of the term is not entirely clear, but it’s thought to have its roots in the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples in Mexico.
The Nahuatl word “mallihuan” or “mallihuan” refers to a psychoactive preparation made from the cannabis plant. When Spanish colonizers encountered this preparation, they adopted the term “mariguana” or “marihuana” to refer to the plant itself. Over time, this term gained popularity and became the widely used name for cannabis in many parts of the world.
It’s worth noting that the use of the term “marijuana” became more prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly during the prohibition era when campaigns were launched to demonize cannabis. These campaigns associated the plant with Mexican immigrants and racial stereotypes, which contributed to the widespread adoption of the term “marijuana” in English-speaking countries.
“Cannabis” is probably the most popular word internationally to refer to the plant. Because of our constant pursuit of knowledge of the plant we tend to lean towards the more scientifically appropriate terms to refer to all aspects of the plant. Now you know the history of two of the most popular terms worldwide. So, whatever you choose to call cannabis, just know that there is a more universal way to refer to the plant.
Stay stoned and stay safe!
