cannabis

—cannabic, adj.

/kan"euh bis/, n.

1. the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.

2. the flowering tops of the plant.

3. any of the various parts of the plant from which hashish, marijuana, bhang, and similar mildly euphorogenic and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared.

[1790-1800; < NL, L: hemp < Gk kánnabis; c. HEMP]

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Any plant of the genus Cannabis, which contains a single species, C. sativa.

It is widely cultivated throughout the northern temperate zone. Hemp fiber is obtained from a tall, canelike variety, while marijuana is obtained from the female plant of a smaller variety.

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▪ plant genus

 plant genus belonging to the family Cannabaceae of the nettle order (Urticales). The genus comprises one species, hemp (q.v.; C. sativa), a stout, aromatic, erect annual herb that originated in Central Asia and is now cultivated widely in the North Temperate Zone. A tall, canelike variety is raised for the production of hemp fibre, while the female plant of a short, branchier variety is prized as the more abundant source of marijuana (q.v.).

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