2. The most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effects.
3. Any plant of the genus Cannabis; a coarse bushy annual with palmate leaves and clusters of small green flowers which yields tough fibers and narcotic drugs.
4. Etymology: a plant genus named in 1728, from Greek kannabis, "hemp".
Cannabis is the botanical name for the plant from which marijuana comes. Its full name is Cannibis sativa. Use of cannabis produces a mild sense of euphoria, as well as impairments in judgment and lengthened response time. Cannabis may be smoked or eaten.
Although cannabis use is illegal in most parts of the world, the plant appears to have some potential for medical use, particularly as a palliative for glaucoma and disease-related loss of appetite, as is often seen in cancer, AIDS, and other illnesses. In some areas of the U.S., individuals whose physicians recommend the medical use of cannabis can obtain special permission.
Cannabis is the botanical name for the plant from which marijuana comes. Use of cannabis produces a mild sense of euphoria, as well as impairments in judgment and lengthened response time. Cannabis may be smoked or eaten.