The cannabis plant has been used for centuries for a wide range of purposes, including medicine. Today, it is known by many names, including cannabis, marijuana and weed. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have different histories and can mean different things depending on the context.
At Curaleaf Clinic, we’re committed to helping patients better understand medical cannabis. In this article, we’ll explore where these terms come from, how they came to be used, and why healthcare professionals generally prefer the term cannabis.
At a Glance
- Cannabis is the preferred medical and scientific term for the cannabis plant and its products. whereas weed and marijuana are common slang terms for the plant’s flowers.
- The term marijuana became widely used during the early 20th century and has a complex history linked to cannabis prohibition and social stigma.
- Many healthcare professionals prefer the term cannabis because it provides greater clinical clarity and avoids the cultural and historical associations often attached to terms such as weed and marijuana.
Why Are There Different Words for Cannabis?
Like many plants that have been used across different cultures and countries, cannabis has picked up different names over time. Some names come from scientific classifications, while others developed through slang, regional language or historical events.
How Has the History of Cannabis Influenced the Language We Use?
To understand why different terms such as cannabis, marijuana and weed are used today, it helps to look at the history of cannabis prohibition.
During the early 20th century in the United States, cannabis became associated with groups including Mexican immigrants and jazz musicians. At the same time, sensationalist media coverage and political campaigns increasingly portrayed cannabis as dangerous.
The term marijuana became widely used during this period and was often linked to negative stereotypes and social prejudice. This contributed to public support for laws such as the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, one of the first major federal restrictions on cannabis.
Although these events took place in the United States, they helped shape attitudes towards cannabis around the world, including in the UK.
When did the cannabis terms first appear?
As cannabis spread across different countries and cultures, new words emerged to describe the plant. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest recorded use of the word cannabis dates to 1687, while marijuana was first recorded in 1874 [1,2]. The first documented use of weed in reference to a drug appeared in the early 20th century [3].
What is the Difference Between Cannabis, Weed, and Marijuana?
Cannabis, marijuana and weed are often used to describe the same plant. However, the terms have different origins and associations. Cannabis is the scientific and medical term, while marijuana and weed are more commonly associated with cultural, recreational and informal use. Understanding where these terms come from helps explain why different groups prefer different language today.
Origins of the Word Cannabis
There are several theories about the origins of the word cannabis. Many linguists believe it may have originated from the Scythian word kanab, with possible later roots in the Hebrew words kaneh and kanbos.
Origins of the Word Marijuana
The history of the word marijuana is less clear. Several theories have been proposed.
Some believe it originated from Mexican folk language, perhaps from the names Maria and Juana. This bears similarities to the slang term Mary Jane, which is also used to refer to cannabis.
Others suggest links to the Chinese phrase ma ren hua, meaning hemp seed flower.
Another theory connects it to the Bantu word ma kaña, meaning cannabis.
Regardless of its precise origin, the term marijuana became widely used in the United States during the early 20th century and was often associated with anti-cannabis campaigns and negative stereotypes. This history continues to influence how the word is perceived today.
Origins of the Word Weed
The word weed has been used to describe wild or unwanted plants since at least the 16th century. However, its use as a slang term for cannabis is thought to have emerged much later, with many sources tracing it to the early-to-mid 20th century. There are several theories about how the term became associated with cannabis, including its use as a codeword for discussing the plant discreetly or as a way of reinforcing negative perceptions of cannabis users in a similar way to marijuana.
What about Hemp?
Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant family. The term hemp is generally used for cannabis that is cultivated for industrial purposes, such as textiles, paper, food products and some CBD products. In the UK, hemp is also subject to strict regulations and must contain only very low levels of THC.
Are Cannabis, Weed, and Marijuana Interchangeable?
In casual conversation, cannabis, marijuana and weed are often used interchangeably. However, healthcare professionals in the UK generally use the term cannabis in consultations, which is why phrases such as medical weed or medical marijuana are rarely used.
Although these terms may refer to the same plant, they can carry different cultural, historical and professional associations. Cannabis is the preferred term in healthcare and research because it provides greater clarity and consistency when discussing medical treatments.
Which Term is Scientifically Most Accurate: Cannabis, Marijuana, or Weed?
Cannabis is generally considered the most scientifically accurate term because it comes from the botanical name of the plant itself. While cannabis, marijuana and weed are often used to describe the same plant, cannabis is the name most commonly used in medicine, research and regulation.
For this reason, healthcare professionals, researchers and regulators typically use the term cannabis when discussing the plant and its potential medical uses.
Why Do healthcare professionals prefer the term Cannabis?
Using consistent language helps patients, healthcare professionals and researchers communicate more clearly. Many experts prefer the term cannabis because it is seen as more neutral than marijuana or weed. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they can carry cultural, historical and recreational associations that may not reflect modern medical use. Consistently using the term cannabis can help separate medical treatment from these associations and support a more evidence-based understanding of the plant.
As understanding of medical cannabis continues to grow, using clear and consistent language can help reduce confusion and make conversations about treatment feel more approachable for patients.
Why Does the Language We Use to Describe Cannabis Matter?
So, does it really matter what we call it? Some research suggests that the public doesn’t have strong feelings one way or the other. However, for many, the shift to using cannabis is about:
- Acknowledging the history of racism and prejudice in cannabis laws.
- Using language that is more appropriate in a medical setting.
- Reducing stigma and promoting a more fact-based understanding of cannabis.
What Does This Mean for Medical Cannabis Patients?
Understanding the difference between terms such as cannabis, marijuana and weed can help patients feel more informed when exploring medical cannabis as a treatment option. It can also make it easier to understand information from healthcare professionals, researchers and trusted medical sources.
If you’d like to learn more or see whether medical cannabis may be right for you, complete our online eligibility form to check your eligibility for an appointment.
References
[1] Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.). Cannabis.
[2] Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.). Marijuana.
[3] Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.). Weed.
