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What is another word for marijuana? Popular and alternative terms for marijuana
There are seemingly endless alternative names for marijuana. In this post we will review various terms for marijuana, that occur in different parts of the world and we will try to solve the mystery - where do all these names for marijuana come from?
Terms for marijuana often hide some amazing history - it is worth knowing the origins of terms for cannabis.
The basic term for marijuana is cannabis
We will start from basic termsthat define marijuana. Cannabis is the purely scientific name of this plant. According to Wikipedia:cannabis (Cannabis indica Lam.) - it is a plant species from the hemp family (Cannabaceae Endl.). Originally found in the vicinity of the Hindu Kush mountains. Plants of this species are shorter than hemp plants C. sativa, are more branched and spreading."
In cannabis culture, nomenclature is distinguished depending on the effects of the action. So it's safe to say that Cannabis indica applies to everyone strains indica, which traditionally cause mainly bodily effects (e.g. the so-called couch-lock, stone effect, used for deep bodily relaxation). Then there is Cannabis sativa, it's a class strains sativa, which in its action causes heavy brain effects (e.g. it can stimulate, put into creation). And there is too C. This nomenclature is probably the least known. It is the latest discovered variety of cannabis, found in the Siberian areas, with a low THC content and small size. This genetic is very often used by growers to create automatic photoperiod variants.
Feminized cannabis seeds:
Marijuana - the most common term for cannabis
Most etymologists agree that the term "marijuana" is of Mexican-Spanish origin. They assume that the name came into common use in the 20s and 30s. However, few people know that the term initially served as a way to spread propaganda and fear about cannabis. The term was used by US law enforcement to associate marijuana with racist and anti-immigrant views of the Mexican population. There is now a trend in the United States to move away from the term, citing concerns about its racist and xenophobic roots.
What terms do you know for marijuana?
Does weed have anything to do with marijuana?
Another very frequently used term for marijuana is simply weeds. It is easy to notice that this name refers directly to the plant itself. Some people believe that weed is a slang term used for a marijuana cigarette. This term comes from the cannabis culture of the 20s in the USA. And although weed is usually not associated positively (weeds are usually unwanted, pulled out) - but weeds grow almost everywhere. You can find on thematic forums that growers who help beginners, often reassure them about cultivation by saying: "Don't worry, marijuana is a weed". This means that marijuana is a fairly easy plant to grow and everyone should be able to handle it theoretically.
Other names for marijuana found in cannabis culture around the world
Now that we know the basics (marijuana terms such as cannabis or weed), let's move on to other terms and names of this plant. In this paragraph, we will focus on terms associated with hemp, whether through color, smell, taste or use.
Green terms for marijuana
Grass, grass, grass
These are some of the more obvious cannabis names. You must have heard more than once that cannabis is referred to as "grass". Why? Mainly because marijuana is simply a green plant. There is no deeper philosophy behind it - marijuana = grass.
Herb, herb, herb
Herb is probably the most popular and liked term marijuana among smokers. Herb refers to the unique features of cannabis: that is, smell and taste. As we know, cannabis smells in a characteristic, inimitable way - just like any herb. And because marijuana can be used in many ways, similarly to herbs - hence the term. Marijuana can be smoked, cooked, added to dishes, mixed with other substances - you can also squeeze "juices" out of it. It can be used universally in its own way. Just like herbs, you can also smoke them, inhale them, add them to dishes. It couldn't be simpler, hence the verbal connections.
Cannabis names for flower quality, effects, etc.
Bud, bud - marijuana names that say what is what.
Other names for marijuana that could be in your lexicon? You've probably heard the term "bud"? English-speaking countries are very common. The theme is also quite obvious as it indicates the part of the plant you are actually smoking.
Scientifically speaking, bud refers to the tight clusters of flowers — or buds — produced by cannabis during the flowering process. As you know, it is the buds that contain the most cannabinoids, for which we love hemp. They are what growers collect, dry and treat.
Nugs - such hemp tops
Cannabis culture insiders won’t be surprised by this nomenclature. You’ve probably heard the term “nugs” from time to time. Similar to “bud,” it’s one of the names for marijuana that refers to the flowers produced by the cannabis plant. Sort of like little green nugs. In Polish tops.
Skunk - that is further on the subject of recognizable features of marijuana itself
Smell is one of the most distinctive characteristics of cannabis. And many strains contain a strong accent – comparable to “stinky/strong” skunk aromas. And that’s exactly what people mean when they use names for marijuana that are so strong like “skunk.”
Linguistic curiosities and the names of marijuana
To complete our collection of marijuana names, there's no way to miss a cannabis wordplay bag. Let's start!
Ganja and its Rasta roots
Rastafarians are most strongly associated with this term of marijuana. Ganja – because it is what we are talking about in this case – it comes from Sanskrit – that is, from the literary language of ancient, medieval and early modern India. Many people also believe that the name of the river Ganges may share its roots with ganja. In addition, ganja is associated with Jamaica and marijuana with a very strong effect.
Mary Jane - From Prohibition to World Fame
Pure wordplay. Mary Jane is a joking way of saying "marihuana". Like many of the names on this list, Mary Jane is essentially a coded way of talking about marijuana, as it was largely caused by the cannabis prohibition.
What other common terms for marijuana do we know and love?
There are plenty of such terms. Each one is unique, related to an event, a story. Whether less known or world famous - each marijuana name is unique and magical in its own way. This is hardly surprising, because all the terms for marijuana refer to the same thing - to a magical plant that is undoubtedly cannabis.
In reality, it’s nearly impossible to catalog all the terms that describe marijuana, since other names for weed are constantly evolving and being “reinvented.” But in any case, the list above is a good starting point, a foundation to build on. And no matter what name you hear, there’s probably some very interesting and authentic story behind it.
