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Cannabis Slang: Origins & Meanings of 20 Terms

Get To Know These Cannabis Slang Terms So You Don’t Sound Like a Noob!

Cannabis slang terms

Cannabis culture has its own unique language, with a plethora of slang terms that enthusiasts use to describe their favorite herb. From classic expressions to contemporary lingo, these terms have become deeply embedded in cannabis communities around the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the origins and meanings of 20 popular cannabis-related slang terms, shedding light on the fascinating history behind these words.

Weed

One of the most common terms for cannabis, “weed,” originates from the plant’s ability to grow vigorously and seemingly without effort, much like a weed in a garden.

Pot

“Pot” comes from the Spanish word “potiguaya,” which refers to the combination of cannabis buds and leaves. The term gained popularity in the 1930s and became synonymous with cannabis.

Ganja

Derived from the Hindi word “ganjha,” this term has roots in Indian culture, where cannabis has been used for centuries for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Mary Jane

“Mary Jane” is believed to be a reference to cannabis that dates back to the early 20th century. It likely comes from combining the name “Mary” with the Spanish word “juana,” meaning cannabis.

Grass

In the jazz era of the 1930s, cannabis was often referred to as “grass” due to its green appearance and natural growth characteristics.

Reefer

“Reefer” traces its origins to Mexican Spanish, where “grifa” or “regrifa” referred to marijuana cigarettes. It was later popularized in the 1930s during anti-cannabis campaigns.

Bud

“Bud” simply refers to the flowering part of the cannabis plant, which is harvested for its high THC content.

420

The origin of “420” as a cannabis-related term is somewhat debated, but it’s believed to have started in the 1970s among a group of California high school students who would meet at 4:20 p.m. to search for a rumored hidden cannabis crop.

Dab

“Dab” comes from the act of taking a small, concentrated dose of cannabis extract (dab) and vaporizing it on a hot surface.

Hash

The term “hash” originates from the Arabic word “hashish,” which means “grass.” It refers to the compressed resin or concentrate of cannabis.

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Spliff

A “spliff” is a cannabis cigarette rolled with a mix of tobacco and marijuana, often associated with Jamaican culture.

Blunt

The term “blunt” comes from the use of cigar wraps, or “blunt wraps,” to roll cannabis, replacing the tobacco with marijuana.

Joint

A “joint” is a classic term for a cannabis cigarette, with the word likely deriving from the French word “jointure,” meaning a joining or connection.

Mota

“Mota” is a Spanish slang term for cannabis, commonly used in Latin American countries.

Green

The term “green” is a simple reference to the green color of cannabis leaves and buds.

Dank

Used to describe high-quality and potent cannabis, “dank” originates from the word “dankness,” referring to a strong, musty smell.

Hydro

“Hydro” is short for hydroponically grown cannabis, indicating that the plants are cultivated in water rather than soil.

Skunk

“Skunk” refers to a type of strong-smelling cannabis strain that is known for its pungent aroma, reminiscent of the animal of the same name.

Nugs

“Nugs” are small, dense, and often resinous cannabis buds, known for their high THC concentration.

Stoned

The term “stoned” describes the feeling of deep relaxation and euphoria experienced after consuming cannabis, often likened to being “as heavy as a stone.”


Cannabis slang terms have a rich history, shaped by cultural influences and the ever-evolving cannabis community. Understanding the origins and meanings of these words not only deepens our appreciation for cannabis culture but also connects us to the longstanding traditions surrounding this beloved plant. As the cannabis world continues to evolve, new slang terms will undoubtedly emerge, keeping the language of cannabis as vibrant as the community it serves.

We hope you found “Cannabis Slang: Origins & Meanings of 20 Terms” informative. If you’d like to see more of our lists, click here! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for all our latest articles!

Meet Bud Blaze, the cannabis reporter with a nose for news and a taste for the good stuff. Bud was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he developed a passion for cannabis at a young age. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in journalism, Bud started his career as a freelance writer, covering local cannabis events and dispensaries. His work quickly gained recognition, and he was hired by a major cannabis publication as a staff writer. Over the years, Bud has covered numerous cannabis-related topics, from legalization efforts to medical research. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, including growers, dispensary owners, and activists, and has been known to sample their wares for research purposes. Bud's writing is always on point, even when he's not, and he's won several awards for his work, including the prestigious Cannabis Journalism Award. In his free time, Bud enjoys hiking in the mountains and trying out new strains of cannabis. He's always on the lookout for the next big thing in the world of weed, and he's not afraid to get his hands sticky to find it.