What Are the Other Names for Marijuana? Street Names, Slang, and Culture
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Marijuana is one of the most famous plants in the world and has the most nicknames. The names of marijuana are numerous, if not hundreds. You might hear a completely different name for marijuana when you talk to a street person, a musician or a doctor.
Marijuana and Its Many Names
Marijuana is also known scientifically as Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. This plant has been used in industrial, medical and recreational purposes. Over time, people from different cultures and regions gave marijuana their own names. Names of plants are often influenced by their cultural significance, history, and effects.
Why Marijuana Has So Many Different Names
It's not just a random thing that marijuana has so many names. They are the result of years of cultural, linguistic, and political evolution.
Cultural Influence
Names can be adapted for a culture. The word "ganja", as an example, comes from Sanskrit. Jamaicans continue to use it widely.
Regional Dialects & Slang
What you might call marijuana in one place, another country may not understand. In the US, "weed" may be used, while "dagga" is used in South Africa.
Factors of Legal and Political Nature
In the past, the government used terms like "marihuana" in campaigns to stigmatize this plant.
Commonly Known Names for Marijuana
Across cultures, some names are universally known and understood.
Cannabis
This is the plant's official name. A lot of the time, it's used in legal and medical fields.
Weed
The most common and widely used slang for marijuana.
Pot
A slang expression that was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s.
Street Slang for Marijuana
The street culture has given marijuana many colorful names.
Mary Jane
This playful translation of the popular term "marijuana" is a great way to get your kids involved.
Ganja
Rastafarian culture, reggae and music are deeply rooted in the roots of this style.
Herb
Refers to marijuana as it grows in its plant-based natural form.
Regional Names and Cultural Names
Names might be different in different countries.
Dagga (South Africa)
The word "dacha" is derived from the Khoikhoi language.
Kif (Morocco)
Tobacco and cannabis are smoked using a pipe.
Reefer (USA)
The 1936 film Reefer Madness is a classic.
Medical and Scientific Terms of Marijuana
The language becomes more formal in professional settings.
Medical Cannabis
When discussing the use of marijuana as a treatment, this term is used.
THC and CBD Descriptions
The active compounds of the plant, not the plant itself.
Old Terms and Historical Names
Some words have become obsolete but are still used in historical references.
Indian Hemp
Used in the early 20th century.
Locoweed
Originally used to describe plants that caused livestock to become sick. But it is also applied to marijuana.
Pop Culture Names and Media-Inspired Names
Cannabis slang has been influenced by music, movies, and celebrity culture. Music, movies, and celebrity culture have influenced marijuana slang, giving rise to terms like “chronic” and “green goddess.” For those who appreciate premium cannabis culture, Mood Hemp offers a range of hemp-based products inspired by natural wellness traditions.
Chronic
Dr. Dre's 1992 album The Chronic made it popular.
Green Goddess
The plant is called "divine" by fans.
Names of Strains That Became Popular
Some strain names have become so popular that they are now used as general nicknames.
Kush
Originally from the Hindu Kush Mountains, today, it is a shorthand term for strong cannabis.
Haze
A family of dominant sativa strains.
How Different Names Affect Perception
Casual vs. Scientific Terminology
Cannabis sounds formal, while "weed" is more relaxed.
Impact on Legalization Debates
Politicians often use the term "cannabis" to make themselves sound more credible.
Why it's Important to Know the Alternate Names of Marijuana
Knowing the terms will help you to understand what you are reading, hearing, or saying.
Tips to Identify Marijuana In Conversation
- Listen for cultural references.
- Be aware of the slang used by different generations.
- The context is important. A word can be used differently in casual versus scientific conversation.
Watch Out for These Misleading or Confusing Names
Some terms are often confused with other substances or plants that are harmless. Always clarify if unsure.
Conclusion
Marijuana has many names that tell its story through time, culture and law. Each name, whether you call it cannabis or weed or ganja or herb, has a part of its identity. These names will not only help you expand your knowledge but also give you a better understanding of the rich culture that surrounds the plant.