The Ultimate List of Names for Marijuana (And Where They Came From)
Have you ever heard someone talk about “chronic” or “ganja” and felt like you were trying to crack a secret code? The language around cannabis is always changing, and with so many different names, it can be hard to keep up.
Marijuana has hundreds of names, from common slang like ‘weed’ and ‘pot’ to its scientific name, ‘cannabis’.
This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will go through the most popular names for marijuana and explain what they mean. You will also learn the interesting stories and history behind these terms. By the end, you will understand the language of cannabis much better.
Key Takeaways
- Marijuana has tons of nicknames, from simple ones like weed and pot to its official name, cannabis.
- Many slang words were created because cannabis was illegal and people needed a secret code to talk about it.
- Some names have deep cultural roots, like "ganja," which comes from the ancient Sanskrit language.
- The names people use can change depending on the culture, the time period, and even the city they live in.
The Most Common Names for Marijuana: A Quick List
If you just want to know the most popular terms, here is a quick list to get you started. You have probably heard many of these names before.
- Weed
- Pot
- Grass.
- Mary Jane.
- Ganja
- Herb
- Bud
- Dope
- Reefer
- Cannabis
Popular Slang and Street Names for Marijuana
Many of the most common names for marijuana come from everyday slang. Let’s look at where some of these popular street names came from.
Weed, Pot, and Grass
These are some of the most widely used names for marijuana in the United States. Their origins are simple, as they all refer to the fact that cannabis is a green plant, or an herb, that grows from the ground like a weed.
Mary Jane
This classic nickname has been used for a very long time. Mary Jane is the English version of the Spanish name “Maria Juana,” which itself is slang for “marihuana.”
Bud and Herb
Some names refer to the specific part of the plant that people use. The terms “bud” and “herb” both refer to the dried flower of the cannabis plant.
Dope, Reefer, and Chronic
Other slang words have more complex histories.
The word “reefer” became popular in the 1930s, partly because of the anti-cannabis movie “Reefer Madness.” The term “dope” has been used to describe many different drugs over the years. More recently, the name “Chronic” was made famous by hip-hop artists like Dr. Dre to describe very strong, high-quality cannabis.
Ganja
This term is one of the oldest names for cannabis and has deep roots in Jamaica and India. It is derived from Sanskrit and became widely known in the West through Rastafarian culture and reggae music, with artists like Bob Marley popularizing the term globally.
420
More of a code than a name, “420” is universally associated with cannabis culture. The term is believed to have originated in the 1970s with a group of high school students in San Rafael, California, who would meet at 4:20 p.m. to smoke. It has since evolved into a general term for marijuana and a counterculture holiday on April 20th (4/20).
Skunk
This name refers to a specific family of potent, strong-smelling cannabis strains. The name “skunk” comes from the plant’s powerful and pungent aroma, which is similar to that of a skunk’s spray. Over time, the term has become a general slang for any high-potency marijuana.
Kush
Originally, “Kush” referred to cannabis strains that grew in the Hindu Kush mountain range spanning Afghanistan and Pakistan. These indica plants were known for their distinct aroma and strong sedative effects. The name is now used more broadly to describe a wide variety of high-quality cannabis strains, even if they aren’t direct descendants of the original landrace genetics.
Nug
Similar to “bud,” this term is short for “nugget” and refers to a chunk of a dried, cured cannabis flower. It specifically describes the dense, high-quality part of the plant that is trimmed and prepared for consumption.
Names With Deep Cultural and Historical Roots
Some names for cannabis are much older than modern slang and have important stories behind them. These terms often come from different cultures and have been used for centuries.
The story behind "Marijuana"
Even the word “marijuana” has a complicated past. The term was made popular in the United States in the early 1900s. It was often used to create a negative image of the plant by linking it to Mexican immigrants. Because of this history, many people in the cannabis industry today prefer to use the plant’s scientific name, cannabis.
Ganja
This is another old and powerful word for cannabis. The term “ganja” comes from the Sanskrit language, which was spoken in ancient India. It is a very important word in some cultures, like for Rastafarians, who often use cannabis as part of their spiritual practice.
Hashish
You may have heard of “hashish,” or “hash” for short. This name does not refer to the cannabis flower, but to a product made from the plant’s sticky resin. Making and using hashish is a practice that goes back thousands of years, especially in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Scientific and Formal Terminology
Beyond slang and cultural names, the plant also has official scientific names. You will hear these terms used in medical or legal situations.
Cannabis
This is the correct, scientific name for the entire plant genus. The word “cannabis” is neutral and accurate, which is why it is the preferred term for doctors, scientists, and industry professionals.
Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis
Within the cannabis family, there are three main types of plants. These names are used to group cannabis based on the plant’s appearance, growth patterns, and the general effects they are known to produce.
A Rose by Any Other Name: Terms for Different Cannabis Products
| Category | Common Names |
| Rolled Cannabis | Joint, Spliff, Blunt, Pinner, Doobie |
| Smoking Devices | Bowl, Pipe, Bong, Bubbler, Dab Rig |
| Concentrates | Dabs, Wax, Shatter, Budder, Rosin, Live Resin |
| Infused Food | Edibles, Brownies, Gummies, Pot Tarts |
Why Does Marijuana Have So Many Nicknames?
You might be wondering why one plant needs so many different names. There are a few key reasons why the language around cannabis is so rich and varied.
Here are some of the main reasons.
- Legal history. For a long time, cannabis was illegal in many places. People created code words and slang to talk about it without getting into trouble.
- Cultural influence. Music, movies, and art have had a huge impact on cannabis language. Artists and subcultures often create their own unique terms, which then spread to the mainstream.
- Regional differences. Slang often changes based on where you live. The popular term in California might be different from what people say in New York, or even in a smaller town like Carlsbad, NM.
Ready to Talk Cannabis?
Now that you know the lingo, our friendly team at The Cannabis Store is ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. We speak your language, whether you call it pot, herb, or cannabis.
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