Is There a Difference Between
Cannabis, Marijuana, and Weed?

Are you gaining more interest in legal Cannabis lately but failing to understand the most appropriate term to use? Or perhaps you are exploring microdosing (learn more on https://www.magicmushroomsdispensary.ca/category/microdosing/) and want to fully understand all of your options. When first visiting a cannabis dispensary, most people get confused about whether to use the term weed, Cannabis, or marijuana. Cannabis, marijuana, and weed are commonly used to refer to the same botanical plant, Cannabis sativa. However, this doesn't mean you can use them interchangeably.

The terminology gets a bit more specific depending on the context. Perhaps the biggest difference between the three terms is each term's acceptance level.

Do you want to know more about these three distinguishing terms of cannabis? Here's a short informative guide on the differences between Cannabis, marijuana, and weed.

Origin of the Names Cannabis, Weed, and Marijuana

Names often have origins that differentiate them from other similar names. The same is true for Cannabis, marijuana, and weed. Read on and understand how each name came to be.

• Cannabis: The term 'cannabis' is the scientific genus name for the plants in the Cannabaceae family. There are three species of cannabis plants: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
• Marijuana: Marijuana started in Mexico during the 1910s when it was introduced to the U.S. by Mexican immigrants. The term 'marijuana' is a Mexican Spanish slang term used to describe the leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The word marijuana is now used to describe any part of the cannabis plant consumed for its psychoactive effects.
• Weed: Weed is an informal term for Cannabis that has been around since the early 20th century. It was used to describe a plant with no value and would be hard to get rid of once it had taken root in an area. In today's world, weed is used to describe Cannabis that is grown illegally or without any regulation or oversight from a governing body.

The Context in Which the Three Terms Are Used

As earlier mentioned, the terms' marijuana' and 'weed' are informal terms used to describe Cannabis. They are used in everyday conversations and sometimes in the media to refer to Cannabis.

The term 'marijuana' is also used to refer to Cannabis in a legal context. For instance, it is common for 'marijuana' to be used during legislative proceedings, for example, 'federal marijuana law.'

On the other hand, 'Cannabis' is the most formal term used to describe the cannabis plant. It is used in scientific, legal, and medical contexts, for example, 'medical cannabis.' When referring to Cannabis in a legal context, the term 'cannabis' is also used to refer to Cannabis that is grown legally.

The media often wants to use slang names for Cannabis, such as "weed" or "pot," in their news and articles. However, it wouldn't be proper for the media to use these terms as the chances of missing the context would be high. Thus, the media should use Cannabis, the formal term in their news and articles. It is easy to remember Cannabis as it is the same word used in the medical field.

Why Do We Have Many Names for Cannabis?

For a very long time, Cannabis has been a prohibited plant in the United States and other parts of the world. Making marijuana illegal led to underground cultures creating many names for the plant to act as a coded language.

The term 'weed' is one of the most common terms used to refer to Cannabis. It is a slang term that originated in the African American community and gained popularity in the 1960s. It was first used as a derogatory term, but it has since been accepted as a slang term for Cannabis.

Other street names for Cannabis include pot, Mary Jane, herb, grass, herbaceous plant, 420, and dope.

Different parts of the country have different names for Cannabis. You need to know the local slang to understand the plant's name. For example, it is called weed in California, and it is called 'joint.'

Visit Cannabis Dispensary and Unveil More Today!

The social and spiritual utilization of Cannabis has been well-documented. Its utilization was dated back thousands of years ago, with consumption accepted for medical and therapeutic benefits.

However, as with all slang terms, it's important to use discretion and caution while discussing the cannabis plant with others. The names and terms can get confusing quickly, and miscommunication can cause major issues. That's why it's important to know the correct names and level of legality surrounding each term.

Also, do not forget the context of the conversation. The legalization of Cannabis for recreational purposes has provided an opportunity for the industry to define the names correctly.

The legalization of Cannabis has contributed to high market growth and demand for cannabis dispensaries. If you are interested in unveiling the differences between Cannabis, weed, and marijuana, visit any accredited cannabis dispensary near you today.