Marihuana

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant, primarily used for recreational and medicinal purposes
  2. a substance that can induce euphoria and alter perception through its active compounds
  3. a plant-based material that may be smoked or ingested to achieve various effects, including relaxation and heightened sensory experiences

Etymology: The term "marihuana" is an alternate spelling of "marijuana," which entered English in the early 20th century during a period when the cannabis plant became a subject of legal and social debate in the United States. The spelling with an "h" reflects the influence of Spanish, from which the word was borrowed, though exact origins in Spanish are somewhat unclear and may trace back to Mexican Spanish slang. The word itself likely arose in Mexico in the late 19th or early 20th century as a colloquial term for the cannabis plant and its psychoactive preparations. Some scholars suggest it may be a blend of indigenous Mexican words or a Spanish adaptation of a Chinese word brought by laborers, but these theories remain speculative. It gained prominence in English largely through anti-cannabis campaigns and legislation, where the term was often used to evoke foreignness and fear. Its introduction into English coincided with the early 1900s when cannabis began to attract attention in North America, especially among marginalized communities. The spelling "marihuana" was common in official documents and legal language, including the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively criminalized possession in the United States. This older spelling is now less common but still appears in historical contexts and legal texts. Etymologically, the root is Spanish, but it does not have a clear derivation from classical Latin or Romance roots. Instead, it reflects the complex cultural exchanges in the Americas, combining indigenous, Spanish, and possibly other linguistic influences. Over time, "marijuana" became the standardized English form, while "marihuana" remains a recognized variant, especially in historical and legal discussions.

Synonyms: cannabis, weed