Glossary
Marijuana
aka marihuana · cannabis
Marijuana is the legal and cultural term for Cannabis sativa L. plant material that contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. It is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal US law, though many states have legalized it for medical and/or adult use. The legal distinction between hemp and marijuana is solely the 0.3% Delta-9 THC threshold, not species.
Example: Marijuana remains federally Schedule I despite legalization in 38+ states.
Etymology: Spanish-language term that became dominant in US English in the early 20th century, replacing 'cannabis' in legal contexts.
Related: hemp , cannabis , schedule-i , farm-bill , federally-legal