Why we have over 1,200 slang terms for cannabis
- Sarah O'Reilly
- Dec 11, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2024
Exploring various terms used to describe the cannabis plant.
It’s been said that language reflects the soul of a people. Eskimos have dozens of words for snowflakes, which underscores the centrality of snow in their culture. This is similar to why the cannabis plant has generated an abundance of terms throughout many languages and cultures.
The winner of the first Cannabis Cup ... was Skunk #1, an Afghan-sativa cross created by David Watson, from Santa Cruz, California. - Martin A. Lee in Smoke Signals
More than 1,200 slang terms, and 2,300 names for individual strains of ganja.
The centrality of cannabis in our culture is demonstrated through the fact there are more than 1,200 slang terms, and 2,300 names for individual strains of ganja. Which brings us to our favourite terms:
Ganja: Sanskrit for Knowledge
The word "ganja" is derived from Sanskrit meaning "knowledge". It is one of the oldest and most commonly used words for the cannabis plant. Ganja webbed itself through the Hindi language and was adopted by those who visited India and tried to mighty "gunja" plant.
The British colonization of India contributed to spreading the use of the term ganja. Many people from India were sent to other British colonies around the world, such as Jamaica, as indentured servants. With them they brought the custom ritualistic smoking of ganja.
Bud: Plant Biology
This literally refers to the part of the cannabis plant which is harvested and smoked. The flower of the cannabis plant is called the "bud".
Weed: Adaptability
Short of "locoweed," a species of the plant that grows in South-West and Northern Mexico. This term highlights the adaptability of the cannabis plant that enables it to flower in abundance in various conditions - similar to a common weed.
Marijuana i.e. Mary Jane
Marijuana is a Spanish-language colloquialism of uncertain origin. It's popularisation is rooted in racism and xenophobia - which is why many people are calling for a halt to its use.
It was the key term plastered across prohibitionist propaganda of the 1930's. US officials sought to exploit prejudices against marginalised groups, especially Mexican and black communities. Referring to cannabis as "marijuana" was intended to create alien or foreign associations.
Muggles: Jazz
Term popularised in the 1920's referring to a cannabis cigarette or a cannabis smoker, "muggle-heads". Localised in New Orleans where the most influential Jazz musicians would smoke muggles and experiment with new sound. Jazz icon and cannabis enthusiast, Louis Armstrong, recorded "Muggles" in 1928 - which became one of his most renowned melodies.
Sacred Herb: Ritual
Due to its mind-expansive and healing properties, cannabis is commonly referred to as the "sacred herb." Many revere cannabis for its ability to connect us to the divine spirit. Rastafari calls this "earth force" or "Jah".
Skunk: Most Misunderstood
The term "skunk" has been misused for decades. Some think it's a generic term for extremely potent cannabis; when in fact "skunk weed" was escalated to fame at the first Cannabis Cup in 1987. Herbalists brought their homegrown crop to compete and the cup winner was a
Martin A. Lee recalls the term's origins in his Social History of Cannabis - Smoke Signals:
There were speeches, strategy sessions, new product demonstrations, a lot of pot parties leading up to the climatic moment when judges reached their decision and crowned the years best cannabis strain, a verdict based on superb look, flavour, aroma and quality of the high.
Additional terms for cannabis:
Green
Burnie
Kush
Dank
Djamba
Dope
Herb
Kief
Laughing Grass
Reefer
Bomber
Tea
ZaZa
Zoot
As the suspected stoner Shakespeare himself said:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Or in this case... smell as funky!
The Grassroots Movement (TGRM) is a community for non-censored exploration of cannabis, psychedelics and the pursuit of high vibrations.
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