Marijuana has always been an integral part of our society, and from one place to another, how we call it changes drastically. New stoners often find themselves when they hear different words like pot, bud, grass, ganja, or herb.
They all mean the same thing but have different origins and cultural relevance. The many slang words used in marijuana culture have developed from the plant’s long history, its legal struggles, and the constantly changing attitudes of society toward marijuana.
Today, we have become more accustomed to sophisticated stuff like CBD flowers or gummies, which one can easily buy through online stores (a link to the store website is here).
Still, a large number of old-school marijuana lovers stick to lighting their joints for some chill time. This article will serve as a guide for both old and new marijuana enthusiasts who want to explore the diverse stoner slang of marijuana culture to improve their sense of belongingness when lighting up with a diverse group.
Ganja
Ganja is one of the oldest terms used to refer to marijuana, with its English usage dating back to the 17th century.
The word originates from the Sanskrit language, where it means a strong and potent preparation of cannabis sativa. Commonly, ganja is used to address the cannabis flower, chars to address the resin (prepared by rubbing the hemp leaves), and bhang for the seeds and leaves of the hemp plant.
This term was brought to the Western world through Rastafarian culture in Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region. It carries spiritual importance and meaning and is deeply rooted in Rastafarian practices.
Mary Jane
Mary Jane is a quite popular slang term for marijuana that has been used for a long time. It may have started in the 1920s, probably inspired by the name of a Mexican song called “La Cucaracha” that mentions a woman named Mary Jane.
Or, it could be a reference to Mary Magdalene from the Bible. This term became very popular across the United States and is still widely used today in all parts of the country.
People use “Mary Jane” as a way to casually and secretly talk about marijuana without saying the actual word. The name makes it sound more friendly and less harmful than other slang terms.
Reefer
Reefer is an old slang word for marijuana that has been around since the early 1900s. It might have come from the Spanish word “grifo,” which means a mixed breed dog.
During the early years when marijuana was made illegal, people used the word “reefer” a lot to talk about cannabis. However, over time, this term became less popular and is now considered outdated slang.
Nowadays, people don’t really use “reefer” anymore and prefer other words like “weed” or “pot” instead. It’s an old-fashioned way to refer to marijuana that you don’t hear much these days.
Kush
Cannabis strains from the Hind Kush mountain region in ancient India (nowadays Afghanistan and Pakistan) are known as “Kush” strains. The term “Kush” has become a popular way to refer to high-quality cannabis strains that are primarily Indica, which means they tend to have a relaxing and sedating effect.
Kush strains are famous for their potent effects, unique flavors, and aromas. The popularity of Kush strains has spread worldwide among cannabis enthusiasts and rappers like Wiz Khalifa have started their brands with this term.
These strains are often grown and used for their medicinal and recreational properties, although legal regulations can vary in different countries.
Hotboxing
Hotboxing means smoking marijuana (weed) in a small, closed space with no fresh air coming in. This causes the marijuana smoke to build up and get very thick inside.
When people breathe in this thick, smoky air, they get higher and feel the effects of the marijuana more strongly. Hotboxing became popular in the 1970s and is now done by marijuana smokers all around the world.
People hotbox in small rooms, cars, tents, or other enclosed areas. They do it to get as high as possible from the same amount of weed, and to bond better with fellow smokers.
Blunt
Blunt Many people refer to marijuana as blunt, but in essence, it’s simply a specific way of smoking the herb. Blunt is made by taking a cigar or small cigar called a cigarillo and removing the tobacco from inside.
The empty wrap is then filled with marijuana and rolled up again. Blunts became popular in the 1980s, especially among hip-hop artists and youth in cities like New York. Smoking a blunt allows people to smoke larger amounts of marijuana at once compared to rolling it in regular rolling papers.
Blunts are still widely used today, mainly in urban areas and among younger people who follow hip-hop culture. A lot of hip-hop artists can be seen rolling a blunt while performing live, in music videos, and even in public places.
Grass
Grass is one of the earliest and most widespread slang terms for marijuana. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when cannabis was first criminalized in the United States.
People called it “grass” because the dried marijuana plant looks a bit like cut grass or grass clippings. The term became quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s when many young people were using marijuana and protesting against the government.
It is still a common way to refer to marijuana, especially for older people who have been smoking marijuana for a long time.
Dope
The word “dope” has a long history related to drugs, including marijuana. It comes from the Dutch word “doop,” which means a thick substance. In the late 1800s, “dope” was used for thick opiate drugs.
When marijuana became popular in the early 1900s, mainly in jazz music culture, people started referring to marijuana as “dope.” At that time, it had a negative meaning because of the fear and criminalization of marijuana.
Even though it’s still sometimes used negatively, “dope” has mostly lost its bad meaning today. It’s common slang now, especially on the East Coast and in cities, for high-quality marijuana.
Conclusion
Well, that’s a wrap. I hope you had fun reading about the diverse ways of referring to Marijauan and the origins behind those terms. Now you can flex this knowledge among your cannabis lover group and add a tangent of fun and knowledge during smoke sessions.
Regardless of what you call it, the end goal should be to have fun and enjoy some quality time with your friends. You can read more about terms like faded, zones, jay, taxi, doobie, baked, bud, sticky icky, and more to further become well-versed in cannabis culture.
Some people don’t like to smoke, though. For them, CBD gummies or tinctures are a much better and safer alternative to enjoying the relaxing and healing effects of cannabis plants. Just make sure to buy only high-quality CBD products from reputed and well-tested brands like Colorado Botanicals.