CANNABIS

plant genus belonging to the family Cannabaceae of the nettle order (Urticales). The genus comprises one species, hemp (q.v.; C. sativa), a stout, aromatic, erect annual herb that originated in Central Asia and is now cultivated widely in the North Temperate Zone. A tall, canelike variety is raised for the production of hemp fibre, while the female plant of a short, branchier variety is prized as the more abundant source of marijuana (q.v.).