Understanding Cannabis Slang Globally
Cannabis has been part of human culture for centuries, and each country has developed its own slang terms to describe it. Whether you're traveling or just curious, knowing the right words can help you understand the local cannabis culture better. Here's a breakdown of the most common slang terms for cannabis in different countries and their origins.
Spain: María, Hierba, and Porro
Cannabis Slang in Spain
Common slang terms:
María, Hierba, Verde, Porro, Chocolate
Explanation:
"María" (Mary) is one of the most widely used names for cannabis in Spain. "Hierba" (herb) and "Verde" (green) refer to the plant's appearance. "Porro" is a Spanish term for a joint, while "Chocolate" refers to hashish, which is very popular in Spain due to its proximity to Morocco.
England (UK): Skunk, Ganja, and Bud
Ganja Slang in the UK
Common slang terms:
Weed, Skunk, Bud, Ganja, Hash
Explanation:
The UK shares many slang terms with the U.S., but "Skunk" is unique to the region, referring to strong-smelling, high-potency cannabis strains. "Ganja" originates from Jamaican influence, and "Hash" (short for hashish) is widely used in British cannabis culture.
Brazil: Maconha and Bagulho
Bagulho Slang in Brazil
Common slang terms:
Maconha, Erva, Bagulho
Explanation:
"Maconha" is the most common term in Brazil for cannabis. "Erva" (herb) is another frequently used term, while "Bagulho" is a slang word often used in street culture to refer to drugs in general.
Mexico: Mota and Gallo
Gallo Slang in Mexico
Common slang terms:
Mota, Gallo, Yesca
Explanation:
"Mota" is the most popular slang term for cannabis in Mexico, used for decades. "Gallo" means rooster but is also slang for a joint. "Yesca" (tinder) is another old-school term used in Mexican cannabis culture.
Portugal: Erva and Ganza
Ganza Slang in Portugal
Common slang terms:
Erva, Charro, Ganza
Explanation:
"Erva" (herb) is widely used in Portugal, much like in Brazil. "Charro" refers to a joint, while "Ganza" is another popular term for cannabis.
France: Beuh and Oinj
Oinj Slang in France
Common slang terms:
Beuh, Shit, Oinj
Explanation:
"Beuh" (pronounced like "buh") is the most common French term for weed. "Shit" refers to hashish, which is popular in France due to North African influences. "Oinj" is "joint" with a French street accent.
Germany: Gras and Dope
Dope Slang in Germany
Common slang terms:
Gras, Hanf, Dope
Explanation:
"Gras" (grass) is the most widely used term for cannabis in Germany. "Hanf" is the German word for hemp, while "Dope" is borrowed from English and refers to cannabis products.
USA: Weed, Pot, and Kush
Kush Slang in the USA
Common slang terms:
Weed, Pot, Kush, Bud, Mary Jane
Explanation:
The U.S. has countless cannabis slang terms, but "Weed" is the most universal. "Pot" was popularized in the mid-20th century, while "Kush" refers to high-quality strains. "Mary Jane" is a play on the Spanish name "Marijuana."
Israel: Yarok and Ganja (ירוק, גאנג׳ה)
גאנג׳ה Slang in Israel
Common slang terms:
ירוק (Yarok), גאנג׳ה (Ganja), חשיש (Hashish)
Explanation:
"Yarok" means "green" and is widely used in Israel. "Ganja" is borrowed from Jamaican slang, while "Hashish" refers to hash, which is popular in Israel due to Middle Eastern cannabis traditions.
Middle East: Hashish and Keef (حشيش, كيف)
كيف Slang in the Middle East
Common slang terms:
حشيش (Hashish), كيف (Keef)
Explanation:
"Hashish" is the most widely used term in the Middle East, as hash is more common than cannabis flower. "Keef" refers to the resinous trichomes collected from cannabis.
China: Dàmá (大麻)
Dàmá Slang in China
Common slang terms:
大麻 (Dàmá)
Explanation:
"Dàmá" is the official term for cannabis in China. Cannabis has a long history in China, dating back thousands of years in traditional medicine.
Japan: Taima (大麻)
大麻 Slang in Japan
Common slang terms:
大麻 (Taima)
Explanation:
"Taima" is the Japanese term for cannabis. While cannabis use is strictly illegal in Japan, the term has historical roots in Shinto rituals and hemp farming.
Italy: Erba and Canne
Canne Slang in Italy
Common slang terms:
Erba, Fumo, Canne
Explanation:
"Erba" (herb) is the most common term for cannabis in Italy. "Fumo" (smoke) is often used for hashish, while "Canne" (pipes) refers to joints.
Cannabis Terminology Reflects Global Culture
Marijuana slang varies significantly from country to country, reflecting cultural and historical influences. Whether you call it "Mota," "Weed," "Beuh," or "Gras," it all represents the same plant enjoyed worldwide.
Where to Find Cannabis in Madrid?
If you're looking for a safe and legal way to enjoy cannabis in Spain, Spain420.es can connect you with the best cannabis social clubs in Madrid, where you can smoke legally for just €5 with a beer or beverage for €1!
