medical marijuana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, journalistic, legal, medical, policy.
Quick answer
What does “medical marijuana” mean?
Cannabis plant material, or its chemical derivatives, that is used to treat a medical condition or alleviate symptoms under legal authorization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Cannabis plant material, or its chemical derivatives, that is used to treat a medical condition or alleviate symptoms under legal authorization.
A regulated, therapeutic product derived from the cannabis plant, prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional for specific medical purposes, often within a legal framework distinct from recreational use. It can refer to specific strains, dosages, and methods of consumption (e.g., oils, capsules, vaporized forms).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs)' or 'medicinal cannabis' is a more precise official/legal term, though 'medical marijuana' is understood. In the US, 'medical marijuana' is the standard, legally-defined term in states with relevant programmes.
Connotations
UK: Stronger association with specialist, limited NHS prescriptions for severe conditions. US: Broader association with state-level dispensaries and a wider range of qualifying conditions.
Frequency
"Medical marijuana" is significantly more frequent in American English. In British English, "medicinal cannabis" is more common in formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “medical marijuana” in a Sentence
Patient + get/prescribe + medical marijuana + for + conditionState + legalise + medical marijuanaDoctor + recommend + medical marijuanaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medical marijuana” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The specialist may prescribe medical cannabis for severe epilepsy.
- The patient was advised to consider medical cannabis.
American English
- Doctors can now recommend medical marijuana in 38 states.
- He decided to medical-marijuana his chronic pain. (informal/debatable use)
adverb
British English
- The drug is used medicinally, under prescription.
- He consumes cannabis medicinally.
American English
- She uses marijuana medically for her condition.
- It is legally consumed medically in this state.
adjective
British English
- The medicinal cannabis industry faces strict regulation.
- She is a medicinal cannabis patient.
American English
- They visited a medical marijuana dispensary.
- The state has a medical marijuana program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The medical marijuana industry is seeking investment and clearer federal guidelines.
Academic
The study analysed the efficacy of medical marijuana in managing neuropathic pain.
Everyday
My uncle got a prescription for medical marijuana to help with his arthritis.
Technical
The THC:CBD ratio in this batch of medical marijuana is optimised for spasticity reduction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medical marijuana”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medical marijuana”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medical marijuana”
- Using 'medical marijuana' interchangeably with 'recreational marijuana' without acknowledging the legal distinction. Confusing it with synthetic cannabinoids (like nabilone).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Medical marijuana typically contains significant levels of both THC (psychoactive) and CBD. CBD oil is a product derived from cannabis/hemp that contains cannabidiol (CBD) but little to no THC, and is often available under different regulations.
While considered less addictive than many substances, cannabis use disorder is possible with any cannabis product, including medical marijuana, particularly with frequent, high-THC use. It is a risk managed under medical supervision.
'Marijuana' is the common, longstanding term in American English, embedded in law and public discourse (e.g., the 'Marihuana Tax Act of 1937'). 'Cannabis' is the scientific genus name and is increasingly preferred in formal/UK contexts to avoid historical stigmatisation associated with 'marijuana'.
It can, depending on the THC content and the individual's sensitivity. Medical products are often chosen or formulated to minimise psychoactive effects while maximising therapeutic benefit, but some psychoactivity is common with THC-containing treatments.
Cannabis plant material, or its chemical derivatives, that is used to treat a medical condition or alleviate symptoms under legal authorization.
Medical marijuana is usually formal, journalistic, legal, medical, policy. in register.
Medical marijuana: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmed.ɪ.kəl ˌmær.əˈwɑː.nə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmed.ɪ.kəl ˌmer.əˈwɑː.nə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Green medicine (informal)”
- “The cannabis prescription”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEDICAL (for treatment) + MARIJUANA (the plant). It's the 'prescription version' of cannabis.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE IS A KEY (unlocking relief); CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IS A TOOL (for specific, sanctioned use).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary semantic distinction carried by the term 'medical marijuana'?