Hereā??s some more information, but I canā??t vouch for historical accuracy. I believe that the word pre-dates Anslingerā??s use of it in the mid-1930's.




The origin of the word marijuana is unclear. One scholar suggests it derives from mariguango, Portuguese for "intoxicant". Another scholar thinks it came from "Maria y Juana", Mexican slang for soldiers and whores in the era of Pancho Villa.


Another claimed it originated from the name of a brand of cheap Mexican cigarettes which bore a picture of a young girl (Marijuana = "Mary-Jane") on the packet.

Whatever its origin, marijuana is the word by which Americans have come to know Cannabis sativa, which most of the world calls "Indian hemp".

The mexican slang word Marijuana, also spelt Marihuana was unknown to most americans until newspaper headlines first introduced its name in the 1920s.

Source: Marijuana Seeds By NSB
Breukelen advocaat Reviewed by Breukelen advocaat on . Cannabis or Marijuana? I can't relate to the world "Cannabis". Does anybody else prefer "Marijuana"? It's a much prettier name, IMO, and far more well-known. Rating: 5