Cannabis

plant genus belonging to the family Cannabaceae of the nettle order (Urticales). The genus comprises one species, hemp (; 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, cane-like variety is raised for the production of hemp fiber, while the female plant of a short, branchier variety is prized as the more abundant source of marijuana.