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.
