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A common informal term for cannabis, widely used in everyday language especially in North America.
Pot is one of the most common and widely understood informal terms for cannabis in the English language. It has been in use since at least the late 1930s and remains one of the standard ways that non-cannabis-enthusiasts refer to the plant in everyday conversation.
Etymology
The word pot likely comes from the Spanish word potiguaya or potaguaya, which referred to cannabis leaves steeped in wine or brandy. This beverage was consumed in Mexico and the term was adopted into American English by the late 1930s, shortened to pot. Some linguists have proposed alternative origins, but the potiguaya derivation is the most widely accepted among etymologists.
Usage and Perception
Pot occupies a neutral space in cannabis vocabulary. It is neither derogatory nor particularly enthusiastic. Parents use it, news anchors use it, and politicians use it. Within dedicated cannabis culture, pot can sometimes sound dated or outsider-ish compared to terms like flower or cannabis, but it remains perfectly understood and accepted. The term's simplicity and universal recognition have kept it relevant through decades of evolving cannabis slang. When someone says they use pot, there is zero ambiguity about what they mean.