Marijuana Street Names and Nicknames

Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug in the United States. The primary psychoactive component of marijuana—tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC—is thought to have evolved as a botanical self-defense chemical and is present in a subset of the hemp family of plants.^1,2,3Plant materials from these particular plants, rich in THC, are commonly dried and then smoked.⁴

Marijuana has, in more recent years, been the center of controversy because of its use as a medicinal agent.^1,4,5Though marijuana remains an illicit substance under federal law and has yet to receive any official governmental endorsement as a medicinal drug, various compounds in the plant are actively being researched for their therapeutic benefits and could one day prove useful for treating certain symptoms and illnesses.³ The push to legalize marijuana has also gained traction throughout the United States and many states have already legalized use either medically or recreationally.

With widely reported therapeutic uses for a number of ailments, marijuana is perceived by many as harmless. However, marijuana use can impact one’s perception and judgment. Persistent and heavy use can also contribute, over time, to various social problems.²

Because of its popularity, marijuana has many nicknames and street names. Marijuana has been used by various cultures for hundreds of years; therefore, there is a seemingly endless list of names for marijuana which vary according to the country, communities, and age groups in which they are used.

Street Names

This list is not all-inclusive, and the names for marijuana are ever-changing.

Here are some common terms for marijuana, with some more familiar than others:^3,4

Pot.
Weed.
Grass.
420.
Ganga.
Dope.
Herb.
Joint.
Blunt.
Cannabis.
Reefer.
Mary Jane.
Buds.
Stinkweed.
Nuggets.
Chronic.
Tobacco.
Hay.
Rope.
Gangster.
Skunk.
Boom.
Blaze.
Ashes.
Block.
Boo.
Broccoli.
Burrito.
Burnie.
Charge.

Geographic Street Names

Several street names and nicknames for marijuana are tied to the various countries or geographic regions from which the product was originally cultivated or sourced. These names include:

Acapulco Gold.
Panama Gold.
Black Russian.
Texas Tea.
Indo.
Maui Wowie.
Thai stick.
Mexican.
Colombo.

Cultural Terms

There are also cultural terms for marijuana that vary throughout distinct geographic regions. For example, marijuana is called “dagga” in South Africa. North Africans call the drug “kif.” In Jamaica, it is called “ganja.” The Spanish term is “mota” and the Hawaiian name for marijuana is “pakalolo.”

Other Signs of Use

Hearing your loved one use any of these nicknames may alert you to the possibility that he or she may be using marijuana. If you suspect your loved one may be using marijuana, you might also recognize in them certain signs and symptoms of marijuana use:^2,3,4

Paranoia.
Disorientation.
Preoccupation with visual, taste and audio stimuli.
Trouble with memory and ability to focus.
Slower reaction times.
Increased appetite.
Red eyes.
Dry mouth.
Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.

Health Effects

As much as regular users would like to think that weed is an entirely harmless drug, it really is not. Marijuana use has not only been linked with a significant number of short-term psychosocial problems—including problems with school, work, family, friends, and the law—but is also associated with several longer-term medical and mental health risks:^1,2,4

Problems with brain development. When people begin using marijuana when they are young, the drug may reduce memory, attention, and learning functions and affect how the brain constructs links between the areas in the brain that are necessary for those functions. The effect on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent.
Respiratory problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs and can cause the same breathing problems as those experienced by tobacco smokers, including regular coughing, more frequent lung illness, and a higher chance of lung infections.
Problems with child development during and after pregnancy.
Increased mental health problems risk. Frequent use and high-dosage use may cause disorientation or disagreeable thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Marijuana users are also more likely to develop temporary psychosis and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Although many proponents of marijuana use may disagree or downplay the problematic potential, for some people marijuana use may become progressively compulsive and contribute to the development of a substance use disorder, or addiction.^1-4 In addition, marijuana use is associated with physical dependemce and an associated withdrawal syndrome. In other words, many people who use marijuana for a long period of time are at risk of experiencing certain certain withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly quit or cut back.

These symptoms are often uncomfortable and can compel continued use to keep them at bay. Common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal include:^2,3,4

Anxiety.
Irritability.
Sleeplessness.
Cravings.
Decreased appetite.¹¹

Other less common withdrawal symptoms include anger, irritability, anorexia, weight loss and strange dreams.¹²

Finding Treatment Centers

Marijuana addiction treatment often begins with detox for supportive withdrawal management followed by behavioral therapy and additional recovery work. Although many people perceive weed as harmless, chronic and compulsive use may be associated with a number of problematic mental and social effects. Professional substance rehabilitation programs can help people begin to recover before such negative consequences begin to mount.

Luxury and executive marijuana rehab centers are known for offering addiction treatment in addition to many high-end luxuries, making your recovery process much more comfortable. If you can’t afford luxury or executive rehab treatment, however, there is always traditional rehab treatment—which offers the same quality addiction care but without the extra amenities or price tag.

Checking Your Insurance Benefits

If you are worried that you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, it can feel overwhelming to look for help. As you consider your options, knowing exactly what your insurance plan covers can give you peace of mind while you or your loved one is in rehab. You can do the work of getting and staying sober without worrying about unexpected costs or financial struggles. For more information on what your insurance plan covers, call American Addiction Centers at ,or fill out the form below.