das  Marihuana

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˌmaʁihuˈaːna/

🌿 What Exactly is Marihuana?

Das Marihuana (less commonly: die Marihuana, but standard German uses the neuter) refers to the dried, resinous female flower clusters and leaves of the hemp plant (Cannabis), used as an intoxicant or medicinal drug.

It is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). Using the feminine article die is possible in colloquial or regional speech, but less common and not considered standard. ⚠️ Pay attention to the correct article das!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Das Marihuana

Das Marihuana is usually an uncountable noun (Singularetantum) and is therefore mostly used only in the singular. The plural is very rare and only used when referring to different types or strains.

Declension Singular

💡 Example Sentences

• Der Arzt verschrieb ihm das Marihuana zu medizinischen Zwecken.
  (The doctor prescribed him the marijuana for medical purposes.)
• Der Besitz von Marihuana ist in vielen Ländern reguliert.
  (The possession of marijuana is regulated in many countries.)
• Die Polizei fand bei der Durchsuchung eine geringe Menge Marihuanas.
  (During the search, the police found a small amount of marijuana.) (Genitive usage)

🗣️ How is Marihuana Used?

The term das Marihuana is used in various contexts:

• Medical: In connection with the therapeutic use of cannabis products for pain relief or treatment of certain diseases (medizinische Zwecke).
• Legal/Political: In discussions about legalization (Legalisierung), regulation (Regulierung), drug policy (Drogenpolitik), and law enforcement (Strafverfolgung).
• Everyday/Colloquial: As a term for the drug, often synonymous with other terms like Gras (grass) or Cannabis.
• Botanical: To refer to the specific plant parts.

It is important to consider the context, as the connotation of the word can vary depending on the situation – from a neutral medical term to a word with negative associations related to illegal drug use.

🧠 Mnemonics for Marihuana

For the article (das): Think of das Kraut (the herb). Marihuana is an herb, and many general terms for plant material or substances are neuter (das Kraut, das Gras, das Pulver). Imagine: "Das ist das Zeug!" (That is the stuff!) - 'das' repeats.

For the meaning: Think of "Mary and Juan" perhaps discussing it in Spanish? (The word has Spanish-Mexican roots). It refers to the dried flowers/leaves of Cannabis. Picture a dried plant (getrocknete Pflanze).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch Out for Confusion:

Haschisch: This is the resin of the cannabis plant, a more concentrated form, not the dried flowers/leaves (Marihuana).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat der Gärtner immer gute Laune?
Weil er sein eigenes Marihuana anbaut und immer 'high' auf seine Arbeit ist!

English Translation: Why is the gardener always in a good mood?
Because he grows his own marijuana and is always 'high' on his work! (Pun: 'high on' can mean enthusiastic about, but also intoxicated).

(Please note: This is just a pun and not an endorsement of consumption or cultivation.)

📜 A Little Poem

German:
Ein Pflänzchen grün, oft diskutiert,
das Marihuana, heiß begehrt,
Mal Medizin, mal Freudenspender,
Mal Zankapfel in vielen Länder.
Ob Blatt, ob Blüte, fein getrocknet,
Sein Ruf ist selten unbeflocket.

English Translation:
A little plant green, often discussed,
das Marihuana, highly desired,
Sometimes medicine, sometimes joy-giver,
Sometimes bone of contention in many lands.
Whether leaf or flower, finely dried,
Its reputation is seldom spotless.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin getrocknet, grünlich-braun,
manche rauchen mich, um high zu schaun'.
Mein Name klingt spanisch, doch wachs' ich weit,
bin Pflanzenteil, für Rausch bereit.
Gesetze ändern sich, die Debatte ist heiß,
was bin ich, mit 'das' als Artikel, sag's leis?

English Translation:
I am dried, greenish-brown,
some smoke me to look 'high' around.
My name sounds Spanish, yet I grow far and wide,
I'm part of a plant, for intoxication supplied.
Laws are changing, the debate is intense,
what am I, with 'das' as article, tell me hence?

Solution: das Marihuana

🌐 More Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Marihuana" comes from Mexican Spanish (mexikanisches Spanisch), although its exact etymology is disputed. It became common in German in the early 20th century.
• Legal Status: The possession (Besitz), trade (Handel), and cultivation (Anbau) of marijuana are regulated in Germany and many other countries by narcotics laws (Betäubungsmittelgesetz - BtMG) and are often heavily restricted or prohibited. However, legislation is changing in many countries (keyword: legalization, medizinisches Cannabis).
• Cultural Significance: Marijuana has a long history of use in various cultures, for ritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes.