How to Say "marijuana" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “marijuana” is “marihuana” — use 'marihuana' when referring to cannabis in a general or formal context, such as in discussions about its legal status, medicinal uses, or in news reports..
marihuana
mah-ree-WHAH-nah/ma.ɾiˈwa.na/
Examples
La marihuana medicinal se usa para tratar el dolor crónico.
Medical marijuana is used to treat chronic pain.
El cultivo de marihuana es legal en algunos estados.
The cultivation of cannabis is legal in some states.
Prefiero no hablar de marihuana en la oficina.
I prefer not to talk about marijuana in the office.
Always Feminine
Even though it refers to a plant or substance, 'marihuana' is always a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it.
Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “Writing 'marijuana' (with a 'j').”
Correction: The most common and accepted spelling in standard Spanish is 'marihuana' (with an 'h'), even though the 'j' spelling is standard in English.
maria
MAH-ree-ah/ˈmaɾja/
Examples
El olor a maria era muy fuerte en la calle.
The smell of weed was very strong on the street.
Dicen que venden buena maria en ese barrio.
They say they sell good marijuana in that neighborhood.
Always Feminine
Even though this word is slang, it is treated as a feminine noun, so you use 'la' before it: 'la maria'.
Confusing Register
Mistake: “Using 'maria' in formal or official contexts.”
Correction: Use 'marihuana' or 'cannabis' instead when speaking with police, doctors, or in official reports, as 'maria' is too casual.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
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