Do you know why marijuana is called pot? It may seem like an odd name for a recreational and medicinal substance, but pot has deep roots in the Indian and Caribbean communities that have historically used the plant for its spiritual and medicinal properties. In this article, we will explore why marijuana is called pot, trace its origins back to the 1600s, and explain why the name has stuck with it throughout its history.
Let’s dive right into the fascinating world of marijuana and find out why so many people refer to it as pot!
Why Is Marijuana Called Pot?
What is commonly referred to as pot, or marijuana, is a drug derived from the cannabis plant. Though marijuana use is outlawed in some countries and states, it is still widely used for relaxation, stress relief and medicinal purposes around the world.But why do we call this drug “pot”?
Etymology of the Word “Pot”
The etymology of the word “pot” dates all the way back to 1911, when it became a street term for marajuana.Most likely this is because the drug was used in a pot or pipe. The American journalist H. L.
Mencken noted that the “true etymology” of the term “pot” was in reference to a pot of boiling water that was used in Mexico to prepare marijuana. The plant was boiled in this pot of water to make a tea-like beverage which was then consumed.
The Change from “Marihuana” to “Pot”
By the 1930s, the drug began to be called “pot” even among United States presidential candidates like Franklin D. Roosevelt when discussing the illegal shooting of a drug dealer known to sell marihuana. Through the 20th and into the 21st century, the term “pot” has been knocked around in popular culture.As a slang or vernacular term, it is still widely used as a street term for marijuana, reinforcing its connection to the drug.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marijuana is a drug derived from the cannabis plant.The term “pot” dates back to 1911, when it was first coined to refer to marijuana, though its true etymology was found to be related to the water pots used to brew the plant in Mexico. By the mid-1920s, it was a commonly used slang term for marijuana in the United States and is still seen as a vernacular term for the drug today. Citation URL: https://www. thoughtco. com/why-is-marijuana-called-pot-4773399https://www. dictionary. com/browse/pothttps://www. etymonline. com/word/pot