Written by Brandon Topp

Slang words have always played a huge role in cannabis culture. From regional code words to creative nicknames you’d hear in a rap song or old movie, the language around weed is constantly evolving.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the 20 most popular slang names for cannabis—along with some of the lesser-known ones you might hear in a local conversation or catch in the background of a mainstream media moment.

Whether you're new to cannabis or just wondering what “cocoa puff” or “rainy day woman” means, this slang dictionary has you covered.

Looking for premium weed to match the name? Try high-THCa flower from Mood. Real smoke. No dispensary required.

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Table of Contents

• 1. Weed

• 2. Pot

• 3. Marijuana

• 4. Cannabis

• 5. Ganja

• 6. Grass

• 7. Reefer

• 8. Mary Jane

• 9. Dope

• 10. Herb

• 11. Chronic

• 12. Bud

• 13. Flower

• 14. Loud

• 15. Zaza

• 16. Joint

• 17. Cocoa Puff

• 18. Wacky Tobacky

• 19. Atom Bomb

• 20. Rainy Day Woman

1. Weed

Still the most common slang term today. “Weed” is easy to say, casual, and cuts through every generation—especially with young people. It’s a generic term that works in almost any context.

Looking for weed you’ll actually feel? Check out Mood’s potent THCa flower.

2. Pot

This slang word for cannabis was huge in the 60s and 70s. The word likely comes from “potiguaya,” a Spanish phrase referring to cannabis leaves steeped in alcohol. It’s still used regularly in mainstream media.

Mood’s THCa flower isn’t just pot—it’s top-shelf, lab-tested fire.

3. Marijuana

“Marijuana” was a street name popularized by prohibition-era campaigns. It's since become a legal and medical term, but also carries a controversial history.

Mood doesn’t sell marijuana. We sell Farm Bill-compliant THCa products with real effects.

4. Cannabis

The most formal and widely accepted synonym for marijuana, cannabis covers all types of the plant: sativa, indica, and hybrids. You'll hear this in medical, scientific, and legal circles.

Mood offers cannabis products made from federally legal THCa hemp flower.

5. Ganja

Imported into Western slang through Jamaican culture and Rastafari religion, “ganja” has spiritual roots and carries weight in cannabis communities worldwide. A perfect example of specific slang with cultural meaning.

Try ganja with real power—Mood’s THCa strains deliver effects you’ll remember.

6. Grass

A retro name that older generations still use. “Grass” was especially popular during the hippie era and remains a fun, lowkey way to refer to cannabis.

Our grass is grown indoors, hand-trimmed, and federally legal. Shop Mood now.

7. Reefer

Made famous (and mocked) by the 1936 film Reefer Madness, this slang name is now used ironically. You’ll still hear it in vintage media or by someone referencing cannabis with a wink.

Mood’s reefer is way better than whatever they were smoking in the '30s.

8. Mary Jane / Lady Jane

A classic person-based nickname. “Mary Jane” is a play on “marijuana,” while “Lady Jane” is an old-school variation. Both are still used in songs and stoner storytelling.

Take Lady Jane for a spin—Mood’s THCa flower comes in potent, euphoric strains.

9. Dope

“Dope” can refer to many substances, but it’s also a common slang term for strong weed, especially in rap and street language. It’s edgy, raw, and urban-coded.

Looking for the good dope? Mood delivers fire to your door.

10. Herb

“Herb” is a simple, earthy nickname for cannabis, especially in spiritual or natural wellness spaces. It connects the plant to nature, food, and holistic healing.

Our herb is lab-tested, loud, and legal. Try Mood’s finest strains.

11. Chronic

Popularized by Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, this is specific slang for premium, ultra-potent weed. It’s a name that stuck, especially among people who want the strongest smoke possible.

Chronic doesn’t have to be illegal—Mood’s THCa flower is the real deal.

12. Bud

“Bud” refers to the smokable part of the cannabis plant. It’s common in dispensaries and local shops. A direct term, but still counts as common slang in conversations.

Bud with bite—Mood’s strains are grown for flavor, frost, and force.

13. Flower

A more modern term, “flower” is now the industry standard. It’s what you see on menus, packaging, and product labels. It separates the plant from edibles, concentrates, and vapes.

Mood’s THCa flower is fresh, loud, and ships fast. Shop now.

14. Loud

“Loud” refers to weed that smells strong and smokes heavy. If you can smell it through a bag, it’s probably loud. A perfect code word when describing high-quality herb.

Get loud. Mood’s terpy strains hit hard and taste great.

15. Zaza

“Zaza” is modern slang for exotic, rare, or premium weed. It likely comes from “exotic” being shortened to “za,” then morphed into “zaza.” It’s all over TikTok, trap lyrics, and Gen Z culture.

Looking for Zaza? Mood’s curated strains are the definition of exotic.

16. Joint

Technically a product, but also one of the oldest street names tied to cannabis culture. “Joint” can also refer to a place or event, but when someone says “roll a joint,” you know what they mean.

Skip the rolling—Mood’s pre-roll joints are ready to light and potent as hell.

17. Cocoa Puff

A slang phrase for a cannabis and cocaine combo—usually in a joint or blunt. Not to be confused with the cereal. Still, it’s a real term that pops up in underground conversations.

No cocoa, just puff. Mood’s flower is pure THCa, no additives.

18. Wacky Tobacky

A rhyming, humorous phrase from old cartoons and TV shows. “Wacky tobacky” is one of those different slang terms that doesn’t get used much anymore, but is still recognizable.

Call it wacky, call it weed—Mood’s flower is anything but boring.

19. Atom Bomb

A powerful code word sometimes used for extremely strong weed or joints laced with other substances. You’ll find it in 70s-80s stoner lore and local language circles.

Mood doesn’t make atom bombs—but our THCa hits just as hard.

20. Rainy Day Woman

A cryptic nickname, popularized by Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35.” The chorus—“Everybody must get stoned”—makes the meaning clear. A great example of how slang words can hide in plain sight.

Rainy day? Light up with Mood and turn the mood around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common slang terms for marijuana?

Slang names include weed, pot, Mary Jane, bud, ganja, dope, loud, Zaza, reefer, and grass. Other code words include “atom bomb,” “joint,” and “rainy day woman.”

Why do people use different slang for cannabis?

People use different slang to blend in, signal group identity, or just for fun. It can reflect culture, region, or time period—and often helps bypass legal or social judgment.

Are these slang names used in Canada or just the U.S.?

Many of these terms are used internationally, including in Canada. Local slang words like “bush” (outdoor weed) also exist in regional vocabularies.

Is “smoke” a slang word for weed?

Yes, “smoke” can refer to both the act of using weed and the product itself. You might hear someone say, “You got some smoke?” or “Let’s go smoke.”

Where can I hear these slang names in real life?

You’ll find these slang names in music, movies, social media, and casual conversation. They show up in mainstream media but are especially common in communities where cannabis is part of everyday life.

Real Weed, Real Names—Try Mood

Whether you call it flower, gas, bud, or wacky tobacky, Mood has the THCa weed you’re looking for.

Our cannabis products are legal hemp under the Farm Bill, but they smoke like the real thing—and they ship right to your door.

No code words needed. Shop the loudest weed online at Mood.