Written by Brandon Topp

Out of all the names for cannabis—weed, herb, flower, bud—“pot” might seem like the oddest. It’s short, old-school, and oddly enduring. But where did the term come from, and why do people still use it to describe marijuana today?

To understand the story behind “pot,” we need to trace the cannabis plant’s cultural journey—from ancient traditions and Mexican Spanish slang to jazz clubs, political propaganda, and mainstream pop culture. We also need to clarify something important upfront: not all cannabis is legally the same.

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Table of Contents

• Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

• The Roots of the Word “Pot”

• From Mexico to the U.S.: The Role of Language and Culture

• “Potiguaya,” Cannabis Tea, and Latin American Influence

• When “Pot” Went Mainstream

• Why “Pot” Still Sticks Around

• Modern Slang vs. Classic Terms

• FAQ

• Try Weed the Mood Way

Hemp vs. Marijuana: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up a common source of confusion. Mood’s products are made from hemp, not marijuana, even though they may look, smell, and smoke just like traditional weed. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis plants with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are legally classified as hemp.

That means even though our THCa flower can produce potent effects when smoked—thanks to heat activating the THCa into THC—it remains compliant with federal law.

The hemp plant and marijuana both belong to the Cannabis sativa species. The difference lies in their chemical makeup and how they’re defined by law. Hemp is legal in many states; marijuana may be restricted depending on state law, even though marijuana use is rising for recreational purposes and medical marijuana.

Prefer a legal high without the legal headache? Mood’s THCa flower is your go-to source for potent, hemp-derived cannabis products.

The Roots of the Word “Pot”

So why is weed called "pot"? The slang comes from “potación de guaya”, a Mexican Spanish word for a cannabis-infused drink—a tea or wine laced with psychoactive dried leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis plant.

The phrase roughly translates to “drink of grief,” and was part of traditional use in South America and Mexico. Over time, the term was shortened to just “pot” by English speakers in the U.S., who adopted it as casual slang for smoking marijuana.

The term “potiguaya” is also believed to be a key linguistic root—this Mexican Spanish word for a cannabis drink or mix is where “pot” likely draws its earliest English form.

Curious about the substance behind the slang? Try premium THCa flower from Mood—hemp-derived and federally legal.

From Mexico to the U.S.: The Role of Language and Culture

The rise of the term “pot” coincided with the arrival of Mexican immigrants into the U.S. in the early 1900s. Alongside them came knowledge of the cannabis plant, cultural traditions, and language. It’s during this time that the word “marijuana”—or “marihuana,” as it was first spelled—also entered the American lexicon.

The term was heavily promoted in the Mexican press and later picked up by American officials looking to associate cannabis with lower classes, criminal behavior, and foreign influence. Anti-cannabis propaganda used this language to paint weed as a dangerous substance favored by lower class Mexicans and Black jazz musicians, despite little evidence supporting those claims.

One of the leading voices tracing this cultural manipulation is Isaac Campos, a historian who’s documented how Mexico’s public discourse around cannabis shaped American drug policy.

No stereotypes—just pure smoke. Try hemp-derived weed with potent effects, only from Mood.

“Potiguaya,” Cannabis Tea, and Latin American Influence

“Potación de guaya” was more than just slang—it was a traditional infused beverage, made with marijuana leaves steeped in alcohol or tea. This method of consumption reflects the long history of cannabis use in Latin America, possibly dating back to the introduction of Indian hemp from Central Asia via colonial trade routes.

These cannabis concoctions were used for both recreational purposes and spiritual rituals—further evidence that the plant’s psychoactive properties were known well before modern cannabis culture.

The term “potiguaya” likely combined “potación” (drink) with a colloquial word related to cannabis, forming a term that referred specifically to this psychoactive mixture.

From ancient tea to modern pre-rolls—Mood’s cannabis products honor the history with a fresh twist.

When “Pot” Went Mainstream

The word “pot” took off in American slang by the 1930s, gaining popularity in underground circles, especially among college students, musicians, and artists. It became a safer, more casual way to describe marijuana at a time when anti-cannabis laws were being passed across the country.

As the same drug became the target of criminalization, the slang helped cannabis users create a shared identity—one that pushed back against government narratives warning of the “terrible effects” of smoking marijuana.

By the 1960s and 1970s, “pot” was fully embedded in American counterculture. It showed up in films, music, literature, and even political debates about the legal restrictions on cannabis use.

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Why “Pot” Still Sticks Around

Even with new slang like “zaza” and “gas” gaining traction, “pot” is still instantly recognizable. It’s the kind of word your grandparents might use—or you might hear in an old-school movie about the ‘70s.

It’s survived generations of changing local laws, shifting social norms, and evolving cannabis terminology. Part of the reason? It’s short, simple, and cuts through the noise. “Pot” is still one of the most commonly used slang terms in the U.S., especially when referring to marijuana cigarettes or joints.

Old slang, new highs—Mood’s THCa weed delivers timeless effects with modern quality.

Modern Slang vs. Classic Terms

Today’s cannabis scene is full of creative, rotating terms: “herb,” “mary jane,” “loud,” “mid,” “gas,” “exotic,” “ma kaña.” Each one reflects a different generation, region, or vibe.

But classic terms like “pot” still have power. They’re part of a long story—one that blends language, culture, music, and resistance. When people call it “pot,” they’re not just referencing a substance—they’re nodding to the human beings and communities who kept the culture alive.

Whatever you call it, Mood brings cannabis back to its roots—with modern convenience and next-level freshness.

FAQ

What is “pot” slang for?

“Pot” is slang for cannabis, derived from the Spanish phrase “potación de guaya,” referring to a traditional cannabis-infused drink.

Is Mood’s weed marijuana or hemp?

Mood’s cannabis products are made from hemp, not marijuana. They comply with the 2018 Farm Bill and are legal in many states.

What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?

Both come from Cannabis sativa, but hemp contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, while marijuana has more. Hemp is legal federally; marijuana is not.

Where did the word marijuana come from?

“Marijuana” or “marihuana” likely originated from Mexican Spanish, though the exact source is debated. It was popularized in the early 1900s to stigmatize cannabis use.

What is a marijuana cigarette?

A marijuana cigarette—also called a joint—is a rolled cannabis product used for smoking marijuana. Mood offers similar pre-rolls using hemp-derived THCa flower.

Try Weed the Mood Way

Mood makes enjoying cannabis simple, legal, and stress-free. Our hemp-derived THCa flower offers the same rich aroma, smoke, and effects as traditional marijuana—without violating federal law. Whether you’re chasing a nostalgic high or a modern vibe, we’ve got your favorite strains, rolled and ready.

Shop potent, legal cannabis now at Mood.com