We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more

Leafly

Shop legal, local weed.

Open
advertise on Leafly
ShopDeliveryDispensariesDealsStrainsBrandsProductsCBDDoctorsCannabis 101Social impact
  • Sign in
  • Create account
  • Strains
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Delivery
  • Deals
  • Dispensaries
  • CBD Stores
  • Brands
  • Products
  • Learn
  • Cannabis 101
  • News
  • Leafly Learn
  • Science of cannabis
  • Doctors
  • Social impact
  • Lab partners
  • Download the Leafly App
  • Advertise on Leafly
    • Leafly.comUSA flag
    • Leafly.caCanadian flag
    • Leafly.deGerman flag
  • Help
  1. Home
  2. Leafly Learn
  3. Cannabis Glossary
  4. P
  5. Pot
  • a
  • b
  • c
  • d
  • e
  • f
  • g
  • h
  • i
  • j
  • k
  • l
  • m
  • n
  • o
  • p
  • q
  • r
  • s
  • t
  • u
  • v
  • w
  • x
  • y
  • z
  • #
  • Parts per million (ppm)
  • Percolator
  • Permaculture
  • Pesticide
  • Phellandrene
  • Pheno-hunting
  • Phenolic compounds
  • Phenotype
  • Photoperiod
  • Phytocannabinoid
  • Phytol
  • Piece
  • Pinene
  • Pinner
  • Pipe
  • Pistil
  • Plant matter
  • Plug
  • Pod
  • Pollen
  • Pot
  • Pound
  • Pre-roll
  • Pre-run
  • Private reserve
  • Propane hash oil (PHO)
  • Pulegone
  • Pull ‘n’ snap
  • Purps

Pot

(UrosPoteko/iStock)

Pot is a slang term for cannabis that gained popularity in the 1930s. Shortened from the name of a Spanish grief potion, pot is an abbreviation of “potación de guaya.” This libation was created by soaking cannabis leaves in wine or brandy. 

“She went on an errand to replenish her pot supply.”

“For dessert, we made chocolatey pot brownies.” 

History of pot

Pot first appeared in this context in 1938 when African-American writer Chester Himes used the term in his short story “The Way We Live Now”: 

“She made him smoke pot, and when he got jagged [high]… she put him on the street.”

Difference between pot and cannabis

There is no difference between pot and cannabis. “Cannabis” is often considered a formal term, whereas “pot” is more casual. 



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

Something went wrong, please try again.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App StoreDownload Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play

Business Solutions
  • List your store
  • List your CBD store
  • List your brand
  • List your practice
  • Business log in

About Leafly
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Investor relations
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Accessibility

Dispensaries in
  • Los Angeles
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Toronto
  • Detroit

Privacy & Terms
  • Terms of use
  • Commercial terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Do not sell my personal information

* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2025 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.