‘Cannabis’ is a Better Term for ‘Marijuana,’ Senator Says
State lawmakers are beginning taking a deeper look at the etymology and usage of the word “marijuana.” There are many reasons why the word “cannabis” is a better, more politically correct term to use in this industry than the word “marijuana.” A Hawaii Senator wants to purge the word “marijuana” from the state’s vocabulary. Sen. Mike Gabbard (D-Oahu) introduced Senate Bill 786 which would replace “medical marijuana” with “medical cannabis.”
The new rule would require the state Department of Health to revise all of its documents, letterheads and websites. It would affect state statute as well as the Hawaii Administrative Rules. The bill is co-sponsored by state Sen. Russell Ruderman (D-Puna.) Gabbard said that the word “marijuana” evokes “prejudicial implications rooted in racial stereotypes.” Cannabis, on the other hand, Gabbard explained, carries “no such negative connotations.”
“Marijuana” is an Anglicization of the Spanish word “marihuana.” The actual origin of the word has been disputed and could have emerged from up to three continents. Beginning in post-1900 America, during “Reefer Madness,” the media issued crazed, racist reports of “pot-induced mania” and the narrative almost always included minorities as the perpetrators. Meanwhile, safe medical “cannabis” products were sold over-the-counter without any thought of repercussion. The term “marijuana” is rooted in racism originally stemming from the Mexican Revolution of 1910, and there are better words that can be used.
Hawaii is taking a proactive step towards removing the word “marijuana” and replacing it with the more scientifically accurate word “cannabis.” Most other recent cannabis bills in Hawaii, however, have died in legislature.
Many other cannabis bills are moving through Hawaii’s legislature at this time including SB-305 which would force dispensaries to record video footage for 45 days. HB-263 would impose a General Excise Tax on a portion of dispensaries’ gross income. The bill to replace the word “marijauana” has been passed on to the Hawaii House.
