Common Names for Cannabis in the 1960s: Local and International Variations

Introduction to 1960s Slang

The 1960s were a period of significant cultural change, and cannabis usage was no exception. Terms used to refer to cannabis varied greatly, influenced by regional, generational, and even linguistic differences. In many communities, the term 'grass' was commonly used, but various other names also gained popularity. This article explores the diverse terminology used for cannabis in the 1960s, both in the United States and internationally.

The Dominance of Slang Terms

Slang Term: Grass

Perhaps the most well-known term for cannabis in the 1960s was grass. This term superseded weed, which was used in earlier decades and continued to be popular. The slang term grass carries a sense of environmental imagery, evoking natural, wild imagery, which resonated with the ethos of the hippie movement of the time. Individuals within this community often preferred terms like 'weed,' 'herb,' or 'grass,' each carrying its own connotations and uses.

Regional and Generational Differences

Different regions and age groups had their own unique preferences for cannabis slang. For instance, the term weed was widely used, but there was a clear preference for herb and grass among many smokers. Some individuals, particularly those more aligned with the counterculture movement, avoided terms like dope and pot due to their associations with negative stereotypes. Dope and pot were seen as derogatory terms and were often used in a condescending manner, such as pothead and doper.

International Variations

The Originals Win Out: Marijuana, Cannabis, Weed, Pot, and Kush

Despite the prevalence of slang, certain terms were more frequently used. Marijuana became the most common term, followed closely by cannabis. Other terms like weed and pot were widely used throughout the United States. In addition, kush and ganja also gained significant traction during this period. These terms reflected the evolving cultural and linguistic landscape of cannabis usage.

International Terms and Trends

Brazil and the Caribbean

In Brazil and the Spanish-speaking countries of the Caribbean, a term called cheeb became popular for a brief period. This term, along with similar variations such as cheeba and chiba, witnessed a flurry of usage before settling mainly on chiba. Chiba originated from the Mexican Spanish slang word for heroin and was more commonly used on the West Coast of the United States.

Ireland

In Ireland, the term doob emerged as a slang word for a joint or blunt. Doob was derived from dubes, a status symbol among the upper-middle-class in South Dublin. The term dube was another variation, and doobie and dooby were also used. As doob gained popularity, it was adopted by American speakers, particularly in reference to well-packed joints.

A North American Spin

In the United States, another short-lived term emerged from Micky Dolenz of The Monkees. Frodis was first coined in the mid-1960s and seemed to draw inspiration from the character Frodo from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. This term saw a brief surge in usage before fading away.

Conclusion

The 1960s were marked by varied and evolving terms for cannabis. From the widespread use of grass to more regional terms like herb and weed, the language surrounding cannabis reflects the cultural and linguistic shifts of the time. The International variations further demonstrate the diverse ways in which cannabis was embraced and discussed across different regions and communities.