Most drugs come with a slew of slang terms referring to them, and cannabis is no exception. Back in the day, before Americans were using the plant recreationally, it was just known as cannabis and used in medical applications. Today, we’ve got dozens of ways to refer to the plant, and “pot” is one of the more common choices.

Not for cooking

Although you can certainly use a pot to whip up a stellar cannabutter, there is no connection between the kitchen tool and the drug. It seems the most agreed-upon explanation of where the term “pot” came from is from the Spanish term “potacian de guaya” or “potiguaya,” referring to an alcoholic concoction of wine or brandy steeped with marijuana leaves. The term means “drink of grief.”

Or at least, that’s the best guess we have right now. It seems the etymology of the term “pot” has been in question since it first came into circulation. I’m no language expert, but I have not been able to find anything validating these words and their origins. What I did find while searching the term was a lot of controversy over what’s true and what’s not.

Unfortunately, it seems we’re stuck with this association that may or may not be accurate. There’s a good chance the origin of “pot” was falsely attributed with “potiguaya” and eventually became an accepted explanation with nothing better to argue it with.

The term “pot” has been in circulation since at least the 1930s. Civilized says author Chester Himes referred to smoking pot in a short story from 1938. Other dictionaries attribute the term to the 1930s as well, saying it probably comes from a Spanish term for cannabis leaves.

Other theories

The term “pot” stemming from a “drink of grief” consisting of wine or brandy infused with cannabis is mostly speculation. There is no concrete answer as to where the word originated. The other most common theory out there is “it’s called pot because you grow it in a pot.” Take that as you will, but I’m going to stick with the more likely scenario that pot originated from a cannabis-steeped alcoholic drink.

Connotations of the term

It’s safe to say that people still like to refer to cannabis as pot, though it has become less frequent as terms like “weed” among the younger generation of smokers.

Still, calling cannabis “pot” comes with its own issues, especially for those trying to change the stigma around the plant. The term still conjures up imagery of lazy, tie-dyed stoners sitting around a table That ‘70s style.

In one example, a man dressed in a three-piece business suit who appeared at a San Diego city councilor’s office to lobby for cannabis laws was met with “where’s the pot guy?”

Since he didn’t fit the councilor’s preconceived notion of what a “pot guy” was, he wasn’t even recognized as the man ready to lobby for better laws. In an industry that is still getting its start, the stigma of lazy, unmotivated or even unintelligent people smoking up doobies and getting nothing done is extremely damaging.

The imagery some attach to pot “deeply bothers the marijuana industry, which is telling the public — sometimes gently, sometimes curtly — that they should use the word cannabis.”

Others in the industry point out that terms like “pot” and “weed” fail to highlight the scientific side of the plant and ignore the numerous medical benefits associated with cannabis. Just hearing the term “pot shop” or “weed store” can turn older generations off from seeking out cannabis products because of the negative connotations with the words.

Journalists struggle with using the right terminology for their audiences as well. Terms like “pot”, “weed”, and “marijuana” all have their own unique connotations with years of history behind them, and the potential to set other readers off. It seems “cannabis” is the best way to go to avoid upsetting others when referring to the plant.

Final pot thoughts

The general consensus is that the term “pot” originates from the Spanish term “potiguaya” meaning “the drink of grief”, a mixture of brandy or wine with cannabis leaves. While several dictionaries and sources claim this origin story, there’s no concrete evidence to back this up.

Wherever the term came from, it’s still extremely prevalent today. Many people in the industry want the term to be replaced with cannabis because it’s the real name of the plant and leaves less room for negative stigma. If you’re trying to convince your conservative aunt that using cannabis may help ease her aches and pains, is she more likely to be receptive to “let’s go to the pot shop” or “let’s go to the cannabis dispensary?"