The question of whether marijuana grows on trees is common, and the answer is definitively no. The plant, known scientifically as Cannabis, is not classified as a tree, which has a specific botanical definition. This misconception arises from the plant’s substantial size and the appearance of its mature stalk. Understanding the plant’s true biological classification clarifies why it is fundamentally different from a tree.
Botanical Classification of Cannabis
Cannabis belongs to the Cannabaceae family, which also includes the hop plant. Botanists classify the plant as an annual, herbaceous species. An annual plant completes its entire life cycle—germinating, growing, flowering, setting seed, and dying—within a single growing season.
In contrast, a tree is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years and regenerates from the same root structure each season. Trees are defined by their ability to produce true wood and a permanent, persistent stem structure capable of surviving harsh weather for decades. While growers can use specialized techniques to keep Cannabis alive longer, it does not naturally overwinter and regrow year after year like a perennial tree.
Understanding the Plant’s Physical Structure
The physical structure of Cannabis is one reason people mistake it for a small tree or shrub. The plant’s central stalk, or stem, can grow quite tall, with some outdoor strains reaching heights comparable to small trees. This stem provides structure and stability, containing the vascular system that transports water and nutrients.
As the plant matures, its stem undergoes lignification, where its fibers become rigid and stiff. Lignin is a complex polymer that provides strength and is a primary component of wood. However, this hardening is not the same as the secondary growth that produces the dense, continuous wood of a tree trunk, which includes bark. The Cannabis stem is composed of specialized tissues, including bast fibers and a woody core, but it remains a temporary, herbaceous structure rather than a permanent, self-supporting woody trunk.
Why People Confuse Cannabis with a Tree
The confusion about Cannabis being a tree stems from its appearance and common terminology. Certain strains, especially when grown outdoors, can become large and branchy, taking on the bushy shape of a shrub or young tree. The mature stem’s thick and hardened appearance late in the growing cycle further contributes to this visual misidentification.
The widespread use of “tree” as slang for marijuana is a significant source of misunderstanding. This colloquial term is often casually applied to the plant or its finished product. The prevalence of this slang is so great that a community dedicated to actual tree enthusiasts on the internet was created specifically to avoid the confusion. Ultimately, the plant’s imposing size and its common nickname are responsible for the belief that marijuana grows on trees.