Indian hemp


noun

a North American dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum, having erect clusters of greenish-white flowers and a root with laxative and emetic properties.

Origin of Indian hemp

An Americanism dating back to 1610–20

British Dictionary definitions for indian hemp

Indian hemp

noun

another name for hemp, esp the variety Cannabis indica, from which several narcotic drugs are obtained
Also called: dogbane a perennial American apocynaceous plant, Apocynum cannabinum, whose fibre was formerly used by the Indians to make rope