How to Sign "Marijuana"
To sign 'marijuana', form an 'F' handshape with your dominant hand, where your index finger and thumb are pinched together and your other fingers are extended. Bring the pinched fingers to your lips with your palm facing to the side. Tap your lips twice, mimicking the action of smoking a joint.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'marijuana' is highly iconic, meaning it visually resembles the concept it represents. It directly mimics the physical action of holding a joint between the thumb and index finger and bringing it to the mouth to take a puff. The 'F' handshape perfectly captures the way a small item is pinched, while the double tap against the lips represents the repeated action of smoking. This visual logic makes the sign very intuitive and easy for beginners to remember.
Signing Tips
To execute this sign smoothly, make sure to use a clear 'F' handshape with your index finger and thumb pinched together, while keeping your other three fingers relaxed and extended. Keep the tapping motion small, controlled, and close to your lips to make the sign look natural. Avoid moving your whole arm; the movement should primarily come from bending your elbow and a slight wrist action. This keeps the sign clear and easy to read.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is using a 'V' handshape (with the index and middle fingers extended and spread apart) instead of the 'F' handshape. The 'V' handshape is typically used for the general sign for 'smoking' a regular cigarette. By using the 'F' handshape, you specifically indicate marijuana. Additionally, be careful not to tap your chin or cheek; the pinched fingers should tap directly on or just in front of your lips.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Marijuana" in a Sentence
1Is marijuana legal in your state?
Sign 'marijuana', then 'legal', 'your', and 'state', while raising your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.
2He uses medical marijuana.
Point to the person to indicate 'he', sign 'medicine' or 'medical', and then finish by signing 'marijuana'.
3I don't smoke weed.
Point to yourself, sign 'marijuana', and shake your head while signing 'not' or using a negative headshake to show you do not partake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sign the same as the sign for 'smoking'?
Not exactly. While they are similar, the general sign for 'smoking' a cigarette uses a 'V' handshape. The 'F' handshape is specifically used to indicate marijuana.
Do I need to make a puffing face when I sign this?
No, you do not need to puff your cheeks or mimic inhaling. A neutral facial expression or one that matches the context of your conversation is perfectly fine.
Can this sign be used for 'weed' or 'pot'?
Yes! This sign is the standard ASL translation for marijuana, weed, pot, cannabis, and other common slang terms for the plant.
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