'anti-marijuana' originates from a combination of the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'marijuana'. 'Anti-' comes from Greek 'antí' meaning 'against'. 'Marijuana' entered English from Mexican Spanish 'marihuana', referring to the cannabis plant.

'marijuana' entered English from Mexican Spanish 'marihuana' in the early 20th century; English later formed the compound 'anti-marijuana' by attaching the productive prefix 'anti-' to express opposition, especially in 20th-century political and social discourse.

Initially, 'marijuana' referred simply to the cannabis plant and its use; over time the compound 'anti-marijuana' developed to denote opposition to the plant, its use, or its legalization, often carrying a political connotation.