11 Plants That Look Like Marijuana

Seasoned cannabis growers can instantly tell if a plant is marijuana or looks like weed. However, beginners or those who aren’t familiar with the cannabis plant’s anatomy and structure may confuse plants that look like marijuana for the real thing.

In some cases, law enforcement has raided and destroyed crops that look like weed, only to find out the plant wasn’t cannabis at all. If you’re curious about plants that look like weed, we’ve created a list of the top plants, so you can know the difference. 

What Do Cannabis Leaves Look Like?

Cannabis leaves have a distinct shape that many people, including law enforcement officers, mistake for other plants. Generally, it has long and slender or broad leaflets in varying shades of green, depending on the strain variety. 

Cannabis can also produce blue, purple, or red leaves, depending on its growing environment and genetics. Cannabis leaves grow from the central stalk and can grow up to eight inches in length. They are serrated and have pointed “fingers” or leaflets. 

Plants That Look Like Marijuana

1. Cranberry Hibiscus

In some cases, cannabis can have a purple, pink, or reddish color due to genetic and environmental factors. As it grows, cranberry hibiscus leaves resemble the reddish varieties of cannabis. In its later stages, cranberry hibiscus has broader leaves like maple leaves more than marijuana leaves. 

2. Cassava

You may have heard of cassava root’s therapeutic power when cooked. The cassava leaves grow off the plant’s red stems and look similar to marijuana leaves with a light green color. However, cassava leaves are not serrated like marijuana leaves. 

3. Japanese Maple

It’s not uncommon for people to confuse Japanese maple for marijuana. Both plants can be grown indoors and outdoors. Japanese maple leaves resemble cannabis’ green leaves with five or seven fingers during its growth stage in the spring. 

Japanese maple is native to Korea, Japan, and central China and available in different varieties with various leaf shapes and colors. In the summer, the main cultivars turn red, pink, and purple shades.

4. Kenaf

The kenaf plant looks almost identical to a weed plant in its growing stages. Kenaf has the same star-like leaves with serrated edges and 7 “fingers.” In fact, kenaf has many similarities with hemp since it produces strong fibers. However, when it blooms, it produces a light yellow flower.

5. Okra

If you’ve ever grown okra in your garden, you may have noticed its leaves and buds look eerily similar to cannabis. However, this edible plant produces broader leaves. Okra thrives in tropical and warm climates and is used in various Asian and Indian dishes.

6. Texas Star Hibiscus

In its growing phase, Texas star hibiscus, also known as scarlet rosemallow, produces leaves similar to cannabis leaves. Its leaves are green, slender, and serrated. When it blooms, Texas star hibiscus has white or crimson star-shaped flowers.

7. Spider Flower

Cleome spinosa, also known as spider flower, produces wide leaves that look like indica’s broad leaves, although not serrated. However, when the spider flower plant blooms, it produces flowers with a red and purple hue.

8. Chaste Tree

Like many other plant varieties, the chaste tree resembles cannabis during its immature phase. During this time, the tree produces long, slender, and serrated leaves. Each stem has between five to six leaves, similar to cannabis plants.

However, the chaste tree can grow up to 12 feet tall and produces violet-colored flowers when fully grown. Its leaves have a distinct earthy aroma. Its flowers can attract bees and butterflies.

9. Coral Plant

The coral plant, also known as Jatropha Multifida, has leaves that resemble cannabis. They are bright green and thin but are usually longer than most cannabis leaves. Once it flowers, however, its vibrant blooms differentiate it from cannabis. This plant thrives in tropical environments, particularly in Central America and Mexico.

10. Sweetfern

This low-growing shrub resembles a fern but is an invasive weed that can take over your garden. Its leaves may look like marijuana leaves but are narrow and have several pairs of oblique lobes and pointed or blunt tips.

11. Tagetes Minuta

Also known as Muster-John-Henry, tagetes minuta grows to a similar height as cannabis. Its leaves are long and serrated, just like weed leaves. When rubbed, the leaves produce a licorice-like aroma. When fully grown, the leaves of tagetes minuta produce white and yellow flowers.

Plants That Look Like Marijuana FAQ’s

Final Thoughts on Plants That Look Like Marijuana

While growing these plants in your garden can increase the risk of attracting unwanted attention from neighbors and law enforcement, some growers use these similar-looking plants to disguise their cannabis plants within their foliage.

Learn how to grow indoors and outdoors without drawing negative attention by enrolling in Cannabis Training University’s online cannabis training.

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