Mota

What is Mota?

Mota is a common slang term for marijuana or cannabis, especially in Mexican and Spanish-speaking cultures.

The term has a long history stemming from Mexican-Spanish use and popularity in the United States.

History

The word “mota” comes from 1930s and 1940s Mexican-Spanish. During this time, jazz musicians and other Americans were increasingly interested in marijuana.

The Spanish-speaking traffickers and consumers’ slang name “mota” migrated north from Mexico with cannabis.

The hippie and counterculture movement popularised mota in the 1960s and 70s. Mota, pot, weed, grass, and other nicknames for marijuana became popular as use expanded.

The word mota became common terminology during this period due to its usage in music and prose.

Mota’s meaning is unknown. However, there are many hypotheses. One theory is that it comes from the Spanish word “mota,” meaning “speck,”—referring to cannabis buds.

Another idea is that it comes from “la mota” (Spanish for “the speckled one”), alluding to dried cannabis blossoms’ speckled appearance.

Regardless of its origins, mota has endured as a classic slang for cannabis, especially among Latino communities and Spanish speakers.

Even as marijuana has become more mainstream and acceptable, mota maintains its vintage appeal and nostalgia.

The term adds a touch of street and hippie culture to referring to cannabis.

While mota may not be as prevalent as terms like weed, it remains a colorful alternative in both casual and creative contexts.