Here's why:
* Appearance: Marijuana plants resemble trees, especially when they grow tall and bushy.
* Evolution of slang: The term "tree" likely emerged from the plant's physical appearance and evolved over time.
* Popular use: It's widely used in the cannabis community, especially in hip hop and rap music.
However, "tree" can have other slang meanings, depending on context:
* A large amount of money: This meaning is less common but still exists, particularly in some regions.
* A specific type of weapon: This usage is rarely encountered outside of specific criminal circles.
It's important to note that slang can vary geographically and culturally. The best way to understand the meaning of "tree" in a specific context is to pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases.