Glossary: Psychedelic Medicine

Cannabinoid

A naturally occurring or synthetic compound that interacts with cannabinoid receptors or the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis

A psychoactive plant containing more than 100 cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, as well as numerous terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabis has medicinal applications in pain management, chemotherapy-induced nausea, muscle spasticity, and selected seizure disorders, while also carrying risks including cannabis use disorder and psychosis in susceptible individuals.

Capacity

A person's ability to understand relevant information, appreciate its significance, reason about treatment options, and communicate an informed decision.

Cardiovascular Screening

Assessment of cardiovascular health before treatment, including medical history, medications, blood pressure, cardiac risk factors, and, when indicated, electrocardiography or specialist consultation.

CB1 Receptor

The predominant cannabinoid receptor in the central nervous system. Activation influences pain, mood, appetite, memory, motor control, and the psychoactive effects of THC.

CB2 Receptor

A cannabinoid receptor found primarily on immune cells and peripheral tissues. Activation regulates inflammation, immune function, and pain without producing the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 receptors.

Ceremony

A structured, culturally meaningful practice that marks significant events, promotes healing, strengthens community, or facilitates connection with the sacred. Ceremonies often incorporate prayer, song, movement, plants, offerings, or storytelling.

Chemotype

A chemically distinct form of the same plant species characterized by differences in the composition or concentration of its principal bioactive compounds despite belonging to the same species.

Classic Psychedelics

Serotonergic psychedelics including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT.

Co-Regulation

The process by which one person's calm, regulated nervous system helps another person return to physiological and emotional regulation through attunement, presence, and connection.

Commercialization

The marketing or sale of medicines, ceremonies, or traditional knowledge for financial gain. Ethical concerns include exploitation, inequitable access, and loss of cultural integrity.

Communitas

A profound sense of equality, connection, and shared humanity that often emerges during rituals, ceremonies, or transformative experiences.

Container

The emotional, relational, ethical, and physical structure established by clinicians or facilitators to provide safety, predictability, and support throughout therapeutic or ceremonial work.

Contraindication

A condition or circumstance in which a treatment or intervention should not be used because the potential risks outweigh the benefits.

Cosmology

A culture's understanding of the origin, structure, and relationships among the universe, humanity, nature, ancestors, and the sacred.