Glossary: Psychedelic Medicine

Intracellular proteins that regulate G protein-coupled receptor signaling through receptor desensitization and alternative signaling pathways.

The interconnected diversity of biological ecosystems, cultural traditions, languages, and knowledge systems. The preservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity is understood as mutually reinforcing and essential for planetary and human well-being.

The unauthorized commercialization or patenting of Indigenous biological resources or traditional knowledge without informed consent or equitable benefit sharing.

Actions that exploit or harm the therapeutic relationship, including sexual, financial, emotional, or other inappropriate conduct.

A neurotrophic protein that supports neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and neurogenesis. Increased BDNF signaling is thought to contribute to the therapeutic effects of ketamine and may also play a role in the long-term effects of classic psychedelics.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.