Glossary: Psychedelic Medicine

A dissociative experience in which the external world feels unreal, distant, dreamlike, or visually altered despite intact awareness that the perception is subjective.

A disruption or alteration in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, body awareness, or behavior that may occur in response to trauma, stress, or certain psychoactive substances.

A short-acting naturally occurring tryptamine psychedelic found in numerous plants and trace amounts in mammals. DMT acts primarily through serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and produces intense alterations in consciousness when smoked, vaporized, or injected. It is inactive when taken orally unless combined with MAO inhibitors.

A neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, movement, reinforcement learning, and executive function.

The supervised administration of a psychedelic or related medicine within a therapeutic protocol, emphasizing safety, observation, psychological support, and adherence to established clinical procedures.

Situations in which a clinician or facilitator has multiple roles with the same individual (e.g., therapist and friend), increasing the risk of impaired judgment or exploitation.

A respected individual recognized by their community for wisdom, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and service rather than age alone. Elders often serve as teachers, advisors, and custodians of cultural traditions.

The experience of being consciously connected with one's body as an integral aspect of perception, emotion, identity, and healing.

A naturally occurring lipid signaling molecule that activates cannabinoid receptors. The principal endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

A widespread neuromodulatory system consisting of cannabinoid receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes that regulate pain, mood, appetite, memory, immune function, and stress responses.

Literally "touching within"; emphasizes increased emotional awareness and self-connection.

The proposed synergistic interaction among cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that may modify the therapeutic effects of cannabis beyond those of isolated constituents. Although widely discussed, the degree of clinical evidence remains under investigation.

A measure of the flexibility or variability of brain activity. Psychedelics are thought to increase neural entropy, allowing less constrained patterns of cognition and perception.

The S-enantiomer of ketamine administered as an intranasal medication under medical supervision. Esketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

A concentrated volatile extract obtained from aromatic plants containing terpenes and other lipophilic compounds responsible for fragrance and biological activity.