Glossary: Psychedelic Medicine

The ethical principle of avoiding harm. Clinicians have a duty to minimize foreseeable physical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual risks.

A neurotransmitter and hormone involved in arousal, attention, vigilance, stress responses, and autonomic nervous system activation.

A substance that induces vivid dream-like states or visionary experiences.

Describing substances or experiences that induce dream-like imagery or visions.

A neuropeptide involved in social bonding, attachment, trust, maternal behavior, and emotional connection. MDMA increases oxytocin release, which may contribute to its prosocial effects.

A visual disturbance in which images persist or recur after the original stimulus has disappeared.

A traditional midwife who provides prenatal care, childbirth assistance, postpartum support, and women's health care within community-based and culturally grounded traditions.

A compound that binds to and activates a receptor but produces a smaller maximal response than a full agonist.

A small spineless cactus native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States that contains mescaline. Peyote is considered a sacred medicine by many Indigenous peoples, including members of the Native American Church.

The study of how genetic variation influences an individual's response to medications. In psychedelic medicine, pharmacogenomics examines genes affecting drug metabolism (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP3A4), neurotransmitter systems (e.g., HTR2A, SLC6A4), and neuroplasticity to guide safer dosing, predict therapeutic response, and reduce adverse effects.

The scientific study of medicines derived from natural sources, including plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms.

A cannabinoid produced naturally by plants, particularly Cannabis species.

The scientific study of the chemical constituents of plants and their biological properties.

A purposeful journey to a place of spiritual, religious, or personal significance undertaken for healing, devotion, transformation, or reflection.

The imbalance of authority, influence, or vulnerability that exists between clinicians or facilitators and those receiving care.