Glossary

Common Terms Relating to Medical Cannabis and Therapeutic Psilocybin

Anandamide

$A naturally occurring endocannabinoid in the human body that plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, and memory.

Bioavailability

$The proportion of a drug or substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body, and therefore has an active effect.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

$ A non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that has potential therapeutic benefits for various conditions, including inflammation, pain, and anxiety.

Cannabinoid

$A group of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, including THC and CBD, that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis

$A genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae, which includes the species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

Clinical Trial

$A research study conducted with human participants to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects of a new medical treatment, such as medical cannabis or psilocybin.

Compassionate Use

$A legal framework that allows patients with serious medical conditions to access investigational or unapproved treatments, such as medical cannabis or psilocybin, when conventional treatments have not provided relief.

Decriminalization

$The process of reducing or eliminating criminal penalties for possessing, using, or distributing a certain drug, such as cannabis or psilocybin.

Dosing Regimen

$A plan for administering a specific amount of a drug or substance at specified intervals, such as daily or weekly, to achieve therapeutic effects.

Drug Interaction

$A situation in which one drug affects the activity or effectiveness of another drug when both are used together, potentially leading to increased side effects or reduced efficacy.

Edibles

$ Cannabis-infused food or drink products that are consumed orally, allowing the active compounds to be absorbed through the digestive system.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS

$A complex cell-signaling system in the human body that plays a role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain.

Entourage Effect

$The theory that the various compounds in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically to produce greater therapeutic effects than when used individually.

Extraction

$The process of isolating and concentrating the active compounds, such as cannabinoids or psilocybin, from plant or fungal material using various methods, including solvents, heat, or pressure.

Fungi

$The kingdom of organisms that includes mushrooms, yeasts, and molds.

Hallucinogen

$A substance that induces changes in perception, mood, or consciousness, such as psilocybin or LSD.

Mycelium

$The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae) that absorb nutrients from the environment.

Microdosing

$The practice of consuming a small, sub-perceptual amount of a psychoactive substance, such as psilocybin, to potentially enhance creativity, focus, or mood without experiencing hallucinogenic effects.

Psilocin

$A psychoactive compound that is the active metabolite of psilocybin and is responsible for its hallucinogenic effects.

Psilocybin

$A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, known for its ability to induce profound hallucinogenic experiences and potential therapeutic benefits for mental health disorders.

Psychedelic

$A class of drugs that alter perceptions, thoughts, and feelings, often inducing hallucinations and altered states of consciousness.

Psychoactive

$A substance that affects the mind, mood, or behavior by altering the functioning of the central nervous system.

Schedule I Substance

$A classification under the United States Controlled Substances Act (CSA) for drugs with a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Both cannabis and psilocybin are classified as Schedule I substances in the U.S.

Sclerotia

$ A dense mass of mycelium that forms in some species of fungi, including those that produce psilocybin, which can be harvested and consumed for their psychoactive effects.

Strain

$A genetic variant or subtype of a plant, such as cannabis or a psilocybin-producing mushroom species.

Synthesis

$The process of creating a chemical compound, such as psilocybin or THC, through chemical reactions in a laboratory setting.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC

$The primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, responsible for the characteristic "high" experienced by users.

Terpene

$A class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, including cannabis, that contribute to the aroma and flavor of the plant and may have potential therapeutic effects.

Tincture

$A liquid extract of a plant or mushroom, typically made by dissolving the active compounds in alcohol or another solvent, used for medicinal purposes.

Tolerance

$A decrease in the effectiveness of a drug over time, often resulting from repeated use, which may require higher doses to achieve the same effects

Trip

$Slang term for a psychedelic experience induced by consuming a hallucinogenic substance, such as psilocybin or LSD, characterized by altered perceptions, thoughts, and emotions.

Trichome

$Tiny, hair-like structures found on the surface of cannabis plants that produce and store cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds.

Vaporization

$A method of consuming cannabis or other substances by heating them to a temperature that releases active compounds in the form of vapor, which is then inhaled.