psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Examples of psychoactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Rosas-Vidal hinted at, endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids are produced by the body to activate CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) receptors, the receptors that are also responsible for producing the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Paul McClure 24, New Atlas, 24 May 2025 In his book The Spirit Molecule, about the first modern study that administered DMT to humans, the psychiatrist Rick Strassman uses a TV metaphor to distinguish the drug’s effects from those of other psychoactive substances. Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025 For example, a urine test for marijuana may test positive for up to 30 days, while a hair test can detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, for up to 90 days. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025 The brain’s ability to process information can slow after cannabis use, so the abundance of outdoor stimuli may intensify the psychoactive effects, making the experience feel richer and more immersive. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychoactive

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoactive was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Medical Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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