psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv 
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
Examples of psychoactive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
On its website, the FDA warns that many questions remain unresolved about the effectiveness and safety of products containing THC, the ingredient in the cannabis plant that causes psychoactive effects, and cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2025
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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
On its website, the FDA warns that many questions remain unresolved about the effectiveness and safety of products containing THC, the ingredient in the cannabis plant that causes psychoactive effects, and cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychoactive
Cite this Entry
“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
Medical Definition
psychoactive
adjective
psy·cho·ac·tive
ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana
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