Psychedelic Glossary
A plain-English reference for psilocybin science, U.S. policy, mushroom species, and experience terms.
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Decriminalization
PolicyDecriminalization usually means reducing or removing criminal penalties for certain conduct without creating a regulated legal market.
Default Mode Network
PharmacologyDefault Mode Network is a set of interacting brain regions often active during self-referential thought, memory, and mind-wandering.
Difficult Experience (a.k.a. "bad trip")
ExperienceDifficult Experience (a.k.a.
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5-HT2A Receptor
Pharmacology5-HT2A Receptor is a serotonin receptor subtype strongly associated with the classic psychedelic effects of psilocin, LSD, and DMT.
Harm Reduction
ExperienceHarm Reduction is a public-health approach that tries to reduce negative outcomes without pretending risky behavior never happens.
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Macrodose
ExperienceMacrodose refers to a perceptible psychedelic dose intended to produce clear changes in perception, emotion, and cognition.
Microdose
ExperienceMicrodose usually means a very small amount of a psychedelic, commonly described as below the level of obvious intoxication.
Mycelium
BiologyMycelium is the branching network of fungal cells that grows through a substrate or habitat.
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Psilocin
PharmacologyPsilocin is the active metabolite produced when the body dephosphorylates psilocybin.
Psilocybe azurescens
SpeciesPsilocybe azurescens is a potent wood-loving psilocybin mushroom species associated with the Pacific Northwest.
Psilocybe cubensis
SpeciesPsilocybe cubensis is the best-known psilocybin mushroom species in modern strain guides.
Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap)
SpeciesPsilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Cap) is a small, potent psilocybin mushroom species with a long history in European and North American field reports.
Psilocybin
PharmacologyPsilocybin is a naturally occurring tryptamine compound found in several mushroom species and converted by the body into psilocin.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
ExperiencePsychedelic-Assisted Therapy is a clinical or therapeutic model in which a psychedelic session is paired with preparation and follow-up support.
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Schedule I (Controlled Substances)
PolicySchedule I (Controlled Substances) is the federal Controlled Substances Act category that includes psilocybin and psilocin.
Serotonin (5-HT)
PharmacologySerotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, perception, sleep, gut function, and many other body systems.
Set and Setting
ExperienceSet and Setting is the shorthand for a person's internal state and external environment before and during a psychedelic experience.
Sitter / Trip Sitter
ExperienceSitter / Trip Sitter is a sober support person who helps maintain safety and calm during a psychedelic experience.
Synesthesia
ExperienceSynesthesia is a blending of sensory experiences, such as perceiving sounds as colors or letters as having textures.
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Treatment-Resistant Depression
PharmacologyTreatment-Resistant Depression usually refers to depression that has not responded adequately to at least two appropriate treatment attempts.
Tryptamine
PharmacologyTryptamine is a chemical backbone found in serotonin, melatonin, psilocin, DMT, and many related compounds.