Is Cannabis a Psychedelic?

Traditionally, we do not classify cannabis as a psychedelic. Psychedelics, such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and DMT, are known for their strong hallucinogenic properties. 

People typically view cannabis more as a mild psychoactive substance rather than a tool for deep psychological exploration and changes in perception, mood, and thought, which is a common perception of psychedelics.

However, the effects of cannabis vary from person to person; some of the effects of cannabis can be considered psychedelic. Read on as we explore the factors in answering this complicated question.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Besides marijuana (see below for the differences between the two terms), other names include weed, reefer, grass, Mary Jane, dope, and pot. People commonly use it for both recreational and medicinal purposes due to its effects on the mind and body, including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite.

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the United States. In 2021, estimates placed the number of people who used cannabis at least once in the past year at 19% of people, or 52.5 million Americans.

Cannabis Versus ‘Marijuana’

The words cannabis and ‘marijuana’ are often used interchangeably. However, they have historically not been used to refer to the same thing.

All products—including leaves, dried flowers, seeds, and stems—come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Most people are familiar with CBD (Cannabidiol); however, there are actually over 500 chemical substances contained in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive component known for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, and seizures. CBD is often used in medicinal products.

The word ’marijuana’ has a racially-rooted history, and its use carries discriminatory context. People have also specifically used the word to refer to the parts or products of the Cannabis sativa plant that carry significant levels of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the primary psychoactive compound (cannabinoid) responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. It interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, affecting mood, perception, and cognition.

Therefore, people have used the word ‘marijuana’ to refer to cannabis; however, people have not often used the word cannabis to ‘marijuana’ if it does not contain THC.

As “a more neutral term that doesn’t perpetuate harm,” and given that people often used the words as one and the same, the Psychedelic Support team uses the scientific word for the plant, ‘cannabis.’

Altered Perception

Dr. Jake F. Felice, ND, LMP, is the founder of Sweetwater Holistic Consulting LLC. He focuses on coaching flow-state access for high-performing individuals and advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies on product development. Dr. Jake shared that determining whether cannabis is a psychedelic depends on your definition of a psychedelic.

Unlike classic psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin, cannabis rarely induces intense visual or auditory hallucinations. Its effects are generally milder and less immersive. Dr. Jake shared:

“Some people think that psychedelics require visual field changes. So you don’t get a whole lot of that with cannabis, but it sure can make painting fun if you’re into that kind of thing.”

However, cannabis can cause changes in sound perception due to its effect on the auditory system. Cannabis users often report a heightened appreciation for listening and playing music. Dr. Jake shared:

“My experience of cannabis enhances my musical experience. It can enhance my visual experience. So, I think of it that way. Now, it is what certainly I would agree could be called a mild psychedelic, but if you have a different definition of psychedelic, it might not be in that, but you can get feelings and sensations of connection with nature, some type of universal consciousness, especially if you rarely use it, and you have a good experience.”

Chemical Structure

Some might argue that the chemical structure is what defines a psychedelic substance; therefore, cannabis wouldn’t meet the definition of a psychedelic.

However, Brad Burge, former director of strategic communications for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), shared in an interview with East Bay Express that the term ‘psychedelic’ itself is not related to a chemical structure of a compound.

Burge explained that most psychedelics have little, if anything, in common chemically. He shared that what psychedelics have in common is their ability to bring up the contents of the mind, whether that’s subconscious thoughts or repressed traumatic memories.

Mind-Expanding Effects

Some cannabis users experience increased creativity and abstract thinking, which are often associated with psychedelic experiences. Cannabis can induce introspective states where individuals contemplate their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences more deeply. 

Dr. Jake shared that cannabis use is effective for gaining insights, promoting lateral thinking, and opening up to different ways of thought processes. Someone who does not use cannabis frequently (i.e., one to two times a year) can find it extremely helpful for navigational questions such as “Do I take this new job?”, “Do I quit this old job?” or “Do I pick up my family and move to a new state or country?”. Dr. Jake shared:

“I find that in the [cannabis] journey space, some of those answers [to life navigational questions] can become clear. And then I always caution folks, then you come out. And you process it; you don’t make the quick decision. But I found as almost like a navigational tool, I find it to be extremely helpful for whatever that’s worth.”

Psychedelics and Hallucinogenic Effects

Cannabis is often associated with hallucinogenic effects such as a shift in time or sensation of time. All hallucinogens are considered psychedelics; therefore, cannabis may be considered one as well. However, not all psychedelics are hallucinogens. 

Although not a classic psychedelic, many people consider MDMA to be a psychedelic substance since it can lead to profound states of introspection, personal reflection, and experiences of vivid imagery and memories. However, hallucinations are not common under MDMA.

Use In Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Dr. Jake shared that he wouldn’t consider using cannabis for psychedelic-assisted therapy because he wouldn’t think of it working that way. Cannabis can enhance meditative states and promote relaxation and creativity. People commonly use it for recreational purposes. 

The euphoric effects of cannabis can lead to feelings of bliss and connectedness, which people commonly report in psychedelic experiences. Users may experience significant changes in mood, such as heightened empathy and emotional sensitivity. Dr. Jake shared:

“With psychedelics, you will get a shift in time, a sensation of time. You get that for sure with cannabis. However, effortlessness, which can happen in psychedelic states or even meditative states…I don’t think cannabis makes things effortless. In fact, I think it can make effort challenging sometimes, especially if it’s physically uncomfortable.”

Risks of Use: Psychedelics Versus Cannabis

Burge shared that cannabis can help decrease the severity of symptoms. Its use is similar to nicotine and alcohol. Regular cannabis use can lead to the development of cannabis use disorder, characterized by cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Research also shows that cannabis can trigger or worsen mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or psychosis, especially in individuals predisposed to these conditions.

On the other hand, health practitioners use psychedelics to enhance therapy. They use these substances to treat the root cause of a mental health condition since they are associated with profound, transformative, and mystical experiences. Therapists do not typically use psychedelics to help someone numb or avoid their issues, whereas they do use cannabis for that purpose.

Psychedelic Effects of Cannabis

A 2023 literature review looked at the psychedelic effects of cannabis. Specifically, it assessed whether cannabis can create effects such as aversiveness, perceptual changes, and mystical experiences similar to classic psychedelics such as psilocybin. The results showed that a high dose of THC may be related to psychedelic effects. However, recent controlled studies may not have observed these effects due to the doses, set, and setting used. 

The review concluded that high-dose THC treatments should be explored as potential adjunctive treatments for psychiatric disorders if cannabis can reliably generate psychedelic experiences under these conditions. Cannabis may be considered an active comparator in clinical trials involving traditional psychedelic medications.

High Dose THC and Neural Complexity

Neural complexity refers to the measure of the diversity and variability of brain activity patterns. It reflects how information is processed and integrated across different regions of the brain. High neural complexity indicates a rich, dynamic interaction among various neural networks and is correlated with states of consciousness, cognitive functions, and responsiveness to stimuli. Neural complexity is low during coma, sleep, and anesthesia.

A 2024 study looked at whether oral THC increases neural complexity compared to a classic psychedelic. Researchers collected self-reported drug effects and mood states and recorded electrical brain activity using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. The study assigned the following to these three groups:

• Group One: THC in oral pill form
• Group Two: A microdose of LSD
• Group Three: Medical preparation of methamphetamine 

The purpose of group three was to compare with the other groups with a stimulant that does not cause perception-altering effects. For each group, some participants received the actual drug, while others received an inactive placebo. 

Participants were asked to rate how much they felt the drug’s effect. The THC group felt the most “high” compared to the other groups. Only the THC group experienced altered states of consciousness.

The results of the EEG showed that only LSD was significantly associated with an increase in neural complexity compared to the placebo. Researchers found that THC did not substantially alter the EEG signal complexity; its minor effects were a mix of increases and decreases across different EEG sensors.

The results indicate that increased neural complexity is unnecessary to experience an altered state of consciousness. The study concluded that more studies need to investigate the increased neural complexity after a microdose of LSD is associated with cognitive, behavioral, or therapeutic outcomes.

What the Future May Hold For Psychedelic Effects of Cannabis

Dr. Jake shared his views on how the future research of plant medicines will help us understand the potential psychedelic effects of cannabis.

“As a proponent of natural health, I do know that plants work well together. So, as we are beginning our research journey and cannabis is going to be Schedule 3, and who knows what’s happening with other psychedelics, we’re going to be able to lock in and test some of these. So how might cannabis assist, or how might cannabis detract from a true psychedelic experience? Absolutely.”

References

Health Canada. (2021b, March 11). Cannabis Health Effects. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 22). Cannabis Facts and Stats. Cannabis and Public Health. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Watson, S. (2024, August 23). The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#faq

Wolinsky, D., Barrett, F. S., & Vandrey, R. (2023b). The Psychedelic Effects of Cannabis: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Psychopharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811231209194

MAPS. (2018, July 11). East Bay Express: Can Cannabis Be Considered a Psychedelic? Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. https://maps.org/news/media/east-bay-express-can-cannabis-be-considered-a-psychedelic/

Murray, C. H., Frohlich, J., Haggarty, C. J., Tare, I., Lee, R., & De Wit, H. (2024). Neural Complexity Is Increased After Low Doses of LSD, but Not Moderate to High Doses of Oral THC or Methamphetamine. Neuropsychopharmacology, 49(1120–1128). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-01809-2/

Richards, K. (2018, July 11). Can Cannabis Be Considered a Psychedelic? East Bay Express. https://eastbayexpress.com/can-cannabis-be-considered-a-psychedelic-2-1/