The question of whether cannabis, specifically its psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), qualifies as a psychedelic has intrigued both scientists and cannabis enthusiasts alike. Recent studies comparing the effects of THC with those of classic psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin, reveal notable differences in how these substances affect the brain and consciousness. Here’s what the research says about cannabis’s classification in the psychedelic realm.
How Psychedelics Alter the Brain
Classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin are defined by their ability to significantly increase neural complexity, a measure of dynamic and diverse brain activity. These substances interact with the brain’s 5HT2a serotonin receptors, which are responsible for regulating mood, cognition, and perception. The resulting changes often lead to vivid hallucinations, altered states of mind, and profound perceptual shifts, making these substances powerful tools for therapeutic research.
In one study, even microdoses of LSD—which produce minimal subjective effects—were shown to increase neural complexity, indicating a deep impact on brain activity independent of overt psychedelic experiences. These findings underscore the unique ways psychedelics alter consciousness.
Cannabis vs. Psychedelics: A Study in Contrast
A landmark study led by researchers at UCLA compared the effects of THC and LSD. Participants received either a THC capsule, a microdose of LSD, or a non-psychedelic control substance. Brain activity was measured using EEG sensors to identify changes in neural complexity.
While THC produced strong subjective effects—commonly described as a “high”—it did not significantly increase neural complexity, unlike LSD. This key distinction suggests that cannabis operates on the brain in a fundamentally different manner than classic psychedelics, even though both substances alter mood, perception, and awareness.
Cannabis’s Unique Chemistry
THC primarily interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates neural communication by sending signals backward across synapses. This mechanism differs from the serotonin-based activity of psychedelics. THC’s effects, while perceptually altering, are generally less profound in their ability to disrupt or reorganize consciousness. Additionally, factors like genetic variation in THC metabolism can influence the intensity of its effects, making its impact highly individualized.
A Historical Perspective
The question of cannabis as a psychedelic is not new. In the 1857 memoir The Hasheesh Eater, American author Fitz Hugh Ludlow described hashish-induced experiences that blurred the boundaries of reality and imagination. Though cannabis evoked profound introspection and sensory distortions, its effects did not align with the ego-dissolving, reality-altering hallmarks of classic psychedelics like LSD.
Implications for Classification
The therapeutic potential of psychedelics has sparked renewed interest in their psychiatric applications, particularly for depression, PTSD, and anxiety. These substances are valued for their capacity to dramatically alter consciousness, often enabling breakthroughs in therapy. Cannabis, while promising for its own medical benefits, appears to occupy a distinct category.
Though THC can produce altered perceptions, its lack of significant neural complexity changes separates it from classic psychedelics. This distinction has fueled debates about whether cannabis should be classified as a psychedelic at all or simply as a psychoactive substance with unique effects.
The Verdict
Based on current research, cannabis is not traditionally considered a psychedelic. While it can alter perception and mood, its effects on brain activity and consciousness are far less profound than those of classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin. Cannabis’s distinct interaction with brain chemistry and its more moderate perceptual effects place it in a category of its own, separate from the powerful mind-altering experiences associated with true psychedelics.