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

Its leaves, which contain two major psychoactive ingredients called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine (7-OH), can be brewed in teas, smoked or used as gel capsules. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

The economics of smuggling meant that higher THC — the main psychoactive ingredient — led to higher profits. — Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026

Ibogaine is a powerful psychoactive compound that has been used for decades to treat substance use disorders. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Hemp, which comes from cannabis plants that have minimal amounts of the psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can act as a thermal regulator when used to insulate buildings. — Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing psychoactive

• non-psychoactive

Rhymes for psychoactive

• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive

Kids 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