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
Though rarely deadly, this species contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol.
—
Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025
What remains to be seen is whether or not evidence of the psychoactive substance can be found in the pottery that might have been used in this ritual.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
The research that is now available shows that cannabinoid receptors are present in the fetus as early as 5 weeks, and the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and transfer into breast milk – and that exposure is associated with risks of adverse outcomes.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychoactive
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Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025
What remains to be seen is whether or not evidence of the psychoactive substance can be found in the pottery that might have been used in this ritual.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
The research that is now available shows that cannabinoid receptors are present in the fetus as early as 5 weeks, and the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and transfer into breast milk – and that exposure is associated with risks of adverse outcomes.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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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