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

The brain’s ability to process information can slow after cannabis use, so the abundance of outdoor stimuli may intensify the psychoactive effects, making the experience feel richer and more immersive. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 9 May 2025

On its website, the FDA warns that many questions remain unresolved about the effectiveness and safety of products containing THC, the ingredient in the cannabis plant that causes psychoactive effects, and cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2025

Without the psychoactive ingredient, bodily systems may have to recalibrate, leading to flu-like symptoms and headaches in rare cases.3 Flu-like symptoms, such as chills or sweating, can also develop within a day or so of quitting cannabis. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Each is a form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is primarily responsible for marijuana's psychoactive effects. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing psychoactive

• non-psychoactive

Rhymes for psychoactive

• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• overactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

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