Is Cannabis a Psychedelic? A Deep Dive into Mind, Meaning, and Medicine
Is Cannabis a Psychedelic? A Strong Excursion in Mind, Meaning, and Medicine.
Admittedly, the majority of us believe that cannabis makes you relaxed, improves music, or tastes delicious. However, there is one question that is bringing scientists and therapists alike to the brink of curiosity, and that is, is cannabis a psychedelic?
You may have wondered that, if you have ever had it when you were subjected to strong introspection, or change of perception, or profound emotional understanding, after the use of cannabis. Users report a feeling of belonging to the universe or re-living of strong memories - sometimes associated with psychedelic drugs.
So, what's really going on here? Is cannabis psychedelic or does it merely have some superficial similarities with other psychedelics such as psilocybin or LSD? Let us reveal an interesting fact.
What Constitutes a Psychedelic?
In order to determine whether cannabis is a psychedelic, we must first define the word, psychedelic.
It is a transcription of the Greek psyche (mind) and deloun (to reveal). Briefly, psychedelics are mind revealing drugs whose effects enlarge consciousness, distort perception and assist the user to reach profound psychological or spiritual realms.
Psychedelics such as psilocybin, LSD, and DMT are serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists that produce hallucinations, ego dissolution and mystical experiences.
Cannabis, however, has an initial effect of communication with the endocannabinoid system - another neural network that controls mood, pain, and memory. However, here is where things are interesting: there are high-potency or strain-specific cannabis experiences that do result in psychedelic-like effects.
Accordingly, then may it be that psychedelic cannabis is not merely a myth?
The Impact of Cannabis On The Brain
After you smoke, vape, or eat cannabis, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, which is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is bound to CB1 receptors in the brain. This alters the communication of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in perception, emotion and time perception.
Users complain of relaxation and euphoria in smaller amounts. However, the higher the dosage, and the higher the concentration of the strains, particularly of the THC and terpenes such as myrcene or limonene, the more profoundly introspective and even visionary the experiences can be.
That is why other researchers and psychonauts refer to cannabis as a psychedelic - since, in the appropriate circumstances, it may lead to altered states of consciousness resembling classical psychedelics.
Changa Institute has ventured into this gray space by investigating how cannabis-assisted therapy can offer emotional breakthroughs and self-discovery in a safe and guided setting.
When Cannabis Experiences Psychedelic?
But what is a psychedelic experience of cannabis like? It can be highly influenced by three variables, which include dosage, environment, and attitude.
When applied deliberately, e.g. in meditation, sound healing or therapy, some people report:
Improved sensorial perception (colors are brighter, sounds are deeper).
Mental release or emotional catharsis.
Increased compassion and intimacy.
Disordered sense of time and reality.
Deep religious or philosophical understanding.
Sounds familiar, right? Those are also a classic of psychedelic experience.
There is the difference, though: whereas psilocybin or LSD are likely to blast the consciousness wide open, cannabis psychedelic experiences are usually more subtle, to the point of being like gently lifting the veil rather than ripping it.
The Difference between Cannabis and Classic Psychedelics
Feature
Cannabis
Psilocybin / LSD / DMT
Primary receptors
CB1 & CB2 (endocannabinoid)
5-HT2A (serotonin)
Duration
1–3 hours (inhaled) or 4–6 hours (edibles)
4–12 hours depending on dose
Nature of experience
Grounded, body-centered
Ego-dissolving, abstract
Common effects
Relaxation, insight, mild visuals
Intense visuals, deep spiritual states
Risk level
Low to moderate (dose-dependent)
Moderate to high (set & setting dependent)
Although cannabis as a psychedelic does not fit all the scientific criteria, it does have the capacity to alter perception and emotional sensitivity and awareness, as well as reflect inner realities.
Or maybe it is not a question of whether cannabis is a psychedelic or not, but instead, "What psychedelic cannabis are you?
The Psychedelic Weed Culture Introduction
During the recent years, the fans have come up with names such as psychedelic weed leaf or psychedelic cannabis to identify the strains and ways of consumption that are aimed at more profound experiences.
Such strains usually possess distinct terpenes compositions and equal ratios of THC-CBD that do not produce sleepiness but promote introspection. For instance:
The Durban Poison and Jack Herer strains of sativa encourage energy, creativity and visionary thinking.
Granddaddy Purple indica strains tend to be emotionally rich and still within themselves.
Others will also use micro doses of cannabis and meditate, or practice yoga or breathwork to unlock self-awareness, which is commonly taught at wellness retreats and therapy centres such as Changa Institute.
What Science Says: Cannabis Psychedelic?
Science is yet to determine this debate but research indicates that psychedelic effects of cannabis lie along a continuum.
Johns Hopkins University (2021) discovered that some high-dose cannabis experiences could trigger mystical-type experiences akin to psilocybin experiences, such as unity, awe, transcendence.
The same study, however, also observed that these effects are uncommon, and greatly dependent on the intention and environment.
Put less simply: when you are consuming cannabis in a calm and supportive environment, with spiritual or emotional intentions, you are much more likely to have an experience with its psychedelic aspect.
This is why Changa Institute focuses on preparation and purpose in its programs, it is true that mindset is the key to the journey.
The Psychedelic Cannabis as A Therapeutic Drug
Cannabis as a psychedelic has excelled in one area of therapy. Cannabis may be used in guided sessions to aid people to reach their repressed feelings, trauma, or creative ideas.
Although the traditional psychedelics might be banned, cannabis provides an easier entry into consciousness work.
Psychedelic cannabis is a mild emotional release mechanism, a trauma integration, and spiritual awakening used by therapists and researchers at Changa Institute, particularly with those who are not prepared to take more extreme psychedelic drugs.
It is training virtual wheels on the mind: deep enough to facilitate healing, and light enough to keep in touch.
The Future of Psychedelics and Cannabis as a Healer
Mental health is expanding out of traditional models in the future and psychedelic cannabis is not an exception.
With increased research, cannabis-assisted psychotherapy is being investigated by more therapists to assist in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Indeed, certain scholars indicate that cannabis can be a transitional period between traditional treatment and complete psychedelic-assisted treatment. It is available, common, and, when used unconsciously, most revelatory.
Therefore, cannabis psychedelic therapy is not yet going to take the place of psilocybin therapy or MDMA therapy, but it is establishing its own significant place in holistic mental health.
Concluding Remarks
And now that we have explored all this, is cannabis a psychedelic?
Scientifically, it is not considered as one. But experientially? Many would say absolutely. It has the ability to open up feelings, stimulate imagination and feelings of greater connection with the self and with the spirit, all of which are characteristic of a psychedelic experience.
The fact of the matter is that cannabis as a psychedelic is on you. The experience is much more about your intention, setting and openness than the plant.
In Changa Institute, it is merely a belief that the plant is a teacher. Whispers or roars its message is the same, balance, awareness and healing.
And when you next encounter a psychedelic weed leaf, then bear in mind, it is not merely all about getting high. It's about going within.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cannabis a psychedelic?
Not in the strict use of the scientific word, but cannabis psychedelic reaction can replicate a portion of psychedelic experiences, particularly at high doses or when thoughtfully used and taken.
Does cannabis result in hallucinations?
Yes, in very extreme cases or very high THC strains some users complain of mild visual or auditory distortions.
Psychedelic cannabis versus regular cannabis: What is the difference?
Psychedelic cannabis is defined as strains or intentional use, which promote introspection, emotional and spiritual experiences.
Does Changa Institute provide cannabis-assisted therapy?
Yes, Changa Institute offers the use of guided cannabis as a psychedelic session aimed at exploring emotions and self-awareness.
Would cannabis be a substitute to psilocybin or MDMA treatment?
Not entirely. Although the effects of cannabis are similar in some of these aspects in terms of emotional benefits, they are usually milder as compared to the effects of traditional psychedelics.
Is cannabis harmless to all people?
It takes a long time and can be tolerated by most people, although it should be first consulted by people with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
What is a psychedelic weed leaf?
It is commonly metaphorically applied to signify the potential of cannabis as a consciousness-expanding or spiritual substance.
