Why Scientists Are Rewriting the Dictionary for Psychedelic Medicine

What question is this article answering? 

Why is a new, uniform vocabulary for psychedelic treatment and research so vital to the future of psychedelic medicine?

Synopsis 

Psychedelic science is in the middle of a renaissance, but with this explosive growth is a new challenge: the lack of common language. Researchers have recently called for a new lexicon of psychedelic research and treatment in an attempt to unify jargon and provide a long-overdue clarity of purpose to a previously confused and stigmatized field [1]. This article will explain why it has been called for, the most significant words and definitions proposed, and the potential impact that a shared language would have on psychedelic medicine in the future. 

More Than Words: Why a New Lexicon is Necessary for the Psychedelic Renaissance 

The psychedelic world is buzzing with excitement. Days of being relegated to the sidelines are behind us, and researchers are finally re-opening the incredible therapeutic potential of these powerful chemicals. From aiding in the relief of depression and anxiety to helping individuals move beyond addiction, psychedelics are revealing themselves in ways that have the power to revolutionize mental health treatment. But as the field expands exponentially, it is faced with an unexpected challenge: a language problem. 

The terminology used to define the psychedelic experience is usually vague, inconsistent, and culturally charged. The words "trip," "hallucination," and "mystical experience" are open to different interpretations and carry significance that makes it difficult to achieve acceptance in the mainstream community. This lack of a precise and consistent terminology makes it difficult for researchers to describe their findings, for clinicians to author formal treatment protocols, and for patients to understand what the outcome of psychedelic-assisted treatment will be. 

In an effort to overcome this challenge, a group of leading researchers have proposed a new lexicon for psychedelic research and treatment. It is not just political correctness; it is about creating a better, more scientifically accurate nomenclature that will help to further develop the field. The new vocabulary, published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law, provides a definitive lexicon of psychedelic jargon with real definitions of pharmacology, subjective effects, dosing and therapeutic use terms [1]. 

One of the key objectives of the new lexicon is to move away from the old, stigmatizing terminology. To take an example, instead of speaking of a "hallucination," with its connotation of abandoning reality, the lexicon offers alternatives such as "altered sensory perception" or "pseudo-hallucination." It is a slight word adjustment, maybe, but one which can make a very large difference in how psychedelic experience is perceived. It works to normalize these experiences and to offer them as a usual and perhaps beneficial part of the treatment process. 

Another important aspect of the new terminology is dosing terminology standardization. The interchangeable terminology of "microdosing," "minidosing," and "macrodosing" can be confusing and create potential safety risks. The new lexicon gives precise definitions for these terms in terms of the desired effects and the range of dosage [1]. This will ensure everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet as far as dosing is concerned, both in terms of safety and efficacy. 

There has been acknowledgment of the need for such standardization by several groups of researchers. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry argued that correct and non-stigmatizing language drawn from the medical model will advance the science as well as the public acceptability of psychedelics [2]. The emerging lexicon also provides a reflection on the need for a more advanced vocabulary to describe the subjective effects of the psychedelics. Instead of resorting to imprecise and occasionally sensationalized terms, the lexicon implies a more nuanced typology that can capture the full range of potential experiences [1]. 

In 2024, a linguistic analysis placed mystical experiences under the microscope, underscoring the importance of precision in psychedelic science [3]. These are terms to describe changes in perception, affect, and cognition, and the more profound, transformative ones at the heart of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The complexity of this issue is also highlighted by a 2025 scoping review that found large differences between psychedelic clinical trial protocols, partly due to the diversity of vocabulary used [4]. 

Need to develop a new lexicon is a sign of a maturing field. It is an admission that in order to be respected by the scientific and medical community, the field of psychedelic science must embrace a more formal and standard path. Having a common vocabulary will not only make it easier to communicate and work with each other, but it will also help to establish credibility in the eyes of the general public as well as in the eyes of regulatory agencies. It is a significant step on the road to mainstreaming psychedelic-assisted therapy out of the margins. 

Uniform language isn't just critical in studies but in clinical work too. A 2025 international Delphi consensus study aimed specifically at reporting standards for setting in psychedelic clinical trials demonstrated the field's seriousness about establishing clear, uniform nomenclature [5]. As the psychedelic renaissance unfolds, the language we use to describe it will be more important than ever before. A clear, consistent, and non-stigmatizing vocabulary will be essential to getting a good foundation in place for the future of psychedelic medicine. It is a reminder that words matter, and that by being mindful of our words, we can create a brighter, healing future for all. 

References

1. Nutt, D. J., et al. (2025). A lexicon for psychedelic research and treatment. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 11, 20503245251380511. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20503245251380511

2. Beswerchij, A., & Sisti, D. (2022). From underground to mainstream: Establishing a medical lexicon for psychedelic therapy. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 870507. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.870507/full

3. Alvarado, J. O. (2024). Mystical Experience Under the Magnifying Glass: A Terminological Study of the Psychedelic Science Lexicon. Debate Terminológico, (24), 1-18. https://seer.ufrgs.br/riterm/article/view/138011

4. Kratina, S., et al. (2025). A scoping review of variations among psychedelic clinical trial protocols. Social Science & Medicine, 365, 117456. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953625008676

5. Pronovost-Morgan, C., et al. (2025). An international Delphi consensus for reporting of setting in psychedelic clinical trials. Nature Medicine, 31(1), 1-9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03685-9

Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.