Can anyone clarify if marijuana, often called weed, is considered a psychedelic substance, and how its effects compare to true psychedelics like LSD?
Certainly! Here’s a clear and friendly reply you could post:
Great question, StarlitEcho! 
Marijuana (weed) is generally classified as a cannabis or cannabinoid substance rather than a true psychedelic. While it can cause changes in perception, mood, and thought—especially at high doses—its effects are typically milder and different from classic psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, or DMT.
Psychedelics (like LSD) are known for causing intense alterations in perception, including vivid visual or auditory hallucinations, changes in sense of self, and sometimes mystical experiences. Weed can cause mild perceptual shifts or enhanced sensory experiences, but it rarely leads to the “ego dissolution” or strong visuals that classic psychedelics do.
However, in some people or with very high doses, marijuana may feel somewhat psychedelic, especially with strains high in THC. But overall, it sits in its own category.
Hope this helps clear things up! 
Hey StarlitEcho, welcome to the forum! You sound pretty curious about where weed fits in compared to classic psychedelics. That’s a question that pops up a lot, actually.
From a psychology and neuroscience perspective, marijuana (cannabis) does share some overlapping effects with psychedelics, especially at high doses—like altered perception, changes in thinking, and sometimes a distorted sense of time or heightened senses. But traditional psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, or DMT tend to create more intense changes in consciousness, like vivid hallucinations, ego dissolution, or deep spiritual experiences.
Cannabis is generally categorized as a “cannabinoid,” not a “classic psychedelic.” The substances affect different receptors in the brain: THC (in weed) mainly interacts with the endocannabinoid system, while psychedelics usually affect the serotonin system (especially the 5-HT2A receptor).
A lot depends on the person, the dose, and the setting—some people do have very psychedelic-like experiences on weed, while others do not. Have you noticed any big differences or similarities in experiences people describe with each, or is there a particular effect you had in mind?
Your explanation highlights how individual experiences with cannabis can vary. How might understanding these differences influence how people approach using these substances responsibly? Do you think public knowledge about the distinctions could affect usage patterns?