Psychotropic

The term psychotropic refers to a substance capable of acting on the central nervous system and modifying certain mental or neurological functions. Depending on the substance concerned, this action may influence perception, mood, alertness, emotions, memory, attention or behaviour. The term is used in medicine, pharmacology, neuroscience and regulation.

Psychotropic substances include very different families of compounds, of natural or synthetic origin. Their classification is based on their interactions with the central nervous system and, in itself, does not determine their legal status or use.

What does the word psychotropic mean?

The word psychotropic comes from the Greek terms psyché, referring to the mind, and tropos, meaning orientation or transformation. A psychotropic substance is therefore a substance capable of influencing an individual’s psychological or neurological functioning.

This definition is very broad and encompasses many categories of substances used in very different contexts.

A wide variety of substances

Psychotropic substances do not all produce the same effects. Some may alter alertness, while others affect perception, mood, cognitive abilities or behaviour. Medicines acting on the central nervous system, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and certain cannabinoids may be considered psychotropic substances depending on the scientific or regulatory context.

The mechanisms of action and characteristics of these substances vary considerably from one molecule to another.

The case of THC and CBD

In the world of hemp, THC is generally described as a psychotropic cannabinoid because of its interactions with the central nervous system and its ability to modify certain perceptions and cognitive functions.

CBD, on the other hand, is generally distinguished from THC in regulations relating to hemp and cannabis. This distinction is an important element in the classification of many cannabinoid-based products.

Psychotropic and narcotic: two different concepts

The terms psychotropic and narcotic are not synonyms. The psychotropic nature describes a substance’s action on the central nervous system, whereas classification as a narcotic falls under a specific legal framework.

Depending on the country and the regulations in force, the same substance may be subject to different rules.

An important concept in the world of hemp

In the hemp and cannabis sector, the concept of a psychotropic substance is frequently used to distinguish THC-rich products from hemp-derived products containing low THC concentrations. This distinction plays an important role in analyses, certificates of analysis (COAs) and the application of regulations relating to hemp products.