The Cultural And Historical Context Of Psychoactive Plants

It is a commonplace for individuals to think "drug culture" is a concept that was instigated in the more recent part of our civilization's history. However, before the vilification and prohibition of any and all mind-altering drugs, these plants held a profound cultural significance in many different societies. Drugs have a long history of use in many contexts, such as religious ceremonies, divination rituals, spirit journeys and recreation.

According to Dr. N. C. Kenkel's Medicinal and Hallucinogenic plants course notes, cocaine, for example, was widely used by the Incas in South America in its naturally occurring plant form. The plant, called the "divine coca," was considered property of the royal family. The traditional use of this plant involves picking about two ounces of the leaves, and chewing on them over the course of a day to produce a mild stimulating effect without the symptoms associated with cocaine abuse. In a traditional context, it was used to overcome hunger and fatigue and reduce altitude sickness.

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