According to Drugs and Society, hallucinogenic drugs are “substances that alter sensory processing in the brain, causing perceptual disturbances, changes in thought processing, and depersonalization” (Hanson 372). Hallucinogens have been used both ritually and recreationally by people for thousands of years—dating back to evidence of psilocybin mushroom use in 5000 B.C. “Humans on all continents, and likely since very ancient times, have utilized plant and animal substances to produce dramatically powerful altered states. In many examples, drug use for religious purposes has been carried out not by everyday participants but by specialists… who control the spirit world for the benefit of their community” (Myers-Moro 187). Shamans are trained in controlling their altered state of consciousness and use hallucinogenic substances during rituals to come into contact with local spirits. Ayahuasca, peyote, and DMT derived from the San Pedro cactus are hallucinogenic substances used ritually cross culturally. It is noted that, as with any hallucinogenic drug, set, setting, and one’s expectations has an effect on how the drug …show more content…
The drug’s hallucinogenic potential was not realized until 1943 when Hoffman tested it himself. Since the drug was fairly new, he had yet to understand its potency and took a large dose. “While the beginning of this LSD experience was very difficult, after several hours, during which the assistant did not leave Hoffman’s side, the “trip” became more pleasant” (“History of LSD”). Hoffman shared his experience with fellow scientists, who themselves began experimenting with the drug at lower doses. “What startled the researchers was the incredible potency of the drug. Out of one gram of pure LSD crystals, one would get 10,000 to 20,000 doses. For a similar reaction using mescaline, one would need five thousand times as much” (“History of LSD”).