Video 20 in the Introduction to Ethnobotany series. Presented by Will McClatchey.
Most cultures have incorporated the use of some psychoactive compounds into their religions, medicines, or other social structures. Incorporation usually includes rules and conditions for appropriate usage. Alternatively, most cultures also restrict or prohibit access to some psychoactive compounds. Only in "modern" global culture are psychoactive plants perceived as "recreational" or appropriate for individual use in non-culturally significant situations. This episode describes the most common patterns seen for use and understanding of psychoactive plants.