Hallucinogenic substances and Cultural uses

Throughout the centuries, natural herbs and plants that produce hallucinogenic effects have been used for various reasons within a religious context, ranging from religious rituals to alleviating cold and flu symptoms. These religiously structured ‘drug’ experiences are culturally and socially organized, and are defined by those who use them. One can cross-culturally examine the religious practices and meanings of using hallucinogenic substances with those who use them recreationally.

A hallucinogen is ‘classified’ as “any of a group of substances that alter consciousness; also called psychotomimetic (mimicking psychosis), mind-expanding, or psychedelic drug,� (www.encyclopedia.com). The group includes mescaline, or peyote, LSD, PCP, MDMA (ecstasy), and marijuana.

One religious entity that uses a hallucinogenic substance in its religious practices is that of the Native American Church, the largest indigenous religion in this country. This church blends fundamentalist Christian elements with pan-Native American moral principles. The sacramental food of the group is peyote, a hallucinogenic cactus, light blue-green in color, bears small pink flowers, and h

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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2112
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)