The History and Effects of Psychedelic Drug Use

The book’s central narrative and thematic purpose is to suggest that the use, properties, and value of psychedelic substances is not as dangerous to society or to individuals as mid-twentieth century reactions to such substances claimed. In fact, the book suggests the contrary: that both early research (in the 1950’s and early 1960’s) and contemporary research (beginning in the mid-1990’s and continuing into the early part of the twenty-first century) support the idea that the ultimate influence of psychedelic drugs, on humanity in general and on individuals, can be positive.

To prove that point, author Michael Pollan develops two main arguments – one academic, objective, and defined by research; one personal, subjective, and defined by lived experience, both his own and those of others who have taken psychedelic substances. In terms of the former, Pollan delves into the origins of...