Hallucinogenic drugs in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures
Neurología May 4, 2019 F.j. Carod-Artal 132 citations
Archaeological, ethno-historical, and ethnographic evidence shows that pre-Columbian Mesoamerican societies commonly used hallucinogenic substances—including peyote, hallucinogenic mushrooms (Psilocybe spp.), the seeds of ololiuhqui (Turbina corymbosa), balché, ritual enemas, and psychoactive toad skin—to induce altered states of consciousness in healing rituals and religious ceremonies. Mushroom stones dating from 3000 BC and archaeological evidence of peyote use over 5000 years old have been found. Today, local shamans and healers in Mesoamerica still use these substances in ritual ceremonies.