The Influence of Psychoactive Plants on the Humanistic Conception of Self: Historical Perspectives, Cross-Cultural Practices, and the Role of Cannabis

Throughout recorded history, psychoactive plants have played a profound role in shaping human consciousness and conceptions of selfhood. From the ancient rites of shamans to the countercultural revolutions of the twentieth century, humans have sought altered states of awareness through the ingestion of botanical substances such as Psychedelicus, Ayahuasca, and perhaps most ubiquitously, Cannabis sativa. This enduring relationship raises pivotal questions about the dynamic interplay between mind, culture, and plant-derived experiences—questions that resonate deeply within the framework of humanistic psychology, which emphasizes personal growth, agency, and the search for meaning.

Exploring the impact of psychoactive plants on the humanistic conception of self demands a multidisciplinary lens, bridging anthropology, psychology, history, and pharmacology. Diverse societies have embraced these substances in healing, spiritual, and recreational contexts, often viewing them as conduits to deeper self-understanding or transformation. By tracing the historical and cross-cultural trajectories of plant use, with a particular focus on the evolving role of cannabis, we can better appreciate the ways in which altered states of consciousness have informed—and continue to inform—our understanding of what it means to be human.

Humanistic Psychology, Altered States, and the Question of Self

Can a fleeting moment of altered perception truly change the very core of who we are? Picture a healer in the Amazon, eyes closed, chanting softly as the effects of ayahuasca begin to swirl through her consciousness. Or imagine an ancient philosopher, pen poised, after inhaling the musky smoke of Cannabis sativa as part of a sacred rite. Such scenes are not merely relics of distant cultures; they illuminate how, across epochs and continents, humans have turned to psychoactive plants to probe the boundaries of reality—and, in the process, to redefine the contours of selfhood.

This section delves into the ways in which humanistic psychology intersects with the use of plant-based substances, focusing on how these experiences have shaped our cultural and historical understanding of the self. By examining ancient traditions and mystical practices, we can better grasp the enduring relationship between botanical substances and the evolving human quest for meaning.

The Role of Psychoactive Plants in Shaping Cultural and Historical Conceptions of Self

Throughout history, the use of psychoactive flora has not only altered individual consciousness, but also fundamentally shaped collective ideas about identity and existence. The boundaries between the self and the world, between the mundane and the transcendent, have often been explored—and sometimes blurred—through ritualized plant ingestion. Humanistic psychologists such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers have emphasized the importance of self-actualization and peak experiences, many of which can be catalyzed by alterations in consciousness (Yaden et al., 2017).

Rather than viewing the self as a static entity, these traditions recognize its fluidity and capacity for transformation. The ingestion of psychoactive plants frequently served as a rite of passage, a vehicle for healing, or a means to connect with ancestral or spiritual realms. This dynamic interplay between substance, ritual, and identity continues to inform modern debates regarding the therapeutic and existential value of altered states.

Initiatory rituals: Used to mark transitions in social status or personal growth.
Healing ceremonies: Designed to realign the individual’s sense of self with community or cosmic order.
Vision quests: Pursued to access new insights or spiritual guidance.

Ancient Traditions and Indigenous Practices

To appreciate the depth of this relationship, one must look to societies where psychoactive plants are woven into the very fabric of spiritual and communal life. In the Americas, the use of ayahuasca and peyote among indigenous groups has long been recognized as central to shamanic healing and communal identity formation (Dobkin de Rios, 1984). Such practices are not mere escapism; rather, they represent structured methods for exploring the psyche and integrating personal and collective experiences.

Across the Eurasian steppe, historical accounts describe the use of soma—a mysterious, likely psychoactive plant—within Vedic rituals as a means of achieving union with the divine. The ancient Greeks, too, turned to kykeon during the Eleusinian Mysteries, seeking visions that would dissolve the boundaries between mortal and immortal realms (Ruck et al., 1978). In each case, the plant’s role was to unlock a heightened state of awareness in which the self could be reimagined, often in relation to the cosmos or the community.

“The function of the shaman is to open the doors of perception, to guide the soul into realms where healing and insight are possible.” — Mircea Eliade

Such traditions underscore a critical insight: the self is not merely a product of biology or psychology, but is continually constituted through cultural practice and experience. The use of psychoactive plants in these contexts highlights their enduring power to shape personal and societal narratives of identity.

Mysticism, Ritual, and the Expansion of Consciousness

Moving beyond the historical record, mystical and ritualistic uses of psychoactive substances offer a window into the profound ways in which consciousness—and thus the self—can be expanded. In Sufism, practitioners have incorporated substances like hashish to facilitate ecstatic states, seeking direct communion with the divine. Similarly, Buddhist and Taoist traditions have at times experimented with psychoactive elixirs to attain enlightenment or deeper meditation (Smith & Sessa, 2017).

Modern research suggests that such experiences can foster a lasting sense of interconnectedness, ego dissolution, and personal transformation—outcomes that resonate strongly with the tenets of humanistic psychology (Griffiths et al., 2019). These findings illuminate the possibility that altered states of consciousness may not only be therapeutic, but also central to the ongoing evolution of the self.

Heightened empathy and compassion
Increased creativity and problem-solving capacity
Reduction in existential anxiety and greater sense of purpose

As we trace these threads through diverse traditions, it becomes clear that the interplay between psychoactive plants and the humanistic conception of self is neither accidental nor peripheral. Rather, it is a recurrent motif in humanity’s ongoing search for meaning, connection, and transcendence.

Takeaway: The cultural and historical use of psychoactive plants reveals a profound influence on how societies and individuals understand—and transform—the self. In the upcoming section, we will turn our attention to cannabis, exploring its unique legacy and its relevance to contemporary experiences of identity. This discussion will be enriched by insights from a forthcoming survey of UWG students, illuminating present-day perspectives on cannabis and selfhood.

Cannabis as Catalyst: Reframing the Humanistic Self in Contemporary Discourse

What happens when a plant, once relegated to the margins of legality and social acceptability, becomes a focal point for re-examining the boundaries of identity and consciousness? As the global conversation around cannabis shifts from prohibition to nuanced exploration, we are witnessing a unique moment where ancient practices and modern sensibilities converge. This section investigates how cannabis now stands at the crossroads of science, culture, and self-understanding—inviting us to reconsider the very foundation of the humanistic self in the twenty-first century.

Cannabis, Identity, and Self-Exploration

Far from being a mere recreational indulgence, cannabis has increasingly emerged as a tool for self-exploration and identity formation in contemporary society. While its historical associations with mysticism and ritual are well documented, the plant’s modern renaissance is marked by a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence suggesting profound effects on introspection, creativity, and personal insight (Sessa, 2016).

Many users report that cannabis-induced states facilitate a temporary suspension of habitual thought patterns, allowing for a re-evaluation of personal narratives and beliefs. This mirrors aspects of Maslow’s concept of peak experience, where one is momentarily lifted above the ordinary, gaining a fresh perspective on the self and the world. According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of adult users describe heightened self-reflection and a sense of interconnectedness during cannabis sessions (Cuttler et al., 2021).

Within therapeutic contexts, such as guided cannabis-assisted psychotherapy, the plant is being explored as a catalyst for processing trauma, reducing internalized stigma, and fostering self-acceptance. These experiences resonate with the humanistic goal of self-actualization, as described by Carl Rogers:

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” — Carl Rogers

For many, cannabis serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass, revealing hidden aspects of the psyche and amplifying the quest for meaning. The plant’s versatility—encompassing recreational, medicinal, and spiritual domains—has made it a unique bridge between disparate facets of modern identity.

Facilitation of emotional release and vulnerability
Expansion of creative thinking and problem-solving approaches
Reduction of social barriers and increased feelings of empathy

As legalization expands and stigma recedes, new research and first-person accounts continue to illuminate the ways in which cannabis is intertwined with the ongoing project of self-discovery—a project at the heart of humanistic psychology.

Future Directions for Integrating Psychoactive Plants and Humanistic Thought

The contemporary resurgence of interest in psychoactive plants—and cannabis in particular—raises pressing questions about the future of selfhood studies within humanistic psychology. As the boundaries between clinical science, personal growth, and cultural analysis blur, how might the insights gleaned from altered states be harnessed to improve well-being and deepen our collective understanding of identity?

Emerging interdisciplinary collaborations, especially those linking neuroscience, anthropology, and psychotherapy, offer promising avenues. Researchers are now examining how cannabis and other psychoactive substances might facilitate breakthroughs in mental health treatment, foster innovative approaches to creativity, and even promote social cohesion by challenging entrenched narratives of the self (Bouso & Sánchez-Avilés, 2020).

Development of integrative therapeutic models that incorporate plant-based interventions
Longitudinal studies on the impact of cannabis on self-concept and existential well-being
Cross-cultural dialogues to honor Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems

At the same time, ethical considerations remain paramount. Ensuring informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and responsible use will be essential as psychoactive plants move from the periphery to the center of psychological inquiry. Interdisciplinary research—grounded in respect for both empirical data and lived experience—will be critical for advancing our understanding of how plant-induced states can reshape the humanistic conception of self (Watts et al., 2018).

This evolving conversation sets the stage for the forthcoming UWG student survey, where contemporary voices will add fresh perspectives to the enduring dialogue between psychoactive plants, selfhood, and the pursuit of meaning.

Takeaway: As both symbol and substance, cannabis continues to challenge and expand our understanding of identity. With its roots in ancient ritual and its branches reaching toward future possibilities, the plant offers a powerful lens through which to reimagine the self—one that the upcoming UWG student survey will explore in greater depth.

Psychoactive Plants and the Ever-Evolving Humanistic Self

Reflecting on the intertwined histories of psychoactive plants and human self-conception, it becomes clear that these botanical agents have served as enduring catalysts for transformation—both personal and collective. From ancient shamanic rituals to modern therapeutic settings, altered states induced by plants like cannabis have consistently expanded the boundaries of the self, inviting individuals and cultures alike to reimagine their place in the world. This ongoing dialogue between mind, culture, and nature underscores a central tenet of humanistic psychology: the self is not fixed, but dynamic and continually shaped by experience.

As contemporary research and shifting societal attitudes invite deeper exploration into the role of psychoactive substances, cannabis stands as a potent symbol of both continuity and change. Its journey from ancient ritual to modern discourse highlights the profound impact such plants can have on identity, healing, and meaning-making. Ultimately, the story of psychoactive plants and the humanistic self is not merely a chapter of the past—it is a living narrative, one that continues to unfold as we seek new ways to understand ourselves and our shared humanity.

Bibliography

Bouso, José Carlos, and José Sánchez-Avilés. “Psychoactive Plants in Psychotherapy: New Doors to Consciousness.” Frontiers in Pharmacology 11 (2020): 590823. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313445/.
Cuttler, Carrie, Michelle Spradlin, and Alexander J. McLaughlin. “A Naturalistic Examination of the Perceived Effects of Cannabis on Creativity and the Modulating Influence of Personality.” Frontiers in Psychology 12 (2021): 725398. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725398/full.
Dobkin de Rios, Marlene. “Visionary Vine: Hallucinogenic Healing in the Peruvian Amazon.” Human Organization 43, no. 1 (1984): 41–45. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3773252.
Griffiths, Roland R., Matthew W. Johnson, Michael A. Richards, et al. “Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical-Type Experience: Immediate and Persisting Dose-Related Effects.” Psychopharmacology 236, no. 2 (2019): 597–608. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31427778/.
Ruck, Carl A.P., Blaise Daniel Staples, Clark Heinrich, et al. “Entheogens: Journal of Psychedelic Research.” Journal of Psychedelic Drugs 10, no. 1 (1978): 13–20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8699512/.
Sessa, Ben. “Why Psychiatry Needs Psychedelics and Psychedelics Need Psychiatry.” Journal of Psychopharmacology 30, no. 12 (2016): 1199–1201. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5531365/.
Smith, David E., and Ben Sessa. “Psychedelics in the 21st Century: Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 49, no. 4 (2017): 281–286. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2017.1364197.