Peyote Effect: From the Inquisition to the War on Drugs

Alexander S. Dawson's book "The Peyote Effect" explores the historical and cultural significance of peyote, arguing that it has marked the boundary between the Indian and the West since the Spanish Inquisition outlawed it in 1620. He explores how battles over who might enjoy a right to consume peyote have unfolded in both countries, producing the racially exclusionary systems that characterize modern drug regimes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 September 2018
Publisher: University of California Press

The rich history of peyote's hallucinogenic and medicinal properties extends far before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. While various explanations have been proposed to account for its cultural and religious significance, Alexander S. Dawson presents a fresh perspective on the historical significance of this cactus and drug. In his groundbreaking new book, Dawson argues that peyote has served as a dividing line between the Indian and the West since its outlawing by the Spanish Inquisition in 1620. For nearly four centuries, ecclesiastical, legal, scientific, and scholarly authorities have endeavored (unsuccessfully) to enforce this boundary, ensuring that while indigenous subjects could consume peyote, others were prohibited from doing so.

The Peyote Effect delves into the intricate dynamics of battles over the right to consume peyote in both the United States and Mexico, shedding light on how these conflicts have given rise to the racially exclusionary systems that characterize modern drug regimes. By adopting a cross-border approach, the book explores how these conflicts have unfolded, revealing surprising historical connections between the two countries. Through this lens, we gain a deeper understanding of the racial thinking that binds them together, challenging preconceived notions and illuminating the complex interplay of cultural, historical, and political factors that shape drug policies and regulations.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520285422