Human cultures have exploited bottlenecks in commodities or resources in order to gain power and control. This essay looks at two examples of psychotropic mechanisms being used in this way
This article looks at the history of the plant Erythroxylum coca—a natural source of cocaine—which offers one way to trace the interaction between a physiological agent in history and the growth of empires.
Native American Church members need steady access to peyote, but demand for the plant has been outstripping supply.
This article examines transformations in the meaning and value of Voacanga africana.
