"Neither Poison nor Medicine: a Confucian Ritual Paradigm for Cannabis and Psychedelic Consumption"

The early 2020s saw rapid shifts in American attitudes toward cannabis and psychedelics, moving from their twentieth‑century status as dangerous intoxicants to renewed interest as medical therapies and, increasingly, as consumer wellness products. This swift reframing has raised concerns about how best to conceptualize the responsible use of mind‑altering substances. This essay proposes ritual consumption as an alternative framework, drawing on early Confucian discussions of alcohol in ceremonial life. Early Confucian thinkers such as Kongzi and Xunzi acknowledged alcohol’s capacity to facilitate communal bonding, while simultaneously emphasizing propriety, restraint, and the primacy of human connection to prevent misuse. Although cannabis and psychedelics differ significantly from alcohol, the Confucian model illustrates how structured, relational practices can harness psychoactive effects while mitigating risks. Such an approach offers a promising lens for rethinking contemporary engagements with these substances.