Hashish in 19th-Century American Literary Circles
Poet involved
What happened
In the 1850s, hashish became a topic of interest among American literary circles, particularly among Transcendentalists and bohemians who experimented with the substance. This exploration reflected broader cultural movements that sought to challenge conventional norms and embrace alternative lifestyles. The discussions surrounding hashish and its effects contributed to evolving perceptions of drug use and its potential influence on creativity and artistic expression.
Literary impact
The use of hashish in 19th-century American literary circles contributed to explorations of altered consciousness, paralleling opium themes in Romantic poetry. Poets like Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman delved into the complexities of perception and creativity.
Source: Wikipedia