Psychoactive substance use by natives has profoundly influenced both ancient and modern culture. The Mexican shamaness who sparked the 1950s psychedelic revolution, María Sabina, shared a psychedelic tradition descended from ancient Mayan mushroom ceremonies.
Psychoactive rituals were driven underground by Christian missionaries during the Conquest. Sabina broke centuries of secrecy by allowing Gordon Wasson to document a mushroom ritual for millions of Americans to see in Life Magazine. Meanwhile, other native psychoactive religions such as the Native American Church (NAC) have gained prominence.