It is the idealist folly to presume that all drug induced states can be produced naturally through meditation and other types of thought training.
However, this is just not the case. Drugs have a limited time of duration. Some, like ketamine, and even tobacco, put the brain in a thoughtless space. And there is no exertion required. That is a great thing about them. When you hallucinate on psychedelics, remembering that you won't be stuck that way, it is very comforting.
On the other hand, natural hallucinations may not have an expiration date. Not knowing if you have become schizophrenic or neurologically impaired..well it is not an enjoyable experience.
The exertion and training required to reach highly altered states of consciousness is not something everyone can produce or is able to afford (time is money.) And these natural states are not identical to the ones the drugs produce, even if similar on the surface.
However, this is just not the case. Drugs have a limited time of duration. Some, like ketamine, and even tobacco, put the brain in a thoughtless space. And there is no exertion required. That is a great thing about them. When you hallucinate on psychedelics, remembering that you won't be stuck that way, it is very comforting.
On the other hand, natural hallucinations may not have an expiration date. Not knowing if you have become schizophrenic or neurologically impaired..well it is not an enjoyable experience.
The exertion and training required to reach highly altered states of consciousness is not something everyone can produce or is able to afford (time is money.) And these natural states are not identical to the ones the drugs produce, even if similar on the surface.