University of Virginia Library

Drug "Diet"

Perhaps the most grossly exploited aspect
of hippie life is its association with drugs.
There is no denying that marijuana, LSD,
speed, belladonna, are all part of Haight-Ashbury,
just as they are part of college life and
other aspects of American society. Nor is
there denying the dangers of the more potent
drugs. But the extent to which the drugs have
become a "diet" to the hippie, just who uses
them, and why they are used is justifiably
questionable.

When the hippie "thing" began, somewhere
between Grogan's formation of The Diggers
and Ginsburg's momentous Be-In, the use of
drugs was wide-spread. Pot was as much a part
of the hippie image as long hair and beards.
LSD became the god of the drugs, and soon
new and more powerful drugs made the scene.
But now, after the way of life has been firmly
established, many hippies are turning away
from drugs.

The hippies are beginning to concentrate
more on their "social work" than on drugs,
which were formerly such a great part of their
life. Their conception of Utopia is a community
in which all can live free in the peace and
love of their fellow man. The basic philosophy
of their society has been the hallmark of every
bohemian underground cult since time began.
Yet the hippies believe they are reaching these
goals through different approaches.