Ancient Romans used cannabis and opium for insomnia and earaches.
Wild animals get drunk on rotten fruit, cats stone themselves on catnip.
So you're not wrong to wonder why people take stuff, but none of that's new.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/psychedelic-mushroom-a...
Way out there, but very interesting nonetheless. I would recommend his book The food of the Gods
> Editor’s note: This article has been retracted as it does not meet Atlas Obscura’s editorial standards. Our investigation revealed the author fabricated interviews with at least one source; Brian Akers confirmed via email that he was initially contacted but never interviewed by the writer, and that quotes and other material attributed to them by the writer have been fabricated. Giorgio Samorini did not reply to multiple email requests for comment. Jitka Soukopova confirmed via email that she had been interviewed by the writer and material attributed to her was accurate. Additional details provided by the writer could not be verified.
Furthermore, I find it amazing that they are talking about rock art, but do not provide any photo...
I think these are the carvings referenced:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/37-Tassili-prehistorical...