Drugs have been used to create, enjoy and even promote arts for as long as humans have been making art, it would appear. I can't prove that the first cave paintings almost 50,000 years ago involved drugs, but there's plenty of evidence for substance use in cultures going back about 10,000 years. And if you look at "modern" times you can see plenty of examples, some well documented too. And don't forget that alcohol is also a drug, as is caffeine, etc.
It's not trite to posit that when you go to a gallery opening and you drink their wine you are giving one example of 2 of those purposes. I'd be totally gobsmacked if some of those immersive art shows weren't fueled for some by substances. Don't try to tell me that most of the rock concerts aren't performed on drugs.
Goya's work is quite evidently influenced by scopolamine substances, for example. You don't need to fast forward to the 60s for psychedelics in use for all 3 purposes. Plenty done and documented from at least the 1700s on in the West, and I'd bet much earlier in Asian art, plus indigenous ceremonies involving artistic expression and drugs from only God knows how far back everywhere.
I've certainly done some work on alcohol and wouldn't confess to more than that publicly, but well, I am a boomer, so take your own conclusions. Cannabis is legal in California (at least at state level and not enforced here for federal restrictions). Lord only knows how much art is being created and consumed here along with the intoxicants. It's intriguing to ponder how my art might change were I to paint on grass, but I'm not in the market for doing that.
Hallucinogens have fueled countless writers. I'd be cautious about using them to create or consume art, however, or for that matter any substance that alters the mind in the wrong settings or by folks with various conditions that might be exacerbated by the drugs, and that includes alcohol. Around here there are quite a few professionals who "microdose" on them and go to work that way and claim it makes them more creative. Obviously it can be done, but as an experienced therapist who has studied and worked with drug use for decades, I'm on the cautious side. Not absolutely against it, just cautious. If you're afraid of it, that's a clear enough reason to stay away from doing it, in my book.
I find the act of creation - the art process - to be intoxicating in and of itself. Some good works take my mind to far places similar to drug experiences too. Tell me that music doesn't transport you at times. Bet that works for many of you as well.
You asked for opinions and implied experience, so I'm giving mine, but not advising anyone. YMMV
I could set myself on fire.
