California's Mystic and Mindblowing

Hippies encouraged the experimental use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, or acid, to alter the mind and provided an alternative way of thinking. Acid tests were promoted which allowed individuals to consume acid in a peaceful environment surround by friends, music and good vibes.

Drugs like marijuana and LSD were tightly integrated into their culture as a means to explore altered states of consciousness. Contrary to what many believe, hippies actually tended to avoid harder drugs such as heroin and amphetamines because they considered them harmful or addictive.

In October 1966, California became the first state to make LSD illegal when they declared LSD a controlled substance. In response to the criminalization of their psychedelic drug, San Francisco hippies staged a gathering in the Golden Gate Park. The event was called the Love Pageant Rally. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that those who used LSD were not evil, criminals, or mentally ill. It was the first incidence of political activism initiated by the hippies.