Some reflections on Pituri - an Australian Aboriginal plant used traditionally for currency, chewing, ceremony and recreation.
Duboisia hopwoodii is the western scientific name for the Pituri shrub. Of all the Aboriginal drugs used prior to invasion, Pituri had the highest nicotine content.
It also held the greatest value as currency, and thus the "Pituri Standard" was born (similar to the "Gold Standard", only based on something useful).
This plant was produced in vast quantities, selectively bred by Aboriginal scientists, and cultivated by Aboriginal farmers, then shipped off to fill written orders on message sticks, along trade routes all over the continent.
This drug-based economy linked with trade routes through Arnhem land and into Asia, regulated by the Yolngu-Macassan Trade Agreement that was going strong back when Europe was still in the dark ages.
I have personally used pituri regularly in ceremonial contexts, and have not found it to be addictive or damaging in any way. In fact I have found it to enhance concentration, focus and spiritual connection. It is also helpful for long journeys on foot.
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