On altering one's consciousness

This is something that's constantly on my mind, and I am always thinking of it from new perspectives and angles.

Why do humans use drugs? We are the only species that ingests or smokes or even injects substances deliberately to alter our consciousness. It seems that most humans have an innate desire to alter our consciousness, so when the opportunity arises, we jump on it. Personally, I have smoked Cannabis many times, and enjoy it recreationally, as well as recognizing its other potential benefits. So my take on altering consciousness is that many of us do it to have a different perspective on life. That is the reason I smoke Marijuana, and the reason why I don't leave out the possibility of trying hallucinagens, such as mushrooms or LSD.

One theory is that the brain is simply a filter of a larger, Universal Consciousness. That is to say, it is merely a window through which we can see a particular portion of that Consciousness. So when we use a psychoactive drug, we are modifying the dimensions and angle of that window so that our perspective of the Universal Consciousness is enhanced; it is changed.

This is a theory that I can definitely visualize and work with. The reason is because I have a general interest in theology, in the workings of the human body, and in our place in the universe. I think it's also because I reject the societal norm of there being a definite right way to experience the world and a definite wrong way to experience the world. Why should I define what someone else's personal choices should be? And furthermore, why should I let someone else define for me what I should and should not do? People say using drugs is wrong; I say, if drugs are wrong, then alcohol is wrong as well. Alcohol is a drug, too.

So what are drugs, really, but tools to alter our ordinary consciousness? If we have evolved a consciousness this enhanced to begin with, I feel, why shouldn't we experiment with altering it, possibly furthering its capacity?

Peace.