What is a cultural container?

A "cultural container" refers to the structured context within which certain practices or activities are conducted, often with the aim of providing a framework that supports and guides those experiences. In the context of psychedelics, Michael Pollan discusses the need for such containers to avoid the chaos and backlash experienced during the 1960s. He suggests that potential containers could include the medical system, religious vessels, or other forms of ritual and ceremony that can provide a safe and intentional environment for the use of these substances. These containers are necessary to maximize benefits, minimize harm, and ensure that the practices are integrated respectfully and meaningfully within a culture 1.