In the South Pacific, it's cultivated and used as a traditional psychoactive drug. Kava is deeply embedded in the cultures of many South Pacific countries, where it has religious and mythical significance and, in some cases, a new role as a political icon. In Vanuatu, kava is an important cash crop and is promoted by the government as a national symbol. The effects of kava vary according to the method of preparation. Today, they are more likely to grind fresh or dried roots with machines and mix them with water.
Preparations made from the fresh root are much more powerful.
The dried-root preparations are more relaxing than intoxicating. Kava relaxes muscles and causes tingling or numbness in the body and slowed reflexes, without any loss of mental clarity. In the South Pacific, large groups of people come together at night for kava ceremonies, the island equivalent of cocktail parties. At these, the drink may be consumed in a very ritualized manner. It may also be used on purely social occasions without much ritual.