Paul will explore the history and use of “magic” (i.e. psilocybin) mushrooms, from ancient times to current uses, as therapeutic medicines. His long history with psilocybin mushrooms, covered by a DEA license, led to discoveries of several news species, and the increasing popularity of “microdosing” could have broad ramifications for increasing intelligence or decreasing the trend toward dementia as we age. Psilocybin mushrooms could prove especially important for preserving and enhancing the intellectual capital of our society—at a time critical for creative, paradigm shifting breakthroughs that are needed for us to survive the 6th greatest extinction event in which we are immersed today.
