The New Elephant

Psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelic drugs have been federally prohibited since the early 1970s. However, government restrictions have not stopped people from using them. Researchers from the RAND Corporation estimate that eight million adults in the U.S. used psilocybin in 2023.

A December 12, 2024, article in the New York Times highlights the growing popularity of psychedelic retreats among business leaders. Seminar leaders offer guided mushroom trips, promising a spiritual makeover. Some seminar leaders charge $4,000 for each participant.

P. T. Barnum once said, “To make money in a circus, buy an elephant. Everybody wants to see the elephant. Buy a bushel of peanuts. Sell them for 5 cents a bag. Everyone wants to feed the elephant.”

Psilocybin seminar leaders found an elephant. The peanuts cost $4000.These peanuts are dangerous. Psychedelics can cause anxiety, panic, mania, paranoia, hallucinations, and PTSD following a “trip.” Research at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has shown a possible link between chronic microdosing and heart valve damage.

Psychedelic seminar leaders claim that hallucinogens enhance creativity. They also contend psychedelics improve compassion, calmness, and emotional warmth. Here’s a better idea: join a nonjudgmental, welcoming church to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. It’s free.