Paul Stamets – Psilocybin Mushroom Medicines: A Paradigm Shift in Global Consciousness

Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for millennia by several cultures from Europe to Mesoamerica. More than 116 species have been identified thus far in the genus Psilocybe alone. New scientific evidence is pointing to the fact that, not only can they be psycho-spiritually transformative, but they are capable of stimulating neurogenesis, i.e. the growth of nervous system tissue. These recent discoveries show psilocybin’s potential for helping address such conditions as depression and anxiety, but perhaps as well to help prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s and other neuropathies. In fact, they may increase intelligence. But these exciting new findings have generated a rush of investors seeking to corner medicalized psilocybin, which raises the question: Should psilocybin mushrooms come to market as People’s Medicine or Profit Medicine? Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading authors, inventors, educators and entrepreneurs in the field of mycology, and very possibly the planet’s foremost expert on psilocybin mushrooms, shares his thoughts on the latest research and the rapidly evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine. Paul Stamets delivered this talk at the 2020 Bioneers Conference, introduced by Kenny Ausubel.