Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelics, Creativity and Entrepreneurship

Abstract

There is a long history of psychedelic use throughout history. A great deal of research was conducted on the possible benefits of psychedelics until LSD and psilocybin became street drugs in the 1960s with reported negative effects. Declared illegal in the late 1960s, research slowed on the benefits of such drugs. A new version of the “street” use of psychedelics has emerged in the form of microsoding, particularly by entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley engineers. This paper reviews the history of psychedelics, possible benefits for creativity and openness for entrepreneurs, and how the issue should be addressed in an entrepreneurship classroom.