Magic Mushrooms and Celebrity Culture
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms, has increasingly been talked about since Oregon made it legal for medical use and several cities moved to decriminalize the psychedelic.
The psychedelic drug can help with anxiety, depression, and burnout, according to early research and anecdotal accounts.
In recent years, numerous celebrities have candidly shared their personal experiences with psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms. These anecdotes offer insight into how psychedelics have influenced their lives, creativity, and perspectives. Here are some notable examples:
Elon Musk
The billionaire entrepreneur has reportedly used psilocybin as part of his interest in cognitive enhancement. While Musk has spoken more openly about microdosing ketamine for depression, sources close to him have suggested that he has experimented with magic mushrooms in social settings. Given his ventures into AI, space exploration, and neurotechnology, it’s not hard to imagine how psychedelics might have influenced his expansive thinking.
Harry Styles
During the creation of his album Fine Line, Harry Styles experimented with magic mushrooms at the renowned Shangri-La studios in Malibu. He recounted a particular incident where, under the influence, he bit off the tip of his tongue, leading to a memorable and somewhat bloody studio session. Styles described the experience as liberating, allowing him to shed fears and embrace creativity more fully.
Seth Rogen
A longtime advocate of cannabis, Seth Rogen has also dabbled in psychedelics. He revealed that magic mushrooms played a role in his creative process while working on various films. One notable example was Knocked Up, where he and his team took mushrooms while scouting for a Cirque du Soleil show, later incorporating elements of the trip into the movie’s depiction of a psychedelic experience. Rogen has spoken about how mushrooms help him see the world in a different, often funnier, light.
Seth Rogan also ended up in Paris during a wild night on Magic Mushrooms.
In a 2015 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Rogen recalled an early mushroom trip that began in Amsterdam and unexpectedly ended in Paris.
“When I was 18, I went to Amsterdam with a friend — a good start for a drug story I guess,” he joked. The pair took “a bunch of mushrooms” and packed a picnic lunch to enjoy in a park, but soon fled because Rogen had an upset stomach and his friend was paranoid.
Leaving the park wasn’t enough, apparently. Rogen said he and his friend wandered to the train station while still “fully tripping” and randomly bought tickets to Paris.
“We arrived in Paris in the middle of the night as we were kind of sobering up,” Rogen told Kimmel. “I remember thinking, ‘I took so many drugs I ended up in another country.'”
Will Smith
The Hollywood icon has shared that he partook in ayahuasca ceremonies during a challenging period in his life, but he also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms. Smith described his experiences as eye-opening and credited psychedelics with helping him navigate personal struggles, leading to profound self-reflection and clarity.
Kristen Bell
Actress Kristen Bell has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety. After reading Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind, she became interested in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Bell decided to try psilocybin mushrooms in a controlled setting, with her husband, Dax Shepard, supervising. She described the experience as profound, noting that it helped her cultivate self-love and a deeper understanding of herself.
Mac Miller
The late rapper Mac Miller was known for his introspective lyrics and creative evolution throughout his career. He spoke openly about his experiences with psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms, which he credited with expanding his artistic vision and deepening his connection to music. His 2018 album Swimming contained themes of self-exploration and personal growth, which some speculate were influenced by his psychedelic journeys.
Post Malone
Rapper and singer Post Malone joined Joe Rogan on his podcast, where the two consumed magic mushrooms together. Over the course of the 3.5-hour conversation, they delved into topics ranging from creativity and music to the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. The relaxed and open atmosphere led to a wide-ranging discussion, highlighting how psilocybin can influence thought processes and conversational depth.
Susan Sarandon
Veteran actress Susan Sarandon has spoken about her exploration with psychedelics, including magic mushrooms. She emphasized that her experiences were not recreational but rather spiritual and introspective journeys. Sarandon believes that, when used responsibly, psychedelics can offer profound insights and a greater connection to the universe.
Anna Kendrick
Actress Anna Kendrick recounted a Halloween party where she and fellow actress Brittany Snow decided to microdose psilocybin mushrooms. While the intention was to have a mild, enjoyable experience, Kendrick humorously described the evening as more intense than anticipated, leading to memorable and laughter-filled moments.
Luckily, Snow, 38, had her costar’s back. As Kendrick explained, her “hero” friend realized that she was “tripping balls” and decided to take “a bunch more mushrooms.”
“So then just the two of us are in the corner of this party, staring at each other, grinning like the Joker while streaming tears. But we felt great,” Kendrick said.
These personal accounts underscore the diverse experiences individuals can have with psilocybin. While some find it enhances creativity and self-awareness, others may encounter challenging situations. It’s essential to approach the use of psychedelics with caution, proper preparation, and in a safe environment.
As the conversation around psychedelics continues to evolve, more public figures are opening up about their transformative experiences. Whether used for creativity, self-discovery, or personal healing, psilocybin remains a fascinating and powerful substance that has left a lasting impact on many. Who knows which celebrity will be next to share their psychedelic journey?
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before considering the use of any psychedelic substances.
