Turn On, Tune In, Drop In: Psychedelics, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
American Journal of Management – October 02, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin and other psychedelics, historically used and later criminalized, are witnessing a resurgence of interest, particularly among entrepreneurs and Silicon Valley engineers. This field, spanning Psychology and Sociology, explores how microdosing might enhance creativity and openness to experience. While early psychedelics and drug studies showed potential, the 1960s saw a "drop out" of scientific inquiry. Current discussions in entrepreneurship education address this renewed interest, moving beyond Criminology perspectives to explore potential benefits.
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.