The Psilocybin Connection: Psychedelics, the Transformation of Consciousness, and Evolution on the Planet—An Integral Approach

If you’ve read every book and essay and study on the topic of psilocybin, then you don’t need to read this book. And that’s where this work excels. Because if you’re new to the subject matter, this is the one to read to play catch up. Even if you’re not new, this book is highly recommended for a one-stop shopping on the subject at hand.Khamsehzadeh begins the book with his own transformation through psychedelics, changing his life for the better. This lead to a life long exploration and study of the topic.The book is broken up into three sections: The Present, the Past and the Future.The Present section discusses where we are today regarding the legal side and scientific standing of the subject matter of psilocybin.The legal side of things makes one wonder how it’s possible to make a fungus illegal that’s spread throughout every continent on Earth (except for Antartica). I suppose it’s the same mindset making marijuana illegal. In fact, the coco leaf and poppy are illegal if put together in the wrong packaging. And while arguments can be made for restricting the use of cocaine and opiates, there’s simply no good reason why psilocybin became illegal.Studies have shown its success rate at treating PTSD, depression and a host of other mental health disorders. Even if one has no identifiable disorder, psilocybin has an amazing affect, even after one dose, on people who become overall better in their lives, reduced anxiety, more fullfillment in their private lives and relationships. This is the section that might make you irritable, finding that psilocybin was ever made illegal. The benefits people have found using it (inside and out of clinical settings) are undisputable. There was no scientific reasoning behind making it illegal other than the decision makers not understanding the subject at hand. Perhaps it was a knee jerk reaction from an older generation that couldn’t understand the benefits of this new chemical. (New, in the sense that it wasn’t until the 1950s that any westerner worked with it seriously).Part two of the book, the Past, was the most interesting for me.Beginning with the Big Bang and leading to the first hominids, Khamsehzadeh shows how every living creature from amoeba to fish to animals to plants to fungi are all related. The ecology of the planet is so intertwined that we rely on each other more than we know. For instance, plant life has evolved to seduce insects to help spread their seed. Plants can’t walk, so they’ve courted creatures that can move to do what they cannot. They use colors and scents to entice and communicate. Well what if psilocybin is a chemical fungus developed to communicate with other species (us and mammals)? That’s a fascinating thought. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that nearly every use of psilocybin leads to a sense of oneness with the world and how one relates to everything. Users report breakthroughs in understanding about not only personal issues but a keeness to be more ecologically minded.Much of this section rests on the shoulders of Terrance McKenna’s Stoned Ape Theory. Said theory says that in man’s distant past, our ancestors came upon psilocybin mushrooms while eating all that the planet provided for them and this led to psychedelic experiences that led to the formation of the first art, language, spiritual considerations, advanced brain size and function and an overall jump in development that other species weren’t able to make. That case is speculative as we simply don’t have any proofs that this happened. However, circumstantial evidence suggests this did, indeed, occur. At the very least, it’s nearly impossible to assume our ancestors didn’t try the mushroom and have simliar experiences as we do now upon intake.The final section, the Future, discusses the benefits if we can come to legalization and clinical, responsible use of psilocybin. There’s benefits beyond assistance with mental health disorders. Benefits exist in the arts, in logic and reasoning, in breakthrough technologies and developments. Khamsehzadeh shows in this section how numerous movers and shakers made stunning breakthroughs in their work after the use of psilocybin. In other words, psilocybin appears to assist in problem solving in general.As numerous cities, states and governments begin decriminalization of psilocybin (and psychedelics in general), more research can continue and we’ll find out if psilocybin really is the miracle drug that evolution created. One can only hope the disasterous War on Drugs comes to a conclusion and freedom of conscience can begin.

I have known Dr. Khamsehzadeh for over three decades. I have seen his transformation over the years. I have personally experienced therapies and experienced the "magic" first hand. The book is an extension of his experience, a connection to the bliss and a reminder that we are indeed connected to a higher level of consciousness. Dr. Khamsehzadeh is a trailblazer, a humanitarian and a beautiful soul to advance humanity's awareness to a much higher level.

Having known the author for a good long time and benefiting greatly from his psilocybin (magic mushroom) therapy, reading this book was pure joy. Learning about the history and the evolution of psilocybin was just enlightening. A pure sole reaching out to the rest of us showing what pure love can do for humanity. It's a must read book.. Peace

Excellent and informative.

This was the first book on the topic of psilocybin that I have read and it was fantastic. I loved the way the book was set up in terms of it's story line and the was little to no bias what so ever. Very informational and highly recommend!

Weaving the reader through multiple disciplines of study to support his position, this book is an essential and timely read for anyone interested in fungi, psychedelics, evolution and the planet. You will likely finish reading the book smarter and more evolved than when you started.

Amazing book with a comprehensive theory of the evolution of consciousness. Great read, couldn’t put it down. From apes to acid.

Overview of the history of the planet and the way psychedelics have impacted humanity.

Very helpful and thoughtful perspective on psychedelics.