We are currently experiencing a “psychedelic renaissance,” with substances once tied to hippie culture now taking center stage in mainstream psychiatric research. This revival of interest in psychedelic science has been mirrored by a surge in their popularity within popular culture.
Psychedelics have gained acceptance in wellness communities, creative industries, and even among high-profile public figures. They are praised not only for their therapeutic benefits but also for their capacity to inspire introspection, spark creativity, and deepen a sense of connection.
Here’s a closer look at ten notable celebrities and their relationships with psychedelics.
Mike Tyson
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been vocal about his transformative experiences with psychedelics. He credits substances like magic mushrooms and 5-MeO-DMT–found in the venom of the Sonoran Desert Toad–for helping him overcome depression and suicidal thoughts.
Tyson has mentioned using these substances during training, describing the experience as “beautiful” and stating that it makes him feel “in heaven.” Since Tyson’s first 5-MeO-DMT trip in 2021, he claims to have taken the substance at least 50 times.
Joe Rogan
Comedian, podcast host, and UFC commentator Joe Rogan is a well-known advocate for psychedelics. On his podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” he frequently discusses his use of substances like DMT and psilocybin mushrooms, highlighting their potential for personal growth and consciousness expansion.
Rogan’s podcast has featured several important figures in psychedelic research. This has included Rick Strausman, a psychopharmacologist and author of “DMT the Spirit Molecule,” and Rick Doblin, who has been paving the way in MDMA research through his company MAPS.
Miley Cyrus
Singer and actress Miley Cyrus has openly shared her experiences with psychedelics, particularly ayahuasca, a brew containing DMT, which is used by indigenous Amazonian tribes.
On a Joe Rogan podcast episode, she described how substance helped her process personal issues and gain deeper insights into herself. She also ayahuasca changed her relationship with other drugs, and since the experience, she hasn’t “loved getting high as much as I used to.”
Prince Harry
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, openly discussed his use of psychedelics in a conversation with the Canadian author Dr Gabor Maté in an interview about his autobiography. Harry said that ayahuasca and psilocybin–the active ingredient in magic mushrooms–helped him cope with the grief of losing his mother at age 12. However, he affirmed he wouldn’t recommend for people to use psychedelics recreationally.
Seth Rogen
Actor and comedian Seth Rogen has openly shared about his use of psychedelics from age 13. Though he doesn’t recommend it to others, he said that using magic mushrooms in his formative years likely had a deep effect on him. He shares that he still occasionally uses shrooms and finds them “very introspective.”
Rogen is also an advocate of weed and says it helps him with working and creativity. He co-owns Houseplant, which is a cannabis company that sells signature strains and cannabis-related home products.
Aaron Rodgers
NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers has publicly shared his experiences with ayahuasca. In his Netflix series “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma,” Rodgers’ reveals he has done ayahuasca nine times, helping him overcome various mental health problems and life circumstances, including alcohol addiction. In 2021, Rodgers was featured on “The Aubery Marcus Podcast” and said that ayahuasca helped him win back-to-back MVP awards.
Kristen Bell
Actress Kristen Bell–famous for roles in Veronica Mars, Frozen, and more–has spoken publicly about her experience with magic mushrooms. Bell has had depression for over two decades and, on her 40th birthday, turned to magic mushrooms for help. She reported having a trip at home with the guidance of her husband, Dax Shepard. She says the mushrooms didn’t cure her depression, but she’s in a better place with it now from since her trip.
Post Malone
Post Malone, the American singer and rapper, has discussed his use of psychedelics in various interviews. He’s said how mushrooms have influenced his music, claiming to have written some of his best song lyrics while tripping. Malone also said mushrooms have improved his view on things in an interview with Zane Lowe from Apple Music. However, he noted that overuse of mushrooms in his younger years likely contributed to short-term memory problems.
Elon Musk
Entrepreneur and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has admitted to using psychedelics recreationally, including magic mushrooms and LSD. He is an advocate of psychedelic-assisted therapy and has made a bid to take control of psychedelic drugmaker Lykos Therapeutics to help garner US approval of MDMA for psychiatric conditions.
Musk has also shared he regularly uses prescription ketamine in small doses to help manage his depression.
Chelsea Handler
Comedian and television host Chelsea Handler is an advocate for psychedelics and cannabis, sharing her experiences in various interviews. In her Netflix show “Chelsea Does,” Handler travels to Peru and participates in an ayahuasca ceremony in the jungle.
