Once the symbol of 1960s counterculture, psychedelic drugs have taken an unexpected and powerful detour into one of the most disciplined corners of modern society: the executive suite. In a recent feature by Emma Goldberg for The New York Times, she sheds light on how high-level executives—once the face of corporate rigidity—are turning to LSD, psilocybin, and other psychedelics to fuel creativity, reduce stress, and unlock new levels of emotional intelligence.
This shift is not a passing trend. It reflects a deeper evolution in business culture, where leaders are increasingly seeking tools that connect them with their intuition, compassion, and creative essence. With guidance from therapists and specialized retreats, executives are incorporating microdosing and psychedelic journeys into their wellness routines—not to escape the demands of leadership, but to become better at it.
Welcome to the era of psychedelic drugs in leadership!
Psychedelic Drugs Enter the Executive Suite
Psychedelic drugs—substances like LSD, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), MDMA, and ketamine—have been federally banned since the early 1970s. Despite their classification, usage is on the rise. According to a 2023 RAND Corporation report, approximately 8 million adults in the United States used psilocybin last year. While historically tied to underground or spiritual communities, these compounds are now making their way into polished boardrooms and high-powered Zoom calls.
Why? Business leaders are burned out. The pandemic triggered a global mental health reckoning, and stress levels remain alarmingly high. Corporate leaders are dealing with fast-paced innovation, market instability, and increasingly blurred lines between work and personal life. Many are finding traditional methods of stress management—like meditation or coaching—insufficient. Enter psychedelic drugs: a tool that promises not just stress relief, but transformation.
Creativity and Clarity: What Draws CEOs to Psychedelic Drugs
Rewiring the Creative Brain
One of the most commonly cited reasons for exploring psychedelic drugs is their ability to unlock creativity and unshackle the mind from linear thinking. Neuroscientific research supports this: Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris of the University of California, San Francisco explains that psychedelics increase brain entropy—essentially creating more connectivity and information flow across different regions of the brain. While the sober brain tends to operate with efficient but repetitive patterns, psychedelic drugs disrupt these defaults, allowing for the emergence of new ideas and perspectives.
Business innovation thrives on such divergence. Creativity is no longer viewed as a luxury in the corporate world—it’s a survival skill. Historian Sam Franklin notes that the movement toward creativity in business was accelerated during the Cold War, when American companies sought to distinguish themselves from the rigid uniformity of Soviet industries. Today’s open office plans, innovation hubs, and startup incubators are natural extensions of that ethos.
CEOs and founders are turning to psychedelics to access new layers of strategic thinking, free-association ideation, and out-of-the-box solutions. As Emma Goldberg reports, many have participated in structured retreats where they lie blindfolded on mattresses, guided by trained therapists through deep, introspective journeys. These sessions often result in profound personal and professional insights.
Personal Stories: Executive Epiphanies
Goldberg shares several examples of C-suite professionals who credit psychedelic drugs with major shifts in their leadership style:
- Mark Williamson, former COO of MasterClass, began guided psychedelic therapy in 2020. The experience inspired a deeper sense of mentorship and empathy in his work. During one session, a young colleague appeared in a vision, prompting Williamson to support junior team members more actively.
- Chip Conley, former Airbnb executive and founder of Modern Elder Academy, said he’s seen numerous business leaders use psychedelics to “manage their egos” and “connect with deeper professional purpose.” Conley, however, cautions that this should not become a trendy badge of honor. He urges corporate figures to approach psychedelics with humility and intention.
- Elon Musk shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he has a prescription for ketamine to help manage periods of negative mental states. While controversial, his openness reflects a broader movement of leaders being more candid about their mental health tools.
Wellness Culture and the Rise of Psychedelic Drugs
Corporate Vulnerability Is the New Strength
Today’s leadership narrative has evolved from “command and control” to “authentic and empathetic.” Corporate environments increasingly prioritize psychological safety, mental health resources, and emotional intelligence. Best-selling books like Dare to Lead by Brené Brown advocate for vulnerability as a core strength in leadership. Executives are now encouraged to “bring their whole selves to work,” a concept once considered radical.
This cultural shift aligns perfectly with the effects of psychedelic drugs. These substances are known not only for enhancing cognitive function but also for facilitating emotional breakthroughs. Users frequently report revisiting past traumas, processing deep grief, or experiencing a newfound sense of compassion—all of which have powerful implications for team leadership and organizational culture.
As businesses invest heavily in therapy apps, mindfulness training, and mental health days, psychedelics are becoming the next frontier in corporate wellness. However, unlike other tools, they demand careful handling, professional supervision, and ethical integration.
The Legality and Responsibility Factor
Although popular in progressive circles, psychedelic drugs are still considered Schedule I substances under U.S. federal law (with the exception of ketamine, which is approved for certain clinical uses). This legal gray area means that many professionals seek these experiences abroad or through tightly controlled retreats.
For instance, companies like Synthesis Institute in the Netherlands and Beckley Retreats offer legal, guided psychedelic journeys. These programs combine preparation coaching, clinical-grade dosing, and integration therapy—essential for processing the experience afterward and applying insights meaningfully.
That said, scientists and policymakers agree: more research is urgently needed. According to the National Institutes of Health, substances like ketamine have shown promise for treating depression, but long-term effects, especially of unregulated use, remain poorly understood. The same holds true for psilocybin and LSD.
Could Psychedelic Drugs Improve Business Performance?
The business world is built on results. So the big question remains: can psychedelic drugs measurably improve leadership performance?
Professor Rachelle Sampson from the University of Maryland is currently leading a study to evaluate whether psilocybin use can help executives break free from conventional decision-making patterns. The hypothesis? Leaders may become more open to innovation, risk-taking, and emotional connection—qualities often lacking in traditional business culture.
Although data is still emerging, anecdotal evidence is compelling. Executives describe improved clarity, resilience, emotional awareness, and strategic insight. As Dr. Carhart-Harris notes, “Psychedelics can help us access a more fluid, flexible state of mind—something desperately needed in today’s complex work environments.”
Still, caution is warranted. Experts stress that psychedelic therapy is not a silver bullet. It’s a powerful tool that, when misused, can lead to confusion or emotional vulnerability without proper integration. This is why support structures—such as trained therapists, integration coaches, and ongoing wellness practices—are essential.
Microdosing: The Everyday Psychedelic Practice
While full-dose journeys garner much attention, many executives are turning to microdosing as a more accessible option. Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelic drugs (usually psilocybin or LSD) to improve focus, mood, and productivity without inducing hallucinations.
James Fadiman, a pioneer in psychedelic research, developed one of the most widely followed microdosing protocols. His findings suggest that individuals who microdose report enhanced creativity, reduced anxiety, and better interpersonal relationships. Platforms like the Microdosing Institute have helped popularize the practice, offering educational materials and community forums.
While clinical studies are still catching up, many tech entrepreneurs, artists, and executives attest to the benefits. In high-pressure environments where sustained focus and innovation are required, microdosing is fast becoming a performance-enhancement practice—though one still largely under the radar.
A Safe Path Forward with Green Star Wellness
At Green Star Wellness, we understand the growing interest in psychedelics as a tool for personal and professional growth. As the cultural and scientific landscapes shift, we offer a responsible, supportive environment for those seeking to explore the power of psychedelic drugs.
Our team provides:
- Professionally supervised sessions with pre- and post-integration support
- Personalized wellness plans aligned with your emotional, mental, and spiritual goals
- A safe, confidential space for entrepreneurs, creatives, and executives to explore inner transformation
Whether you’re considering a guided journey, a microdosing protocol, or simply want to learn more, we’re here to walk with you—every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or discover more about our upcoming retreats and private sessions.
Wrap-up: Psychedelic Drugs and the Future of Leadership
The embrace of psychedelic drugs by business leaders marks a significant cultural moment—one that challenges our perceptions of productivity, innovation, and mental health. As science continues to explore these substances, and as stigma dissolves, we are likely to see an increasing number of professionals integrating psychedelics into their personal development toolkits.
This movement is not about escape—it’s about expansion. And at its core, it’s about daring to lead with openness, empathy, and imagination.
Important Sources
- The New York Times – CEOs Are Tripping
- RAND Corporation – Psilocybin Use in the U.S.
- University of California San Francisco – Robin Carhart-Harris Profile
- NIH – Ketamine and Mental Health
- University of Maryland – Rachelle Sampson Research
- Microdosing Institute – Education & Protocols
- Beckley Retreats – Legal Psychedelic Retreats
Let Green Star Wellness be your trusted guide into this new frontier of self-discovery and executive transformation.
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content provided here.
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