Changing Consciousness with Psychoactive Plants

Explore the complex relationship between humans and psychoactive plants in this thought-provoking conversation featuring Michael Pollan and Jules Evans. Delve into the historical, cultural, and scientific aspects of consciousness-altering substances, from socially accepted caffeine to criminalized opioids. Examine the universal human desire for altered states of consciousness and the societal implications of drug laws and customs. Gain insights into the coevolution of plants and humans, the potential benefits and risks of psychedelics, and the role of these substances in creativity and spirituality. Discover how engaging with mind-altering plants can be viewed as a profound way of connecting with nature, challenging conventional perspectives on drug use and consciousness exploration.

Introduction
Changing consciousness with plants
Are we nearing the end of the drug war
Coevolution of plants with humans
Magic mushrooms
Paracelsus
Plant alkaloids
Growing opium
What changed
The opiate crisis
Caffeine coffee and tea
Drugs and egos
Creativity and caffeine
Why take psychedelics
Native American Church
Peyote