The first couple questions make it clear that the toxin theory is in hypothesis stage, but he still seems convinced of it to dismiss the stoned ape theory outright on the grounds that it contradicts the toxin theory...
I think Terence Mckenna dealt with the theory of psychedelic as toxin. There's not really any evidence of that and also other toxins are far more potent that have evolved in the plant and fungal universe. Psilocybin really seems quite benign and potentially even beneficial to higher organisms (see stoned ape theory).
There's a new article in the Newspaper Scientist how the Oyster mushroom uses nerve gas to kill nematode worms. An actual fungal toxin, with evidence of it being used to kill an invertebrate. A chemical like psilocybin is unlikely to have a toxic effect, it's an analogue of naturally occurring neurotransmitters and is broken down easily by the body. Then quantity required for a lethal dose is massive.
wow, really cool science and ecology
The first couple questions make it clear that the toxin theory is in hypothesis stage, but he still seems convinced of it to dismiss the stoned ape theory outright on the grounds that it contradicts the toxin theory...
I think Terence Mckenna dealt with the theory of psychedelic as toxin. There's not really any evidence of that and also other toxins are far more potent that have evolved in the plant and fungal universe. Psilocybin really seems quite benign and potentially even beneficial to higher organisms (see stoned ape theory).
There's a new article in the Newspaper Scientist how the Oyster mushroom uses nerve gas to kill nematode worms. An actual fungal toxin, with evidence of it being used to kill an invertebrate. A chemical like psilocybin is unlikely to have a toxic effect, it's an analogue of naturally occurring neurotransmitters and is broken down easily by the body. Then quantity required for a lethal dose is massive.