Mike Jay

Mike Jay, expert on mescaline, explores its history, from South American civilizations to Huxley and Thompson. Tripping balls and human consciousness. Mexico's drug influence, lies about trousers. P.K. Sartre's imaginary crabs. Alkaloids in cacti and psychoactive plants in South America. Indigenous vs. European experiences. Variations and interpretations of mescaline. Folklore and entities in psychedelic experiences.

Mike Jay, author of Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, discusses the indigenous use of mescaline and its adoption in Western society. He explores the history, effects, and dosages of mescaline, contrasting it with LSD. Additionally, the chapter mentions his future projects, including a book on the history of lithium.

Mike Jay, a writer specializing in the history of psychoactive drugs, delves into the fascinating world of mescaline. He shares its cultural legacy, tracing the journey of peyote and its significance for Indigenous peoples. The conversation highlights the clash between traditional practices and modern drug prohibition, and how psychedelics have shaped fields like neuroscience and literature. Jay also explores the enduring influence of mescaline on the Beat Generation and contemporary psychedelic renaissance, making for a captivating discussion on the complexities of these substances.