NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to champion the legalization of certain psychedelics, attributing his improved performance on the football field to his experience with ayahuasca.
Speaking at the renowned Psychedelic Science 2023 conference in Denver, Colorado, which is touted as the largest gathering of its kind, Rodgers shared his personal encounter with ayahuasca—a psychoactive brew derived from Amazonian plants.
In 2019, a year prior to securing his fourth MVP award, Rodgers embarked on an ayahuasca journey. He noted that during the subsequent season, his touchdown count skyrocketed to 48 with only five interceptions, compared to the 26 touchdowns and four interceptions of the previous year.
Rodgers has faced criticism for embracing alternative therapies in the past, yet he has previously credited psychedelics such as psilocybin and ayahuasca for helping him conquer his fear of mortality and cultivate a stronger sense of self-love.
The NFL has confirmed that consuming ayahuasca does not violate its drug policy. Inquisitive about psilocybin and its implications, CNN has sought input from the NFL regarding its stance on the substance.
Limited clinical studies have revealed that administering one or two doses of psilocybin under therapeutic supervision can induce profound and enduring transformations in individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
However, scientists are still exploring the mechanisms underlying the relationship between psychedelics and enhanced mental well-being.
Experts caution that the use of psilocybin and similar hallucinogens carries potential health risks, such as psychosis or long-term mental health complications, alongside physical effects like elevated blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
Rodgers disclosed that fellow athletes in the NFL and various other sports have approached him seeking guidance on psychedelics.
He expressed his admiration for the overwhelming response from individuals within the sports industry, including basketball players, baseball players, surfers, entertainers, and his own teammates and colleagues. Many have either shared their personal experiences with psychedelic journeys or expressed interest in partaking in future ones.
Rodgers firmly believes in the diverse potential benefits of psychedelics, encompassing mental health improvement, addiction reduction, and heightened creativity.
He advocates for further research into the potential advantages offered by these substances, hoping to uncover more insights in the future.