Stoned Ape Theory

The "Stoned Ape Theory," proposed by ethnobotanist Terence McKenna, suggests that early human ancestors experienced cognitive enhancements through the ingestion of psychedelic fungi (like psilocybin mushrooms). According to this idea, these substances may have contributed to key developments such as increased creativity, language, and social bonding, which facilitated human evolution. While intriguing and supported by some observations of psychedelic use in cultures, the theory remains speculative and lacks conclusive scientific evidence. It highlights the potential role of natural psychoactive substances in shaping human consciousness and cultural development.