Leading the Psychedelic Revolution: A Visit from Paul Karasik

Last week at The District House we had the immense pleasure of hosting Paul Karasik, the renowned CEO of the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles. His visit was an enlightening experience that left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. Introduced by our very own Hannah Jo, Paul took the stage solo to share his profound insights before engaging in an interactive Q&A session moderated by Hannah.

Paul began his talk by challenging the audience to reconsider the common approach to spirituality and enlightenment. He emphasized the importance of not following gurus or any external figures who claim to have the ultimate answers. Instead, Paul passionately advocated for the belief that all the answers we seek are within us. "Never look to others for these answers," he insisted, urging everyone to trust their inner wisdom and personal journey.

Paul's journey into psychedelics began during the iconic Summer of Love in 1967 when he took LSD for the first time. He recounted how this pivotal experience transformed his perspective and set him on a path of deep personal and professional exploration. His stories from the early days of the psychedelic movement painted a vivid picture of an era filled with experimentation, discovery, and a few hard-learned lessons.

One of the key messages Paul shared was the importance of learning from the past, particularly the early psychedelic movement of the 60s. Back then, he explained, there was little understanding of integration, safety, or setting intention when using psychedelics. This lack of knowledge often led to challenging and sometimes dangerous experiences.

However, Paul highlighted the tremendous progress that has been made since then. Today, we have a much better grasp of how to approach psychedelics in a safe and effective manner. With proper education and practices, we can maximize the benefits of these substances while minimizing the risks. Paul's insights were both a reflection on the past and a hopeful look towards the future of psychedelics.

After his solo presentation, Hannah joined Paul on stage for an engaging interview. Their conversation delved deeper into Paul's experiences and the current state of the psychedelic movement. They discussed the work being done at the Psychedelic Institute of Los Angeles and Paul's latest book, "Getting High on Leadership: The Leader’s Guide to Higher Consciousness," published in 2024.

The session concluded with a lively audience Q&A, where attendees had the opportunity to ask Paul their burning questions. From inquiries about safe practices to the future of psychedelics in mainstream society, Paul answered each question with depth and clarity, leaving the audience with much to ponder.

Paul Karasik is a distinguished figure in the world of psychedelics, bringing decades of experience and wisdom to the forefront. He was a vital part of the early psychedelic communities in New York and California, working alongside legends like Timothy Leary and Ram Dass. As the co-founder of Thompson's Ranch, one of the first alternative communities in Joshua Tree, CA, Paul has long been at the cutting edge of the psychedelic and consciousness movement.

His recent book, "Getting High on Leadership," serves as a guide for leaders seeking to elevate their consciousness and lead with greater awareness. Through his work at the Psychedelic Institute, Paul is dedicated to making information and safe access to psychedelics available to anyone on their journey of awakening.

Paul Karasik's visit to District216 was more than just a talk; it was a profound exploration of inner wisdom, the history and future of psychedelics, and the importance of safe and intentional use. We look forward to seeing how his insights will influence our community and beyond as we continue to explore the possibilities of consciousness and personal growth.