Janet Yellen, the outgoing Treasury Secretary, has always been known for her precise handling of complex economic policies. But in a recent interview, she offered a more personal glimpse into her life, sharing candid experiences involving marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and a youthful smoking habit that shaped her relationship with substances.
A Mushroom Adventure in China
While leading high-stakes meetings in Beijing as Treasury Secretary, Yellen found herself at the center of an unexpected culinary media frenzy. Dining at a renowned Chinese restaurant, she enjoyed a dish containing Lanmaoa asiatica, a mushroom species with psychoactive potential if improperly cooked.
“The mushrooms were delicious, and I recommend them,” Yellen remarked during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She clarified that the mushrooms were cooked properly, sparing her any psychedelic effects.
The dish quickly gained attention, both in China and the U.S., after media reports highlighted its hallucinogenic potential. Yellen, however, seemed amused by the incident, reflecting on the attention it drew. “We had no idea there was anything special about these mushrooms until it became a media frenzy,” she explained.
Colbert, true to form, joked about hallucinations, prompting Yellen to play along. “Well, I asked for some hallucinogenic mushrooms before coming on, but I haven’t had them, so you’re safe,” she quipped, blending humor with her characteristic composure.
Marijuana and a Methodical Approach to Inhaling
When asked by Colbert if she had ever smoked marijuana, Yellen offered a candid account of her first—and only—experience.
“Yes, I did have an opportunity to smoke pot when I was in college,” she said, adding that she had looked forward to the experience but wanted to ensure she could inhale properly.
Her preparation involved buying a pack of cigarettes to practice. “The first time I smoked these cigarettes was awful—ugh. I was coughing. It was terrible. I couldn’t imagine how anybody could inhale,” she recounted. However, determined to get it right, she persisted.
By the time her marijuana session arrived, Yellen had mastered the technique. But her reaction to the drug was lukewarm. “We smoked pot. That was OK. You know, neither here nor there,” she said, admitting she never revisited the experience.
Unexpectedly, this brief experiment with cannabis led to a decade-long cigarette habit. Within six months, she was smoking three packs a day—a dependency she quit “cold turkey” 10 years later.
The Public and Political Reaction
Yellen’s revelations come as the U.S. continues to navigate evolving attitudes toward cannabis and psychedelics. Marijuana is now legal for recreational use in 23 states, and research into psychedelics is gaining momentum, with studies exploring their potential to treat mental health conditions.
Her candidness about experimenting with marijuana and her unintentional encounter with psychoactive mushrooms has sparked lighthearted conversations online. While some applaud her openness, others see the moment as a reminder of the often-overlooked human side of public officials.
The Unlikely Popularity of Lanmaoa Asiatica
Since the incident, the mushroom dish Yellen enjoyed has surged in popularity, with many eager to try the delicacy that captured international attention. In China, the dish has become a culinary trend, and restaurants have leaned into the hype by highlighting its association with the U.S. Treasury Secretary.
Yellen’s experience also underscores the nuanced conversations surrounding psychedelics, a topic gaining traction as cities like Denver and Oakland decriminalize their use. While Yellen avoided any psychedelic effects, her story has sparked curiosity about how substances like mushrooms might become a more significant part of global discourse.
Humor and Humanity in Public Life
Yellen’s anecdotes, delivered with humor and humility, offer a rare glimpse into the personal side of a leader often associated with financial policy. Her ability to engage with such topics without hesitation shows a different facet of her personality—one that resonates with a public increasingly interested in the relatability of political figures.
At a time when substance use is being reevaluated through scientific, cultural, and legal lenses, Yellen’s reflections feel timely. Whether discussing marijuana in college or an accidental brush with psychedelic mushrooms, her stories remind us that even the highest-ranking officials have unexpected and, at times, humorous life experiences.
A Table of Context: Marijuana, Cigarettes, and Psychedelic Mushrooms
| Substance | Experience Summary | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (College) | First and only try was “OK”; not revisited since. | Developed a cigarette habit. |
| Cigarettes | Smoked three packs a day for 10 years. | Quit cold turkey. |
| Lanmaoa asiatica Mushrooms | Consumed unknowingly in China; found them delicious. | No hallucinogenic effects noted. |
As her time in office comes to a close, Yellen’s reflections serve as a lighthearted reminder that public figures, even those at the forefront of economic policy, are human too. From mushrooms to marijuana, her stories leave an indelible mark—not just on her legacy, but on the dinner table conversations of curious audiences everywhere.
