I couldn't find verification that Penrose himself has since abandoned the idea, so that may have just been hearsay -- I don't know. I also found some interest in explanations for what in the brain could possibly slow the decoherence down enough for the quantum consciousness model to work, but it doesn't have much support (from physicists or in terms of evidence) at this time. So, I'll revoke my statement about Penrose abandoning the idea, but quantum consciousness is not in very good standing right now in terms of physicists' opinions and in terms of evidence.