Plant Medicine, Psychedelic Documentaries Worth Your Time
If you are looking to explore and enhance your knowledge of plant medicines and psychedelics (including tetrahydrocannabinol-THC from cannabis, psilocybin, ayahuasca, mescaline, ibogaine, bufotenine, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and others), then this list of documentary films and series is for you.
While you will find many of the same experts and researchers discussing psychedelics in these documentaries, the perspective is often different... and some focus on just one psychedelic medicine, while others cover even some very obscure psychedelics.
Most of these documentaries look at the progress in the research (now finally being renewed after almost five decades of being banned) of psychedelics for dealing with such a wide variety of mental and health issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress, Alzheimer's disease, and more.
Most of these documentaries are streaming on the major platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, YouTube) ... and more are coming!
Documentary Movies About Psychedelics, Plant Medicines
Ayahuasca: Vine of the Soul(2010). A documentary set in the heart of the Amazon, a naturopathic doctor and an accountant experience life-altering epiphanies when they drink the psychoactive brew ayahuasca, the 'Vine of the Soul.'
DMT: The Spirit Module (2010). Based on the book by Dr. Rick Strassman (the first doctor to undertake human research with psychedelic, hallucinogenic, or entheogenic substances), with Joe Rogan as narrator, this documentary investigates the mystery of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a molecule found in nearly every living organism -- and considered the most potent psychedelic on Earth.
Fantastic Fungi (2019). A consciousness-shifting documentary about the mycelium network that takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet.
From Shock to Awe (2018). An intimate and raw look at the transformational journey of two combat veterans suffering from severe trauma as they abandon pharmaceuticals to seek relief through the mind-expanding world of psychedelics.
The Medicine (2020). A documentary that reveals the hidden mysteries of one of nature's most powerful and controversial healing remedies, Ayahuasca. The film explores the science as well as the lore behind the plant and why it is used to heal.
The Nature of Ayahuasca (2019). Exploring the use of the Ayahuasca as a holistic medicine, challenging stigmas around its use, and helping people become more conscious and ethical consumers of the plant.
Neurons to Nirvana (2013). Through interviews with the world's foremost researchers, writers, and psychologists, the film explores the history of five powerful psychedelic substances and their previously established medicinal potential. From Canadian filmmaker Oliver Hockenhull.
Psyched Out: Documentary on Psychedelics, Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine (2018). A documentary exploring ancient plant medicines and psychedelics that have been used for thousands of years for healing and spiritual connection -- with an attempt to show a different perspective.
Psychedelia: The History and Science of Mystical Experience (2021). A short film that examines the history of psychedelic medicines and their ability to produce mystical experiences -- including a look back to the 1960s when psychedelics were considered one of the most promising discoveries in psychology.
Revealing the Mind: The Promise of Psychedelics (2019). A documentary that includes interviews with scientists and psychonauts who are now picking up where research left off 50 years ago when President Nixon made all psychedelics a Schedule 1 Drug, killing all the research being done on healing. Topics include LSD, psilocybin, DMT and other psychedelics to heal and reveal the mind.
Documentary Series About Psychedelics, Plant Medicines
Hamilton's Pharmacopeia(2016-2019). From Hamilton Morris, the son of Errol Morris and a true science-geek, a multi-season docuseries that follows Hamilton's travels around the globe exploring the history, science, and social impact of psychoactive substances. Definitely must-see.
Healing Powers of Weed, Psychedelics, & Other Mindful Practices (2018). From documentarian Mareesa Stertz, a series of bite-sized episodes on the healing powers of various substances. Wish there were lots more episodes.
Psychedelica (2018-2019). A two-season docuseries that explores the history and use of psychedelic plants as a gateway to expanded consciousness and plant medicine's continued influence on humanity. Lots of great topics covered.
How to Change Your Mind (2022). A series on Netflix based on Michael Pollan's book of the same name. This series explores the history and use of psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline.
Additional Psychedelic/Plant Medicine Articles from Dr. Randall
Dr. Randall Hansen is an advocate, educator, mentor, ethicist, and thought-leader... helping the world heal from past trauma. He is founder and CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, a network of empowering and transformative Websites, including EmpoweringAdvice.com.
He is the author of the groundbreaking Triumph Over Trauma: Psychedelic Medicines are Helping People Heal Their Trauma, Change Their Lives, and Grow Their Spirituality and the well-received HEAL! Wholeistic Practices to Help Clear Your Trauma, Heal Yourself, and Live Your Best Life.
Dr. Hansen's focus and advocacy center around true healing ... healing that results in being able to live an authentic life filled with peace, joy, love. Learn more by visiting his personal Website, RandallSHansen.com. You can also check out Dr. Randall Hansen on LinkedIn.
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