Robert Barnhart, Monona Rossol (2019)
Description
This documentary explores the resurgence of research into psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," at Johns Hopkins, NYU, and UCLA. The film follows cancer patients participating in clinical trials using psilocybin to treat end-of-life anxiety and depression. Through interviews with patients, researchers, and medical professionals, the documentary examines how psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to profound improvements in psychological well-being and quality of life in patients facing terminal illness. The film presents compelling personal narratives alongside scientific explanations of how psilocybin affects the brain and consciousness, making complex research accessible to general audiences while highlighting both the therapeutic potential and the rigorous scientific methods being employed in this field of study.