What does LSD do to the human mind? Explore the fascinating history of the famous psychedelic substance in this illuminating documentary, which chronicles the discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide by Swiss chemist Albert Hoffmann in 1943; its first uses as a tool to treat those addicted to other drugs; and how LSD became a preferred vehicle for self-exploration and understanding for many iconic historical figures such as Timothy Leary and  Aldous Huxley, who  described his experience in his book “The Doors of Perception” and its sequel “Heaven and Hell”.

This video, directed by Ron Man and narrated by Woody Harrelson, is one of the best documentaries on the US government´s systematic seven-decade campaign to demonize Cannabis. As told here, it all started with a man named Harry Anslinger, head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics from 1930-1962 and an enthusiastic Prohibitionist. Anslinger created public hysteria over marijuana by blaming it for widespread murder and insanity. The feds and the states then banned marijuana without debate or scientific investigation. After an embarrassing study disproved Anslinger’s preposterous allegations with regard to pot, Anslinger effectively stopped all research on it by cutting off the supply to researchers. Later, he encouraged the idea that marijuana was a commie plot, and then finally topped off his career by getting the UN to ban marijuana around the world. In short, with regard to pot, Anslinger was the metaphorical Hitler of the War on Drugs. Although this film is serious in its implications, the telling is light, even comic at times, as the main focus is on mocking U.S government marijuana policy and those who would defend it. In this regard, good use is made of early (now laughable) propaganda films on pot, like “High on the Range” and “Reefer Madness” as well as videotaped speeches and interviews by drug warriors.

This documentary serves as an excellent report on the drug war in the United States and has devoted a significant amount of its time to the incident that occurred in that town, with a great interview with Amarillo attorney Jeff Blackburn, who led the fight to free the Tulia 46. It is so much more than that, as it gives a history of the CIA involvement in the crack epidemic in the US, and also presents facts that will leave no doubt that the government used drugs to finance the illegal war against the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, but they continue to use them to suppress people of color in this country. It is also clear that the ban on medical uses of marijuana is a conspiracy to benefit the pharmaceutical industry. One things that was presented that is of considerable interest is that the drug war is unwinable due to the fact that once you ban certain drugs, people will develop new ones to satisfy their need. Just as bathtub gin was created during prohibition, crystal meth and newer drugs have been developed in this country in response to the decreased drugs coming from Mexico. Those opposed to decriminalization of drugs would do well to realize that 700,000 people die every year from alcohol (not counting traffic deaths), tobacco, and legal pharmaceuticals, while only 10,000 die from drug use, and no death has every been reported from marijuana. Do you know where 85% of the heroin distributed throughout the world comes from. The answer may surprise you, but not shock you after seeing this film.

The film examines the rave experience from the technological point of view; the music, the lighting, the new video technology and the neuroscience of ecstasy.

A technological view of the rave scene. Looks at American research on the longterm effects of ecstasy (MDMA) on the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Dr Charles Grob of UCLA studies its use in therapy. Alexander Shulgin, the `father of ecstasy’ creates psychoactive drugs in his garden-shed lab. Charts the evolution of rave and its technology. Moves from 3000 teenagers in an aircraft hangar in Kent, via an Orbital show in Amsterdam to 1000 techno-hippies in the Nevada desert.

Ever wonder what British Columbia’s most profitable industries are? Logging? Fishing? Tourism? Ever think to include marijuana? If you haven’t, think again. No longer a hobby for the stereotypical hippie culture of the ’60s, BC’s illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a seemingly unstoppable business giant, dubbed by those involved as ‘The Union’. Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually, The Union’s roots stretch far and wide, directly and indirectly affecting all areas of our society. With 65% to 85% of all ‘BC Bud’being exported to the United States, it’s clear that the BC marijuana trade has
become an international issue with consequences that extend far beyond ourborders. When there are record profits to be made, who are the players, andwhen do their motives become questionable?
•Why is marijuana illegal?
•What health risks do we really face?
•Does prohabition work?
•What would happen if we taxed it?
•Medicine, paper, fuel, textiles, food, etc. Are we missing something here?
Follow filmmaker Adam Scorgie as he dives head first into Canada’s most socially acceptable illegal activity. Along the way, Adam demsytifies the underground market and brings to light how such a large industry canfunction while remaining illegal. By interviewing experts from around the globe, including growers, clippers, police officers, criminalogists, economists, psychologists, medical doctors, politicians and pop culture icons, Scorgie explores the cause and effect nature of the business behind getting high.
Nobody’s innocent in this exploration of an industry that may be profiting more by being illegal. Join Adam Scorgie as he unravels the mystery of The Union. http://theunionmovie.com/

Ecstasy, which started out as a psychotherapeutic drug, has now become one of the most consumed recreational drugs around. In Attack of the Happy People director Nadav Harel documents the flourishing ecstasy party culture in Israel today.
Navel says that Israel has one of the world’s highest drug consumption rates. Affected by wars, an aggressive marketplace economy and very powerful religious forces, young people in Israel escape their harsh reality through excessive drug consumption. Ecstasy is particularly widespread. http://www.nh-film.com/xtc/xtc_0.html

Super High Me features comedian Doug Benson and explores the current situation with medical marijuana in California and the United States, specifically focusing on the conflict between federal and state law and the explosive growth in medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles over the past two years.

As part of his journey, Doug smokes, eats and vaporizes medical marijuana for thirty consecutive days in order to get “Super High.” But there is a catch–first Doug must go thirty days without any marijuana and undertakes a number of tests, completing the same tests while medicated and while sober, in an effort to find out what marijuana does and how it really affects people. Along the way, we follow Doug as he goes out on the road to stand up gigs across the country and hangs out with fellow comedians Sarah Silverman, Bob Odenkirk and Patton Oswalt. http://www.superhighmemovie.com/

Super High Me! – 1/4

Super High Me! – 2/4

Super High Me! – 3/4

Super High Me! – 4/4

Psychonaut: An explorer of the mind, who journeys into his/her psyche using hallucinogenic drugs or other consciousness altering techniques.
Psychonauts believe that these spiritual experiences,when properly processed, lead to long-term and positive benefits in their everyday lives. http://www.daath.hu/psychonauts/