The documentary Magic Medicine follows a medical trial at Imperial College London, where psilocybin (the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms) was given to volunteers suffering from clinical depression.
The film features the personal stories of three volunteers, their families, and the trial team. The trial has shown promise in revolutionizing depression treatment, particularly for those who do not respond to antidepressants.
However, the current regulatory structure limits access to these drugs for medical research, which researchers see as an urgent need. The film highlights the human cost of depression and the need for more groundbreaking psychedelic research.
Published:
2018
Type: Documentary
Director(s): Monty Wates
Runtime: 1h19m
Type: Documentary
Director(s): Monty Wates
Runtime: 1h19m
People
Robin Carhart-HarrisDr. Robin Carhart-Harris is the Founding Director of the Neuroscape Psychedelics Division at UCSF. Previously he led the Psychedelic group at Imperial College London.
Rosalind Watts
Rosalind Watts is a clinical psychologist and clinical lead at the Psychedelics Research Group at Imperial College London. She is also known for developing the 'Accept, Connect, Embody' psychedelic therapy model.
Companies
Imperial College LondonThe Centre for Psychedelic Research studies the action (in the brain) and clinical use of psychedelics, with a focus on depression.