Film and Panel: Neurons to Nirvana: Understanding Psychedelic Medicines

Neurons to Nirvana: Understanding Psychedelic Medicines

Frames of Mind: Monthly Mental Health series. Retrieved from: http://www.framesofmind.ca/blog/post.cfm/2015-03

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - 7:30pm
Canada/USA 2013. Dirs: Oliver Hockenhull, Mikki Willis. 69 min. DCP

Location: Pacific Cinematheque Theatre 1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC

                                                                                                        

CO-DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE! A thought-provoking and  visually-stunning documentary that explores the potential of five  powerful psychedelic substances (LSD, psilocybin, MDMA,  ayahuasca, and cannabis) as psychotherapeutic medicines.

Despite the potential promise shown by such drugs in research conducted in the 1950s, the increasingly restrictive anti-drug policies of successive governments effectively shut down further enquiry. As one of the many world-renowned researchers, writers, psychologists, and scientists interviewed in the film says: “The government does not allow this research to take place, and then says there’s no research to support it. It’s beyond hypocrisy.”

The film is a cogent call to put irrational, fear-based beliefs aside in order to allow clinical, evidence-based research into psychedelics in areas such as addictions, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and end-of-life care.
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Post-screening discussion with co-director Oliver Hockenhull and Mark Haden.

A teacher and essayist as well as a filmmaker, Oliver Hockenhull has presented at numerous universities in Canada, the US, and Europe. He has blended the documentary, essay, and experimental genres in such previous works as Aldous Huxley: The Gravity of Light (1996), Building Heaven, Remembering Earth (1999), and Evo (2002).

Mark Haden worked for Vancouver Coastal Health Addiction Services for 28 years and is now an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Population and Public Health. He is a pivotal voice in the drug policy reform movement, providing viable models for reforming drug education and regulating markets for currently illegal substances. Mark is also the Chair of the Board of MAPS Canada (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies).

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.

Co-sponsored by The UBC Neuroscience Graduate Student Association(with special thanks to Naila Kuhlmann).

Tickets

$11.00 Adult
$9.00 Student/Senior
24hr Film Infoline: 604 688 FILM

Tickets

Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness.

Director: Dr. Harry Karlinsky
Programmer: Caroline Coutts