Long before Timothy Leary urged a generation to "tune in, turn on and drop out," D-lysergic acid diethylamide (or LSD) was being used by researchers to understand the human mind. Discovered in 1943 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann, LSD was hailed as a powerful tool to treat alcoholism and drug addiction and to provide a window into schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Much of that pioneering research was done by the team of Humphry Osmond, Abram Hoffer and Duncan Blewett, all working in Saskatchewan.

 

While researchers were establishing the medical benefits of LSD, others - like author Aldous Huxley - promoted the drug as a powerful tool for spiritual understanding.

At Harvard, Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner and Ram Dass (then known as Richard Alpert) became popular heroes after the university cancelled their research project into psychedelics.

 

Hofmann's Potion with its thoughtful interviews, beautiful music and stunning cinematography is an invitation to look at LSD - and our world - with a more open, compassionate mind.

 

Directed by: Connie Littlefield

Producer: Kent Martin

Editor: Lawrence Jackman

Cinematography: Nigel Markham

Sound: Alex Salter, Jane Porter, Arthur McKay

Narration: Michael Jones

 

Watch Film: http://www.nfb.ca/film/hofmanns_potion