'How To Change Your Mind': Alex Gibney, Netflix collaborate on psychedelics documentary

If you're one of the 222 million Netflix subscribers, you may already be aware of this documentary on psychedelics and also agree that the streaming service has been exploring some interesting areas with their home-grown content. As Netflix says of this trailer for the 'How To Change Your Mind' documentary: "Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney and New York Times best-selling author Michael Pollan present this documentary series event in four parts, each focused on a different mind-altering substance: LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. With Pollan as our guide, we journey to the frontiers of the new psychedelic renaissance – and look back at almost-forgotten historical context – to explore the potential of these substances to heal and change minds as well as culture. 'How to Change Your Mind' is directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Alison Ellwood and two-time Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Lucy Walker." Psychedelics are enjoying a comeback, particularly in the wake of suspicions around Big Pharma's control over the drug industry and manipulation of what is and isn't 'approved' in health terms. Modern psychedelic research began in 1938, though plant-based substances such as psilocybin have been in use for hundreds if not thousands of years. In broad terms, psychedelics came into disrepute and were heavily legislated against in the mid-1960s. More contemporary attitudes dating from the 1990s have seen growth in acceptance of their medical use, and today's doctors are even training specifically in their use as they seek to blend ancient medicinal wisdom with modern malaises. London's Psychedelic Society explains: "We are about more than just psychoactive substances. We subscribe to the broader, original meaning of ‘psychedelic’ - a ‘soul-revealing’ or ‘mind-manifesting’ experience that can come through many means. We advocate for the healing potential of psychedelics and the practices they inspire. With a deep appreciation for science, a reverence for nature and a respect for the wisdom of long-established traditions, we cultivate playgrounds for self-exploration and deep connection." What do you think of the Alex Gibney, Netflix collaboration reflected in this trailer? Does it inspire you to watch and learn more, or celebrate a reawakening?

Keywords: Netflix Psychedelic documentary 2022, How To Change Your Mind, psychoactive substances, Alex Gibney psychedelic film, mental health, medicinal use of psychedelics