Buen viaje: Aventuras psicodélicas

Wow! I so enjoyed this "trip" down memory lane with some really great storytellers! Told objectively and from first person accounts, it just flew by. So nice to see Sting, eloquent as always but loosened up as much as I've ever seen him, talk about some fun times on his farm. Rosie Perez was another surprise; she looks great and has some cute recollections to tell. A little science thrown in from a doctor studying using the drugs to treat depression and anxiety as well as from Timothy Leary's son who has continued in his father's pioneering footsteps. I had to give it a rare 10/10 because as documentaries go, this should be a template.

Netflix has had some real dross offered lately, but they hit it out of the park with this one! Highly recommended.

I have studied halluciogens - mainly pshycedelics - about 17 years. I have read the relevant forums, manuals, guides viewed documents. I have deliberately taken more or less for 30 trips, grown mushrooms, guided people. Against this background, this documentary is truthful, instructive, and well executed. This can be recommended for people who still believe in the demonization of these substances, as well as for those who are more experienced. This was an interesting experience.

I have loved and used psychedelics for 30 years. I have never been a "major tripper", the title reserved for those people that do "heroic" doses of psychotropic substances. This was a fun first step that America and the UK needs to bring a mature, responsible attitude towards a subject that has had major effects on human consciousness for 10,000 years. Including psychedelics in the failed "war on drugs" has not benefitted anyone. Sting is incorrect that peyote, or any hallucinogen, contains strychnine. This is an old myth that has been kicked around for 50 years. It is refreshing in our celebrity worshipping culture to realize that "stars" are just as misinformed, fearful, fun, cowardly, silly, inspiring, incorrect, woo woo, and adventurous as any segment of the population. Rosie Perez was very candid and remembers the joy, intelligence, and wonder that psychonauts seek. Ben Stiller is a dud, and leaves a cynical taste for the audience and for commercial comedy. There are many gems here, and for virgins seeking the "experience", this flick can have a comforting and positive influence.

A parade of Hollywood A and B listers recounting their good and bad trips can be self-indulgent. This documentary saves itself with humor and accurate narrative. It strays too much into glorification though.

A warning must be posted- much of the true dangers are ignored in this doc. It is not all about joyfully exploring warped and interconnected realities. Side effects include painfully coming down, psychosis for some, and criminal behavior.

Not a single burn-out was interviewed. For every Sting, there are ten times as many homeless, dead, or institutionalized users who couldn't handle it. RIP, Anthony B.

If you have any suspicion that you have psychological conditions like depression, tend to get addicted to things like video games or crack, or are around people who are not close friends and family, don't do it!

Many veterans would also wholeheartedly disagree that a synthesized chemical like LSD is anywhere as safe or helpful as naturally occurring plant based hallucinogens.

The positives of psychedelics for therapeutics and education is well documented and it is high time science fully explored it. Just be fully aware of ALL pros and cons before you decide on your own journey.

Worth watching for the LSD After School Special segments with Adam Scott. For a more educational experience watch the Netflix series How to Change Your Mind instead.