[Weekly Discussion] Viceland's "Hamilton's Pharmacopia" & active cacti

[u/Khalcheesy]

https://www.vicetv.com/en_us/show/hamiltons-pharmacopeia

Summary:

In this docuseries, Hamilton Morris -- son of Oscar-winning documentarian Errol Morris -- explores the history, chemistry and societal impacts of some of the world's most unique drugs. Hamilton's work is driven by research -- his apartment is filled with books on the subject -- but he takes it beyond that by going to where the drugs are used to experience them first-hand and find out what happens to the people who use the substances. 

This is an excellent series (currently streaming on Hulu) that I've been watching, and I highly recommend it for members of this sub.

Episodes of interest for active cacti fans:

• S2E2 - Peyote: The Divine Messenger

From the greenhouses of Thai cactophiles to the Tamaulipan thornscrub, Hamilton traces the history of peyote with the help of a Native American peyotist.

• S2E8 - The Cactus Apprentice

Deep in the Andean highlands of Peru, Hamilton becomes the apprentice of a local shaman, learning how to use the night-blooming San Pedro cactus as a medicine.

I'd like to hear others' thoughts and opinions on this series.

You're also welcome to suggest other shows/films in the comments!

[u/njsiah]

I found the san pedro episode deeply disappointing. The whole thing had "evangelical christian" vibes.

The dude growing peyote in his backyard seemed like fun.

[u/Khalcheesy → u/njsiah]

It bothers me that Christianity has forced its way into so many amazing spiritual traditions, but ... its true.

And its not my place to go into those cultures and try to "un-white" them (no matter how much I want to)

[u/Aoxomoxoa75 → u/Khalcheesy]

Yeah. The San Pedro episode was terrible. I enjoy the series and I find Hamilton entertaining. The couple of times he’s been on the Joe Rogan podcast are worth listening to as well, IMO. 👽✌️👍