The Substance - Albert Hofmann’s LSD

In the 1940s, Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann used himself as a guinea pig in a risky experiment that would change the world. THE SUBSTANCE is the story behind LSD, the psychedelic drug of the 1960s. Hippies, Timothy Leary and even intelligence agencies were magically drawn to THE SUBSTANCE. Explore the fascinating history of hallucinogenics. During the turbulent WW2 years, LSD was discovered by accident by Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann. In the 1940s, Hofmann used himself as a guinea pig in a risky experiment that would change the world. Hippies, Timothy Leary, intelligence agencies and the military were magically drawn to this this mysterious discovery. Even physicians debate the healing properties of LSD.

Keywords

  • addiction
  • DOK Leipzig
  • drugs
  • Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis
  • history
  • Label: SWISS FILMS
  • lifestyle
  • mindjazz pictures
  • Screen: Switzerland
  • work

Actors

  • Albert Hofmann
  • Stanislav Grof
  • Nick Sand
  • James S. Ketchum

Director

  • Martin Witz

Documentary, Independent


1h 28min


12 FSK

DE


DE

Switzerland
2011
In the 1940s, Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann used himself as a guinea pig in a risky experiment that would change the world.

In the 1940s, Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann used himself as a guinea pig in a risky experiment that would change the world.


THE SUBSTANCE is the story behind LSD, the psychedelic drug of the 1960s. Hippies, Timothy Leary and even intelligence agencies were magically drawn to THE SUBSTANCE. Explore the fascinating history of hallucinogenics.


During the turbulent WW2 years, LSD was discovered by accident by Swiss Chemist Albert Hofmann. In the 1940s, Hofmann used himself as a guinea pig in a risky experiment that would change the world. Hippies, Timothy Leary, intelligence agencies and the military were magically drawn to this this mysterious discovery. Even physicians debate the healing properties of LSD.

Festivals

Cast & Crew