#USA #Portland #Healing #psychedelics #PEAKING

PEAKING: PSYCHEDELICS AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

In a groundbreaking documentary titled PEAKING: PSYCHEDELICS AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, viewers are taken on an eye-opening journey through the world of psychedelic healing. Produced by High Point Mountain Productions and led by the acclaimed director Jordan Kronick, who boasts a remarkable 10 Emmy Awards, this film does more than just discuss the medicinal properties of psychedelics; it presents them in action.

The narrative is woven through the experiences of various individuals, including professional athletes, military veterans, and those grappling with substance addiction. These stories reflect their audacious choices to turn to psychedelics as a means to heal their minds and recover from deep-seated trauma. The filmmakers want to bring deep emotional resonance to their audience, allowing them to see the real, visceral effects of psychedelics on a person's mental health.

Inside the Dosing Rooms

PEAKING offers an unprecedented look into dosing rooms, which are rare environments where psychedelic healing is actively taking place. Here, viewers witness the profound and sometimes immediate changes that psychedelics can bring about. From athletes attempting to repair the brain damage they suffered from concussions to veterans relieved from suicidal ideations, and even a woman liberating herself from opioid dependency, the documentary showcases a range of transformative journeys.

It captures gripping scenes of survivors from the Nova Music Festival massacre, who report that using psychedelics during the attack acted as a protective shield against enduring trauma. These personal accounts highlight the remarkable potential of psychedelics in addressing some of the most profound psychological challenges facing many today.

Historical Context and the Rise of Psychedelics

The documentary does not shy away from discussing the turbulent history surrounding psychedelics, including their criminalization in the 1960s. It also explores how these once-underground substances are making their way into mainstream medicine, increasingly shifting towards potential legalization across the United States and beyond. The film features insightful commentary from leading figures in the field, including Rick Doblin, the pioneer advocating for the legalization of psychedelics; Robin Carhart-Harris, a prominent psychedelic scientist; and Jesse Gould, a nonprofit founder helping veterans access these life-changing treatments.

Journey Across the Globe

PEAKING also takes viewers on a virtual tour across the globe, exploring different psychedelics: psilocybin (magic mushrooms) in Oregon with Stanley Cup champion Daniel Carcillo and former NHL player Stephen Johns; ayahuasca in the Amazon with combat veterans; LSD and MDMA in Israel with survivors from the Nova Music Festival; ibogaine in Mexico with long-term opioid user Amber Hedrick; and Bufo (toad) in the California desert alongside psychedelic explorers. Each setting is uniquely crafted to give viewers a comprehensive understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic applications.

Premiere and Theatrical Release

After premiering at the historic Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles during the Dances with Films festival, PEAKING is set for a wider theatrical release on September 25, 2026, at Cinema 21 in Portland, Oregon. A special advance screening will take place on September 24, 2026, followed by a live Q&A session featuring cast members and the production team.

Tickets for this event are already available, providing an opportunity for audiences to engage with the storytellers behind this impactful film. In a moment where interest in psychedelics has reached an all-time high, PEAKING invites viewers to reflect on the transformative power of these substances in a fascinating and hopeful narrative.

Join the conversation, learn about the power of psychedelics, and see for yourself what the healing process truly entails through this exceptional documentary.