Woodside restaurateur creates Netflix documentary about psychedelic therapy

Woodside restaurateur Jamis MacNiven is making waves with a new Netflix documentary focusing on psychedelic therapy. “In Waves and War” follows the journey of three U.S. Navy SEAL veterans as they navigate the world of psychedelic treatment using ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT to address addiction, depression, PTSD, and anxiety over a single weekend. The documentary, set to premiere on Netflix on Nov. 3, offers a unique perspective into the transformative power of these treatments.

MacNiven, known for owning Buck’s Restaurant in Woodside, drew inspiration for the film from his own experiences during the psychedelic era while at the University of California, Berkeley. His personal encounter with ibogaine in college left a lasting impact, leading him to explore its potential therapeutic benefits.

The film delves deep into the world of psychedelic therapy, exploring the profound effects of substances like ibogaine, derived from the iboga plant, and 5-MeO-DMT, found in the glands of the Colorado River toad. While these compounds offer new avenues for healing, caution is advised due to potential cardiac side effects and regulatory restrictions in the U.S.

Recent developments have seen initiatives like The Mission Within emerge, aiming to provide supervised psychedelic therapy to veterans in an effort to combat the alarming rates of suicide among this population. With over 6,400 veteran suicides reported in 2022, programs like The Mission Within, supported by local business leaders and advocates like Marcus Capone and his wife Amber, offer a glimmer of hope for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Moreover, the success of ibogaine therapy has spurred lawmakers in Texas to allocate significant funds towards psychedelic research, including the investigation of ibogaine as a potential treatment for neurological disorders and opioid addiction. Stanford University’s Brain Stimulation Lab has also been actively researching the impact of ibogaine on military veterans with traumatic brain injuries, yielding promising results that suggest significant improvements in participants’ quality of life following treatment.

“In Waves and War” offers a poignant look into the lives of veterans as they navigate the aftermath of war trauma, showcasing the power of solidarity and support in their journey towards healing. As psychedelic therapy continues to gain recognition and support, the future of mental health treatment may hold new possibilities for those in need.