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Better Living Through Chemistry

In the 1970s, Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin significantly contributed to the development and psychopharmaceutical use of MDMA: a catalyst to personal doors entombed or unknown. His widow, co-author, and research partner, Ann—alongside friends, family, and colleagues—gives a guided tour of their life and laboratory, reflecting on how risks and revelations opened a world of compound enlightenment. Stippled with spirituality, sadness, and skepticism, the Shulgins’ chemical love story examines the power of psychedelic psychotherapy, sacred alchemy, and challenging the path of misunderstood resistance.

Top Cast

  • Ann Shulgin

    Ann Shulgin

    Self

  • Alexander Shulgin

    Alexander Shulgin

    Self

  • Tania Manning

    Tania Manning

    Self

  • Greg Manning

    Greg Manning

    Self

  • Brian Perry

    Brian Perry

    Self - Ann's Son

  • Renee Reeser Zelnick

    Renee Reeser Zelnick

    Self

  • Mariavittoria Mangini

    Mariavittoria Mangini

    Self

  • Jennifer Dumpert

    Jennifer Dumpert

    Self

  • Fire Erowid

    Fire Erowid

    Self

Overview

In the 1970s, Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin significantly contributed to the development and psychopharmaceutical use of MDMA: a catalyst to personal doors entombed or unknown. His widow, co-author, and research partner, Ann—alongside friends, family, and colleagues—gives a guided tour of their life and laboratory, reflecting on how risks and revelations opened a world of compound enlightenment. Stippled with spirituality, sadness, and skepticism, the Shulgins’ chemical love story examines the power of psychedelic psychotherapy, sacred alchemy, and challenging the path of misunderstood resistance.

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