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When people mention Hamilton Morris, they might joke that: he “gets high for a living” but this does not capture the depth of his work. Morris is a chemist and journalist on a mission to explore the world of psychedelics. With his unique combination of legitimate scientific expertise together with candid personal experience Morris has investigated a staggering number of substances that alter human consciousness.
In his groundbreaking documentary series, Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia he doesn’t just experiment with these compounds, he investigates their historical contexts, cultural significance, and potential therapeutic uses. This deep dive into his life and career examines his early influences, his pioneering work within the field, and his experiences of various well-known psychedelics.
By combining rigorous research together with personal exploration and experimentation, Morris opens up new conversations about these often misunderstood substances. His approach reflects a broader movement toward reevaluating psychedelics in societies worldwide. By looking at his journey, we can gain a clearer understanding of modern psychedelic research and its current impact.
Hamilton Morris was born April 14, 1987, in New York City and grew up in a household defined by intellectual curiosity and creative energy. His father, Errol Morris, is a well-known filmmaker, famous for documentaries like The Thin Blue Line
(Which you can find here streaming free on DailyMotion)
His mother, Julia Sheehan is a literary agent. She nurtured his early interest in literature and the analysis thereof. Surrounded by conversations spanning art, science, and philosophy, Morris developed a fascination for chemistry and biology. He even conducted amateur experiments on his own and from a very young age explored complex scientific texts, setting the stage for his distinctive interdisciplinary career.
Morris attended the University of Chicago where he majored in anthropology, the study of human societies, cultures, and their evolution over time. His studies also covered ethnobotany, psychopharmacology, and investigation of altered states. The university’s environment allowed him to explore the intersection of culture, consciousness, and psychoactive substances. Inspired by prominent figures from the psychedelic community, such as Terence McKenna and Timothy Leary, Morris viewed psychedelics as tools to understand both the mind and societal norms. During this period he also began to pursue independent research on the cultural roles of psychoactive plants, combining fieldwork with laboratory studies to blend empirical research and cultural analysis.
After graduating, Morris aimed to bring his academic background into the public sphere. He started his career as a freelance writer, contributing to outlets like Harper’s Magazine and VICE. His work focused on making complex scientific topics accessible to general readers. He often wrote about drug culture, the chemistry of psychoactive substances, and society’s perceptions of them, using his platform to break down intricate ideas in a way that blended research with engaging storytelling, appealing to both experts and lay audiences.
In 2011, Morris launched Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia, a documentary series that debuted on VICE TV and later expanded to other platforms.
(You can find Season 1 completely free on YouTube)
The show was born out of his desire to provide a nuanced, in-depth examination of psychoactive substances, blending scientific analysis with personal stories and cultural context.
Each episode centres on a specific substance, covering its history, chemical structure, and cultural relevance. Morris’ investigative style takes him to remote locations, where he interviews experts, meets indigenous practitioners, and often participates firsthand in the experiences he documents and the particular chemical he is investigating.
The series garnered critical acclaim for its balanced portrayal of psychedelics. It avoided undue sensationalism, instead offering thoughtful examinations of these chemicals and their constituents which respected both the necessary rigour of scientific inquiry and respect for the myriad cultural traditions surrounding a variety of chemicals worldwide. Viewers appreciated Morris’ ability to humanise complex topics, making them accessible without oversimplifying the data, or the wider context in which these substances exist.
By combining on-camera experiences of chemicals together with the data to back these experiences up, Morris created a narrative which resonated with a wide audience. Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia quickly became more than just another Vice show about drugs, it became a platform for discussing the broader issues. Important issues such as mental health, spirituality, legality, and the wider ethical considerations of drug use and research.
Hamilton Morris’ work is characterised by a meticulous scientific approach. He collaborates with chemists, pharmacologists, and medical professionals to ensure that his explorations are grounded by empirical evidence. While Hamilton himself may have a solid grasp on the effects of these chemicals he is not a specialist in this regard. However, his background in anthropology adds a layer of cultural sensitivity and awareness to the data, allowing him to illustrate the significance of these substances in Western society and contrasting viewpoints in societies around the world.
Morris places great importance on understanding the chemical structures and to the pharmacokinetics of the substances he studies. He often explores how these substances are created (or discovered in nature), sometimes even synthesising substances himself in the lab. This synthesis process provides an excellent backdrop to teach us more in-depth scientific information. For example the metabolic pathways affected, and the particular receptor interactions which underlie the psychoactive effects. This focus on hard science provides credibility and depth to his work, backing up the anecdotal accounts from individuals he interviews. He engages with leading researchers in laboratories around the world, to discuss the latest findings. These collaborations have not only enriched his own understanding, shared this knowledge with the layman (me and you) but have also contributed to the scientific community as a whole, by bringing more attention to under – researched areas.
Beyond the science, Morris is deeply interested within the philosophical questions raised by psychedelic experiences. He explores themes such as the nature of reality, consciousness, and the construction and destruction of our sense of self. His work often reflects on how psychedelics can challenge perceptions, break down ego boundaries, and offer insights into the human condition. He maintains a stance of open-minded scepticism, recognising the transformative potential of these substances while also acknowledging the risks and limitations of our current understanding. This balanced perspective allows him to navigate controversial topics with nuance and to respect.
Morris’ explorations cover a diverse array of psychedelics, each alongside its own unique history, cultural context, and pharmacology. His investigations provide a comprehensive understanding of these substances. Below is a summary of his findings and his personal experiences of several of the substances he has investigated in Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia and in his wider work.
DMT is a naturally occurring compound found within various plants and even some animals. Morris explored its traditional use within Amazonian shamanic practices, particularly through ayahuasca ceremonies. He travelled to South America to engage with indigenous communities, documenting how DMT serves as a conduit for spiritual and healing experiences.
Scientific Exploration
Morris examined the molecular structure of DMT and its particularly, almost uniquely rapid metabolism inside the human body. He explained its affinity for serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, which is believed to be paramount to the psychedelic experience. His work shed light on why smoked, extracted DMT produces such intense yet short-lived effects when compared to Ayahuasca experiences which can last for many hours.
Personal Experience
By partaking in multiple ayahuasca ceremonies, Morris provided a personal account of the profound visions and emotional journeys induced by DMT. His reflections offer valuable insights into the subjective aspects of the experience, bridging the gap between the data and anecdotal reports of others.
Psilocybin is the active compound in “magic mushrooms”. Due to mushrooms’ astounding ubiquity Psilocybin has a rich history of use within religious and spiritual rituals the world over. Morris traced its journey from ancient Mesoamerican cultures to contemporary clinical trials investigating its potential to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Mechanisms of Action
Morris explained how psilocybin is converted into psilocin inside the body, which then interacts with serotonin receptors. He explored the neurobiological changes that occur during a psilocybin experience, including the alterations in brain connectivity and activity patterns throughout the cortex.
Therapeutic Potential
Highlighting studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins University, Morris discussed how controlled psilocybin sessions can lead to lasting positive changes in mood, behaviour, and to long-held, often negative, attitudes and beliefs. He interviewed both researchers and participants, providing a holistic view of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.
LSD has been a pioneering substance in both scientific research and countercultural movements. Morris recounted its accidental discovery by Albert Hofmann on his famous bike ride, and its subsequent influence on psychology, art, and societal norms during the 1960s and beyond.
Effects
Through interviews with experts and more on-camera, personal experimentation, Morris explored how LSD alters sensory perception, thought processes, and emotional states. He investigated phenomena such as synesthesia and ego dissolution, offering explanations grounded within neuroscience.
Contemporary Research
Morris examined modern studies illustrating LSD ‘s potential benefits, including its increasing use in psychotherapy to address conditions like cluster headaches and to end-of-life anxiety. He discussed the challenges and controversies surrounding its legal status and the continuing effects of former demonisation of the substance on current public perception.
Commonly known as ecstasy, MDMA gained popularity in recreational settings before researchers recognised its therapeutic potential. Morris traced this evolution, highlighting how MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promise for treating serious ailments such as PTSD.
Effects
Morris investigated how MDMA increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, leading to heightened feelings of empathy, trust, and emotional openness. He discussed the implications of these effects for therapeutic settings, where patients can process traumatic memories more effectively.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
By examining the regulatory hurdles and ethical debates surrounding MDMA research, Morris provided insight into the complexities of bringing substances with this much cultural baggage into mainstream medicine.
Initially used as an anaesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a rapid-acting antidepressant. Morris explored this traditionally off-label use for treating severe depression and suicidal ideation, often for patients unresponsive to traditional medications.
Effects
Morris provided insight into ketamine’s interaction with the NMDA receptor and its role within glutamate neurotransmission. He discussed how this leads to synaptic plasticity and to the formation of new neural connections, offering a biological basis for Ketamin’s potential antidepressant effects.
Clinical Observations
Through interviews with psychiatrists and to patients, Morris highlighted the benefits and risks of ketamine therapy. He addressed concerns (largely brought about by media proliferation of the “horse-tranquilliser” label) about dissociative side effects and the importance of controlled clinical environments.
Salvia divinorum, a plant native to Mexico, has been used for centuries by the Mazatec people for spiritual divination and healing. Morris travelled to Oaxaca to understand its traditional use and significance.
Pharmacology
Morris examined how salvinorin A, the active compound within salvia, is a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist, distinct from classic psychedelics which target serotonin receptors. This accounts for its intense and atypical effects, which can include profound alterations of consciousness and perception of reality which differ greatly from the effects of, for example, psilocybin.
Legal Status and Public Perception
He discussed how salvia’s legal ambiguity and sensationalist media coverage have affected public understanding, and therefore how the substance has been consumed. By providing clear, factual information, Morris aimed to dispel these widespread myths and encourage informed discussions and safer manufacturing and usage practices.
5-MeO-DMT is known to produce some of the most intense psychedelic experiences in the world, which are often described as mystical or transcendent. Morris investigated both the synthetic form of the substance as well as its natural occurrence inside the venom of the Bufo alvarius toad.
Therapeutic and Spiritual Context
He explored how 5-MeO-DMT is used within ceremonial settings and its potential for facilitating profound personal insights. Interviews with practitioners and users highlighted the substance’s capacity for inducing life-altering perspectives, and altering ingrained patterns of behaviour.
Safety Considerations
Morris emphasised the importance of proper guidance and set-and-setting, noting that the intensity of 5-MeO-DMT can be overwhelming and carries risks if not approached responsibly.
Hamilton Morris has significantly influenced the discourse on psychedelics through his multifaceted approach. His work has demystified these substances, presenting them as complex tools which warrant careful study rather than simplistic categorisation.
Educational Contributions
By making scientific information accessible and engaging, Morris has educated a broad audience. His documentaries and writings serve as valuable resources for those interested in psychedelics, whether from a scientific, therapeutic, or personal perspective .
Advocacy for Research and Responsible Use
Morris advocates for evidence-based research and responsible use of psychedelics. He highlights the therapeutic potential while acknowledging the necessity of understanding risks and ethical considerations. His balanced stance contributes to more informed public policies and societal attitudes.
Influence on Contemporary Psychedelic Culture
His work has inspired a new generation of researchers, psychonauts, and enthusiasts. By bridging the gap between academia and the public, Morris has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of interest in psychedelics as potential catalysts for change, on a personal and society wide scale.
Hamilton Morris’s journey is emblematic of a modern explorer, one who traverses the boundaries of science, culture, and personal experience to uncover deeper truths about the human mind. His contributions have enriched the understanding of psychedelics, not merely as substances but as catalysts for exploration into consciousness, healing, and human potential .
By combining meticulous scientific inquiry together with empathetic storytelling, Morris offers a nuanced perspective. A perspective that resonates with diverse audiences, not talking down to anyone, but not overly simplifying anything. His work underscores the importance of approaching psychedelics together with both curiosity and caution, recognising their capacity to transform lives while respecting their complexity, chemically and culturally.
As the field of psychedelic research continues to evolve, Hamilton Morris stands as a guiding figure whose insights and dedication pave the way for future explorations. His legacy is one of bridging gaps, between science and experience, tradition and innovation, scepticism and wonder. By unravelling the mysteries of these powerful substances, he invites us all to look inward and to consider the vast potentials of the human mind.
David Blackbourn | Community Blogger at Chemical Collective
David is one of our community bloggers here at Chemical Collective. If you’re interested in joining our blogging team and getting paid to write about subjects you’re passionate about, please reach out to David via email at blog@chemical-collective.com
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