Kickstart The Jungle Prescription

Shamanism and science dance and merge with The Jungle Prescription, an important documentary-in progress that highlighs the potent effects of traditional plant medicine for overcoming addiction. The Jungle Prescription is the work of filmmakers Mark Ellam, Robin McKenna and Jeronimo Mazarrasa who have spent 10 years making this film in and out of the Amazon region. The film tells the story of two daring doctors, one in the Peruvian Amazon and the other in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, who treat those suffering from addiction with the ancient plant medicine, ayahuasca: the vine of the souls. 



Deep in the Amazonian jungle, Dr. Jacques Mabit runs a detox centre for addicts where he uses ayahuasca, curing addicts at a success rate that triples the average. Inspired by Mabit’s practice, Dr. Gabor Maté had a vision: to bring this powerful plant medicine into a new habitat, out of the lush canopies of the Peruvian rainforest, and onto the sordid streets of Vancouver’s downtown east side where the rates of homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction are devastating.

Although Health Canada ordered Dr. Gabor Maté to stop all his work with ayahuasca, the filmmakers remain hopeful.  Funds are being raised via a Kickstarter campaign so that production of the film can be completed. More donations are needed to reach the funding goal by January 9th. Once the film is finished and able to circulate, the producers along with MAPS are hoping that increased awareness about the healing properties of ayahuasca for treating addiction can lead to policy change surrounding its use and administration in Canada and beyond.

Maté is adamant that most Western medicine has become myopic, disavowing the true principles of healing. Maté believes that addicts must be treated with compassion, and that there are no panaceas: even ayahuasca. However, he does believe ayahuasca can unlock emotional memory, spurring a possible life-changing catharsis in those who drink it. 



Donating to this project has the potential to activate a powerful gift-giving loop:  not only are several gifts offered in return for those who donate to the project's Kickstarter, but if the filmmakers are able to reach their funding goal your donation also has the potential to heal countless people across the world, making it a gift that truly keeps giving.