“Chemistry of Marijuana” (1966) is a black-and-white scientific documentary film chronicling Dr. Leo E. Hollister’s pioneering study on the effects of marijuana on human beings. Produced by KCET Productions of Los Angeles, this 20-minute film consists of interviews with Dr. Hollister from his office as well as footage of test subject Bill Muller, a then 23-year-old graduate student at Stanford University, as he is administered controlled doses of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Dr. Hollister’s experiment was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The film credits Tony Pitter, Tom Petit, Harris Cohen, Susan Friedman, Roger Andrews, and Dick Smith.
Footage opens on young male test subject (Bill Muller) wearing black, thick framed glasses and holding plastic white cup in hand (0:06). Introduction Dr. Leo E. Hollister, speaks to camera while sitting in office (0:13). Exterior Veterans Hospital Palo Alto, California (0:42). Dr. Hollister takes Muller’s vitals before conducting experiment (0:46). Close-up vials containing purified THC, Dr. Hollister prepares cocktail to give to Muller who waits in hospital bed (0:56). Dr. Hollister gives Muller liquid substance to drink, timer appears on screen to track affects of drug on Muller, describes alcoholic flavor of substance (1:33). Dr. Hollister speaks to camera from office, discusses history of marijuana usage and gaps in scientific research (2:08). 55 mins: Female nurse off camera asks Muller questions, he responds positively (2:54). 1 hour: Muller describes vivid dream/ hallucination body feeling hot yet walking through snow unclothed (3:33). 1h 10 mins: Female nurse now in view asks Muller to compare how he feels now vs. before experiment, Muller fills out questionnaire (4:00). 1h 20 mins: Muller attached to special respiratory machine, measures whether drug stimulates or depresses human respiratory system, results tracked on graph (4:44). 1h 30 mins: Determining psychological effects, Muller given cue cards to identify his feelings (5:17-7:20). Interview with Dr. Hollister from his office continues, how to determine if drug can be used safely like alcohol or if it is too dangerous (7:24). 1h 40 mins: Lab technicians take blood samples from Muller as dosage and passage of time have increased, close-up needle entering Muller’s vein; Muller tries verbalizing how he is feeling and compares sensation from alcohol vs. THC (8:11). 2h 15 mins: Same nurse returns with initial questionnaire and has Muller fill it out once again (11:11). Dr. Hollister continues speaking from office, discusses known impacts of drugs on body from increased appetite to impaired judgement (14:58). Muller performs psychometric test, maintains accuracy but at slowed pace due to impaired sense of time (15:47). Muller undergoes more tests to assess physical impacts of drug – respiratory exam, muscle function, electrocardiograph (16:15). Collected blood samples spin in centrifuge in lab, scientists review findings (16:54). Muller at peak of intoxication, Muller narrates over footage and describes sensation (17:22). Voice of Dr. Hollister narrates final shots of Muller in hospital bed (19:02). Closing credits (19:27).
