Watch Breaking Habits

Breaking Habits is a 2018 documentary film directed by Robert Ryan. The film follows the story of Sister Kate, a former corporate executive, who starts a successful and controversial cannabis farm called Sisters of the Valley in Merced County, California. The film explores the community of sisters, their innovative business model, and how they navigate the legal and economic challenges that come with operating a cannabis farm.

The film begins by introducing us to Sister Kate, the founder of the Sisters of the Valley, a group of activist nuns who grow and sell medicinal marijuana in California. Sister Kate, whose real name is Christine Meeusen, explains how she was disillusioned with her career as a corporate executive and found her calling in the cannabis industry. Along with a group of other women, Sister Kate starts her cannabis farm with the mission of empowering women and helping people who suffer from various ailments such as cancer, epilepsy and chronic pain.

The movie is a fascinating look at a unique and unconventional business model. The Sisters of the Valley are not just farmers, but also healers and spiritual leaders who use their cannabis products for prayer and activism. The business operates on a strictly not-for-profit model and the sisters do not accept traditional forms of payment. Instead, customers are asked to make donations and are given the option to pay in cryptocurrency. This innovative approach has brought the group a lot of attention, but also controversy and challenges from the local authorities.

The film also delves into the legal challenges that come with operating a cannabis farm. The Sisters of the Valley have faced numerous legal hurdles, from local law enforcement raids to regulatory obstacles. The film shows how the sisters navigate through these challenges with grace and courage, and how they use their spirituality to stay strong even in the face of adversity.

Breaking Habits is also a deeply personal film, as it explores the lives of the sisters and the reasons they turned to cannabis as a way to heal themselves and others. We get to meet the various members of the community, from Sister Darcy, the grower, to Sister Mary, the business manager. We learn about their struggles with addiction, poverty, and disease, and how cannabis has helped them improve their lives and those of the people around them.

The film also showcases the power of activism and community in effecting social change. The Sisters of the Valley have become prominent activists for the legalization of cannabis, and the film shows how their work has influenced legislation and public opinion. The group has become a symbol of hope for people who have been left behind by traditional medicine and industry, and the film captures their spirit of rebellion and innovation.

Overall, Breaking Habits is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that explores a unique and inspiring group of women who have dared to break the mold and build a successful business in an unconventional industry. The film is beautifully shot and the soundtrack perfectly captures the mood and spirit of the sisters. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the cannabis industry, social activism, or the power of faith and community to effect change.

Breaking Habits is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 52.