Watch Evergreen: The Road to Legalization in Washington

Evergreen: The Road to Legalization in Washington is a documentary film that showcases the journey of Washington State towards legalizing marijuana. The documentary is directed by Riley Morton and co-produced by Brian Geraghty and Ross Dinerstein in 2013. The movie provides an in-depth insight into the fight for legalization of marijuana in Washington State. The documentary follows the journey of a few individuals, including politicians, activists, and lawyers, who led the campaign to legalize marijuana. The movie features interviews with influential figures such as Rick Steves, Alison Holcomb, and John Mckay, who played a crucial part in the campaign.

The documentary begins with a brief history of marijuana and how it became illegal in the United States. It moves on to explain the effects of marijuana prohibition and the racial bias that contributed to the war on drugs. The film then discusses how the attitude towards marijuana started shifting in Washington, with the passage of medical marijuana legalization in 1998, which paved the way for the movement towards recreational legalization.

As the film progresses, it delves into the key players in the legalization movement. Rick Steves, a travel guide writer, was one of the most prominent voices in the campaign. He provided financial support to the campaign and used his platform to educate people on the benefits of legalization. Alison Holcomb, an attorney and activist, was another instrumental player in the movement. She led the effort to draft Initiative 502, which would ultimately lead to marijuana legalization.

The filmmakers also followed the opposition to the campaign. John Mckay, a former U.S. attorney, was a vocal opponent of the movement. He argued that the legalization of marijuana would lead to an increase in crime and drug addiction.

The documentary showcases the challenges faced by the legalization movement, including the lack of support from law enforcement and federal authorities. The filmmakers captured the obstacles faced by the campaigners and the strategies they used to overcome them. The film highlights how the supporters of the legalization movement invested significant time and efforts to educate and persuade the general public to support their cause.

Overall, Evergreen: The Road to Legalization in Washington is a well-made documentary that provides a detailed look at the journey towards marijuana legalization in Washington State. The film showcases the perspectives of both supporters and opponents of the movement, allowing viewers to form their own opinions. Through interviews and archival footage, the filmmakers provide a comprehensive account of the challenges faced and the strategies used to bring about change.

The documentary is well-presented and informative, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in marijuana legalization, drug policy reform or even social justice. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of capturing the essence of the legalization movement and the people behind it, making it a compelling and thought-provoking documentary.

Evergreen: The Road to Legalization in Washington is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 67.