Watch The Union: The Business Behind Getting High

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High is a 2007 documentary film directed by Brett Harvey. The film explores the business and politics of the marijuana industry in Canada, focusing on the economic impact and social justice issues surrounding the plant’s prohibition. The documentary begins by highlighting the vast amount of money being spent to enforce marijuana laws and the negative effects of prohibition on those who use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The film then delves into the history of marijuana prohibition, starting with the first anti-marijuana laws in the early 20th century and progressing to the present day.

Several interviews with experts in the field of drug policy and cannabis cultivation are featured in the movie. The film also includes footage of marijuana activists and politicians who advocate for the legalization of marijuana.

One of the main themes of the film is the issue of social justice. The documentary argues that the marijuana industry is largely controlled by organized crime, and that the criminalization of marijuana disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The film also points out that the war on drugs has been a failure, resulting in higher rates of violence and drug-related crime.

The documentary also examines the economic impact of the marijuana industry. The film shows the vast amounts of money that can be made by cannabis growers and dispensaries, and how legalization could result in a significant boost to the Canadian economy. The film argues that the government could make more money by taxing and regulating marijuana, rather than trying to eliminate it through prohibition.

The Union also explores the scientific and medical aspects of marijuana use. The film looks at the various ways that marijuana can be consumed and how different strains of the plant can have different effects. The documentary also examines the medical benefits of marijuana, such as its ability to alleviate pain and nausea.

Throughout the film, the viewer gets a sense of the complexity of the issue of marijuana legalization. The Union is not a one-sided film, and it presents arguments from both sides of the debate. The documentary also shows how difficult it is to predict what the social and economic ramifications of marijuana legalization would be.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Union is the stories of the people who have been affected by marijuana prohibition. The film features interviews with people who have been arrested and incarcerated for marijuana offenses, as well as those who have lost loved ones to drug-related violence. These personal stories add a human element to the documentary and show the real-life impact of drug policy.

Overall, The Union is a well-researched and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex issues surrounding marijuana legalization. The film offers a thorough analysis of the social, economic, and medical consequences of marijuana prohibition, and presents a compelling argument for the legalization and regulation of marijuana.