The Union: The Business Behind Getting High

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High examines the marijuana industry in British Columbia, Canada, and its impact on the the United States. Directed by Brett Harvey, it presents a detailed look at the cannabis trade, which generates over $7 billion CAD annually in British Columbia alone, with 85% of the product exported to the US.

The film features interviews with a diverse range of experts, including high-ranking government officials, politicians, biologists, chemists, and Harvard medical doctors. Notable interviewees include Seattle’s former chief of police, mayors, and a senator, providing authoritative perspectives on the subject. It also incorporates insights from incognito growers, dealers, and public figures like Tommy Chong and Joe Rogan, offering a multifaceted view of the marijuana debate.

Throughout the documentary, Harvey presents arguments for the legalization of marijuana, challenging common misconceptions about its effects. It compares the current prohibition of marijuana to the alcohol prohibition era in the United States, suggesting that criminalization may lead to increased use and organized crime. It also contrasts the number of deaths caused by tobacco and alcohol consumption with those attributed to marijuana use, highlighting the disparity in legal status despite the apparent differences in health impacts.

The documentary covers various aspects of the marijuana industry, from cultivation and distribution to its economic and social implications. It explores the potential benefits of legalization, including reduced gang warfare and drug-related crime.