Grass Is Greener

Grass Is Greener is an enlightening, gripping, and sobering 2019 documentary that takes a deep delve into the complex world of marijuana—detailing its contentious history, its intricate relationship with the music world, and the racial disparities that have plagued its criminalization. The director and narrator of the film is a multi-faceted professional: DJ, music producer, and filmmaker Fab 5 Freddy, who effortlessly guides viewers through this sensitive topic with a sharp, insightful perspective.

Harry J. Anslinger, Louis Armstrong, and B-Real are amongst the historically significant and contemporary figures spotlighted in the documentary, each playing a part in the multifaceted narrative woven by Freddy. Grass Is Greener employs a blend of personal stories, interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary to create a comprehensive picture of marijuana's pervasive impact on American history and society.

The film opens with a historical timeline tracked back to jazz musician Louis Armstrong – a figure known for his love for "reefer." It portrays how this love for marijuana was interconnected with his art, yet was also used as a means by the authorities to demonize and criminalize him, setting a precursor for future racial targeting in a broader crack-down on marijuana.

From there, it smoothly transitions into the 1930s, where Harry J. Anslinger, the then commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, plays a pivotal role. Anslinger, a notorious figure in the history of marijuana, campaigned against it, linking its use to societal decay and promulgating racist hysteria against people of color, which led to stricter legislation and widespread stigmatization of marijuana.

The film doesn’t just stick to history. It swiftly navigates to the present day and introduces B-Real from the rap group Cypress Hill. His personal journey from marijuana's demonization to its legalization and commercialization in many states adds another layer to the complex narrative. His story unravels in juxtaposition to the on-going repercussions of the War on Drugs, thereby highlighting the disproportionate incarceration of Black and Latino communities for marijuana offenses.

Grass Is Greener uses the music industry as a microcosm for society's changing attitudes towards cannabis. It explores marijuana's integral role in shaping the genres of jazz, reggae, and hip-hop while also focusing on how these music forms have been vehicles for societal commentary and rebellion against oppressive policies. Artists like Snoop Dogg, Damian Marley, Killer Mike, and Chuck D make appearances to further emphasize this vital cultural link.

Throughout the film, the heightening debate on marijuana legalization is addressed, offering the viewpoint that it isn’t just a shift in public attitude about recreational drug use. Conversely, it's framed as an opportunity for socio-economic advancement and reparations for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by decades of discriminatory drug enforcement policies.

However, the filmmakers don’t shy away from showing the complications of the legal marijuana industry. The film scrutinizes how the burgeoning "green rush" has predominantly profited white entrepreneurs, thereby leaving many people from disadvantaged communities, predominantly of color, disenfranchised. The movie concludes with a call to action—urging lawmakers to ensure regulatory measures account for racial and economic equity and paving the way for restorative justice.

Grass Is Greener is not just a movie about marijuana. It is a poignant exploration of the intersection of racial tensions, criminal justice, politico-economic inequalities, cultural shifts, and societal taboos. The film speaks volumes about America's troubled relationship with cannabis, entailing a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is informative—a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the controversy and culture surrounding this commonly used, often misunderstood plant.