The Union: The Business Behind Getting High

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High is an engaging and edifying 2007 documentary feature that seeks to shed much-needed light on the complex realities of the illegal cannabis industry in British Columbia, Canada. The film's director, Brett Harvey, aims to delve into the intricacies of the illicit trade, investigating its socio-economic impacts, potential health risks, and the often problematic ways the authorities have tried to curb it.

The documentary weaves its fascinating exposition of the cannabis trade and its vast reach through a compelling blend of archival footage, news clips, interviews, and expert analysis, creating a vivid tapestry of an underground industry that feeds the worldly desires of consumers whilst occupying a prominent position in the shadow economy.

The narrative forces driving The Union are provided by Adam Scorgie, who not only acts as an enthusiastic narrator but also serves as the film's producer. Scorgie navigates the convoluted world of cannabis, infusing a youthfully dynamic voice into an often opaque business. His informed and candid commentary help to lay bare the economic aspect of the trade, zipping through figures that dwarf the revenues of legal enterprises, and in the process, revealing the inescapable influence it exerts on the local economy of British Columbia.

The documentary also taps the knowledge of Chris Bennett, a cannabis culture historian, who's on a mission to excavate the historical and cultural import of this revered and reviled plant. Bennett's scholarly analysis helps to blur the moral binaries that have traditionally encompassed discourse around marijuana, forcing viewers to question long-held beliefs and prejudices. In addition, Steve Bloom, former editor of High Times magazine, provides a useful slice of journalistic insight, drawing upon his years of covering issues related to the cannabis industry.

The Union does not function merely as a straightforward critique of the prevailing ‘war on drugs’. Instead, it interrogates the deeply rooted societal, cultural, and political tensions that make this ‘war’ what it really is – a complex web of competing interests that forms a nexus of legislation, medicine, law enforcement, organized crime, and economic dynamics. It portrays a business uniquely affected by legality concerns, one where fundamental market principles often grapple with ethics, health concerns and social responsibilities.

Where The Union actually scores is in its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths head-on. The film calls into question the popular myths and disinformation that have proliferated about marijuana use and abuse by consulting medical professionals, hemp activists, law enforcement officers and drug dealers. This type of balanced approach helps it to maintain its journalistic integrity while still managing to ignite the curiosity of its viewers.

Central to the film's narrative is the exploration of the ongoing debate about the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis. The Union wades candidly into this controversy, interviewing doctors, patients, and advocates on both sides of the argument, presenting viewers with a broad spectrum of opinions and scientific evidence.

Furthermore, this documentary presents an investigative view into the controversial policies and draconian drug laws that have significantly contributed to the rise and thriving of the secretive marijuana trade. It incites critical reflection on the role of public policy in influencing supply and demand dynamics in this industry, drawing attention to the paradox evident in a system that criminalizes marijuana while simultaneously allowing its clandestine economy to flourish.

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High is definitely more than a mere documentary about an illegal drug trade. It is a thought-provoking journey into a world that often remains hidden from our sight; a world caught between moral debates, health arguments, economic realities, and the law. This captivating film not only elucidates the multifaceted nature of this billion-dollar industry, but it also stimulates critical thinking about the broader issues surrounding drug policies and societal attitudes concerning marijuana.

Whether or not you’ve ever pondered the cannabis industry, The Union: The Business Behind Getting High is as insightful as it is approachable, a must-see documentary that holds a revealing mirror to a societal issue that is as contentious as it is captivating.