Weed The People

Weed The People is a powerful documentary released in 2018, directed by the masterful Abby Epstein and produced by Ricki Lake. The film centers around how medical marijuana could potentially change the lives of American children who are suffering from cancer. The movie provides a raw, emotional look into lives of families who are caught at the intersection of grief, desperation, hope, and scientific innovation while meticulously capturing the human face of the nation’s medical marijuana movement.

The primary subjects of this gripping and intense film are not, as one might expect, adult marijuana users seeking to use the drug for recreational purposes but rather young children (and their families) who are fighting various fatal cancer diseases. Several of these families become the film's focus, offering viewers an intimate look into their struggles and desperation as they attempt treatments that might improve the quality of their child's life or perhaps even save it.

The film features various professionals, including Dr. Bonni Goldstein, a caring physician, dedicated to easing suffering where traditional medicine has failed. Dr. Goldstein specializes in— and is one of the most knowledgeable experts on— the use of cannabis in treating pediatric cancer. Dr. Donald Abrams, an oncologist and professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, also provides his thought-provoking insights into the use of medical marijuana.

Amanda Reiman, Sociologist and currently Vice President of Community Relations at Flow Kana, is also featured. Her expertise provides a sociological perspective on why and how regulations on medical marijuana have evolved over time. This timely delve into societal norms and expectations provides a backdrop for understanding the controversies surrounding medical marijuana.

"Weed The People" frames itself within a larger context, addressing how government regulations and profit-driven pharmaceutical companies have made access to medicinal marijuana difficult, ignoring the potential benefits of the plant—for example, easing pain, stimulating appetite, and possibly even restricting tumor growth. At the core, the movie is about fighting against the system and seeking alternatives when faced with the lack of options.

The filmmakers weave a warm narrative, humanizing the patients and taking the viewer on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, pain, and tension. What sets this film apart from other documentaries about medical marijuana is its focus on a genuine scientific investigation, presenting the evidence in a balanced and thoughtful manner, incorporating qualitative patient experiences, and quantitative medical test results.

With its profound personal stories, Weed the People carries an emotional punch, but it also poses vital questions about why we’ve not fully utilized the potential benefits of cannabis to improve people’s lives. The audience is left to decide where they stand on this issue— adding a persuasive element to Epstein's film, urging them to reflect on society’s traditional views about marijuana and its controlled, medical use.

The film uses these poignant stories to construct a meticulous, systematic argument favoring the use of cannabis in medical treatments — especially in complex cases where modern medicine seems to have run out of options. Yet at the same time, "Weed The People" does not shy away from the concerns and criticisms that accompany the legalization and use of marijuana. It aims to educate the audience about what exactly marijuana can help with, and how it does so.

Every scene in this documentary ties together the tales of these brave families, insightful comments from doctors and researchers, as well as heartbreaking setbacks and hopeful victories. Though it’s a film cast in tears, trials, and harsh tones of realism, Weed The People also demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Weed The People" is an important documentary that challenges the stigmatized understanding of marijuana. It provides anecdotal evidence alongside scientific research, building a case for embracing medical marijuana laws across the United States. Whether you've considered the medicinal use of marijuana before or not, the movie is sure to provoke thoughtful reflection and dialogue. At its core, Weed The People serves as a plea for compassion, for understanding, and for rethinking how we view a substance that could potentially offer significant health benefits.