High Profits

High Profits is a gripping eight-part documentary series that aired on CNN in 2015. Commissioned as part of CNN's original series lineup, the show dives into the hitherto unexplored world of recreational marijuana industry, with a particular focus on a single business venture in Colorado.

The series is centered on Breckenridge Cannabis Club (BCC), a marijuana dispensary in Breckenridge, Colorado. The dispensary is owned and operated by Brian Rogers and Caitlin McGuire, two young and ambitious entrepreneurs determined to make their mark in this new frontier. High Profits chronicles their journey, documenting how they navigate through regulatory landscapes and community sentiments, with a vision to build a marijuana empire.

The prime time documentary offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges these pioneers confront as they attempt to turn a once-illegal substance into a legitimate trade. It covers both the highs and lows of their venture, providing viewers with a balanced view of the industry, an aspect often overlooked in mainstream media reporting on the topic. High Profits thus introduces audiences to the complexities of the marijuana business, examining its impact on economics, culture, and legislation in contemporary society.

In diving deep into the ambitious endeavor of BCC, the narrative explores the couple's navigation through a legal gray area, handling stringent regulatory hurdles while trying to expand their business all in the backdrop of a shifting national attitude towards cannabis. It captures the unfolding drama between the dispensary owners and their intent on turning their small-town pot shop into a multi-million dollar enterprise. This gritty reality is paired against the conservative mountain town community entrenched in pre-established norms, exhibiting a clash of tradition and modernity.

High Profits also shares insights into a range of stakeholders in the cannabis business - from law enforcers to legislators, from local businesses to marketers, from satisfied customers to disgruntled opponents - presenting a panoramic view of the industry. It intricately blends the business-oriented trajectory of the couple alongside a nuanced social commentary on American society's morphing views on recreational drug use.

Each episode engages viewers with a fascinating blend of drama, suspense, and education. The filmmakers provide a fly-on-the-wall perspective that allows audiences to witness firsthand the unpredictable and volatile nature of the marijuana industry, generating suspense with every twist and turn. The series distinctively oscillates between the public and private spheres of Rogers and McGuire, presenting parallel narratives about their business ambitions and personal life to make for a captivating viewing experience.

One of the attractive features of the show is its timeliness and relevance. With the legalization of marijuana in Colorado happening only a year before the series was aired, the show provides the audience with an immediate and intimate understanding of the transitioning phase of recreational cannabis from being stigmatized to being esteemed as a legitimate business enterprise. Hence, High Profits is as much a documentation of an unfolding real-life situation as it is a tale of determination, ambition, and resilience.

The groundbreaking series from CNN became instantly provocative and thought-provoking, employing the lens of a reality show to explore the money, power, and controversy tied to America's marijuana industry. It brings forth an inside look into one of the biggest topics in the national debate, offering viewers a unique perspective to consider and reflect upon the idea of the American dream.

In conclusion, High Profits is more than just a TV show about cannabis. It's a nuanced exploration of a groundbreaking business venture's ebb and flow set within the backdrop of a changing political landscape and societal attitudes. Engaging, informative, and provocative, High Profits is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the journey of marijuana legalization and its repercussions on American society.