Every Movie Has a Lesson

View Original

GUEST COLUMN: CBD Documentary "Grass Is Greener": Know All About It 

Image courtesy of Netflix

CBD Documentary Grass Is Greener: Know All About It 

by Emma Wilson

According to the federal government, even as marijuana gets legal in most states, it remains a Schedule-I drug, whether for medical or recreational purposes. So, how did that happen? In his new documentary Grass Is Greener, legendary rapper Fab 5 Freddy examines how cannabis has influenced the Black music scene from the dawn of jazz to the present day, as well as the government's rationale for taking possession of it illegally.  

With marijuana legalization spreading swiftly across the United States, it appears like the country is finally moving past another age of prohibition. With its continuous federal categorization as a Schedule-I narcotic and certain US states still relying on outmoded drug laws to meet jail quotas, weed's rising mainstream popularity contrasts with the much more complicated history (and present) of people afflicted by the "War on Drugs" policies. 

The Netflix documentary Grass Is Greener, directed by Fab 5 Freddy, uses a lineup of celebrity speakers to examine how marijuana has been weaponized against minority populations for years and how its roots in emancipation must continue. 

Plot Summary 

Fab 5 Freddy analyses the rich history of America's association with cannabis, often via the perspective of popular music, through his film. It all starts in New Orleans, the cradle of jazz and one of the drug's initial supporters. Marijuana was a favorite of the greats, with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong publicly advocating its use. And Fab 5 Freddy's deep ties to the 1980s and 1990s New York music scenes give the film a personal touch that sets it apart from other documentaries. 

As Grass is Greener points out, cannabis was not initially a concern of the American people. It wasn't until it became widely associated with African-American and Mexican populations that the government intervened, fueling harmful stereotypes and racist policing of the drug that we've come to know. Today, there are many positive effects of CBD, such as CBD menthol muscle rub. US government propaganda's unofficial rebranding of cannabis as "marijuana" exacerbated this link, attempting to stigmatize individuals who used it. 

Gist 

Grass is Greener is a thorough, if not typical, an account of America's cannabis relationship. There is little new material presented for people who have studied other documents on the subject or are simply interested in legalization in general. Still, it is also worth listening to again. 

This film effectively dismantles the Reagan-era laws that resulted in disproportionate policing. Incarceration rates in the United States are still the highest. But Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be imprisoned than white people, despite marijuana use rates being consistent across the board. While all of this has been said before, Grass is Greener’s power comes from the diverse and knowledgeable subjects who speak on the subject. 

Its Performance Is Worth Watching 

Of course, it's Snoop. Remember, it was he who proposed Dr. Dre's now-classic 1992 solo album be dubbed The Chronic. On the other hand, Snoop Dogg is a student of how cannabis has influenced Black culture, particularly music. He's as knowledgeable as anybody about how to weed's criminalization has impacted the Black community. Killer Mike is a standout, as he makes a compelling case for why Black people should be allowed to create legal cannabis companies, given the disproportionate number of arrests and convictions for marijuana use. 

The Verdict 

Grass Is Greener maintains an even keel when making the documentary accessible to those who need to hear its warnings the most. After all, most of its arguments will fall into the "not so good" category of political speech for those already open to its message. Activists call for restitution to communities most harmed by anti-marijuana policies, as well as quick release and expungement of records for individuals currently incarcerated for marijuana possession or distribution. Freddy points out that legal marijuana has generated over $1.4 billion in tax revenue but that over 600,000 people were jailed for possession last year. 

Greener believes that legalization will not achieve anything unless people most harmed by the War on Drugs can directly benefit from it. David Banner points out that if white men want to do something, they change the laws, now it's okay.  

Although Grass Is Greener may end up preaching to the choir, its straightforward message may appeal to those who enjoy getting high but are unaware of the more significant political ramifications. As uses for streaming services go, there are far worse ways to burn down an afternoon. 

Use of CBD in the Film Industry 

It is far from easy for filmmakers. If you work in the film industry, it doesn't imply you have to dress up, drink a lot of expensive booze, throw lavish parties, etc. In reality, the majority of filmmakers have no ties to the fabled Los Angeles lifestyle. Daily, the vast majority of filmmakers face numerous challenges. Financial difficulties, incredibly tight deadlines, long hours, lack of sleep, and enormous levels of responsibility, to name a few, are all permanent companions of many filmmakers. 

You do have to adore the job to be able to put up with all of these drawbacks, and even then, you might not be able to make it as a filmmaker. Fortunately, a few things can help relieve some of the physical and mental stress that filmmakers face. For filmmakers, CBD is one of the items that successfully fill that job. This therapeutic essence derived from hemp can aid in various ways, including easing the burdens of being a filmmaker. Let's look at how CBD can assist filmmakers. You can read interesting CBD articles here.