Top Documentaries On Cannabis According To Research

by Crystal M. Wilson

While cannabis originated centuries ago, it is only recently that the popularity of the herb skyrocketed. People worldwide are now using cannabis for both recreational and medicinal reasons. With more scientific evidence and widespread legalization, cannabis is becoming a prominent part of almost every industry on the spectrum. With the increasing use of cannabis, it has also managed to secure a place in pop culture. You can find cannabis use in movies or shows, but there is still a lack of accurate information. Filmmakers are aiming to approach the topic of cannabis with care and offer informative documentaries.

Which are the best cannabis documentaries as per research?

Gone are the times when cannabis was merely a recreational drug. People gradually realize its therapeutic benefits, and it is taking a spot at the forefront of media. You can find new research documentaries emerging each day, making it daunting to pick the most informative ones.

Are you looking for documentaries filled with research to help enlighten you about this magical herb-cannabis? 

Here are a few documentaries every cannabis enthusiast will enjoy watching:

1. Weediquette (2017)

Weediquette is a documentary series made for Vice that turned into a full-blown TV series. It revolves around the host and Vice correspondent Krishna Andavolu as he chronicles around the culture, science, and legalization of marijuana. The show also features episodes on highly complex issues like veterans with PTSD using cannabis to control the symptoms and even covers Uruguay’s fully legal market. If you want to look at the cannabis market with some of the most distinct angles, Weediquette is a must-watch. Each episode of the series takes an incredibly insightful and informative stance. Besides that, the host’s charm will make the documentary series an easy binge-watch for you. The best way to enjoy this documentary is with relaxing Sunday Scaries gummies.

2. The Culture High (2014)

The Culture High is a feature-length documentary film directed by Brett Harvey, which came out in 2014. The unique documentary offers a structural insight into the “War on Drugs,” starting from President Nixon to President Obama. It is a scathing indictment of how rich and powerful people often hamper people’s right to access cannabis and use it with freedom. Even though cannabis is still not legal on a Federal level, the documentary encompasses reasons that led to the changes in the legalization of cannabis. With guest interviews of Sir Richard Branson and Wiz Khalifa, it sets apart myths from the truth about the raging War on Drugs.

3. Rolling Papers (2015)

The legalization of cannabis in Colorado in 2015 paved the way for a whole new industry overnight. The Denver Post hired a new weed editor to oversee the coverage of the news desk. The documentary Rolling Papers by Mitch Dickman offers an exclusive look at how The Denver Post covered the initial days after the legalization of cannabis. It also features how consumers reacted to the changes happening in the cannabis arena. The documentary is an eccentric collection of experiences and stories that brings up interesting facts about the new cannabis market. For the audience who wants to dig deeper into the market and go beyond the obvious, this documentary will offer just that.

4. Grass Is Greener (2019)

An entertaining yet educational Netflix documentary, Grass Is Greener deserves a spot on your list. It involves the journey of Fab Five Freddy or Fred Brathwaite, a hip-hop legend. The documentary allows you to learn the history of illegal cannabis use in the US and its role in the music industry. It takes you through the journey starting from the jazz era dominated by Louis Armstrong, through the emergence of the War on Drugs, and ends with the modern-day music industry. You can also listen to interviews of musicians like Snoop Dogg and Damien Marley. As a whole, the documentary highlights the inequities in the cannabis industry even though it has turned into a big industry.   

5. Weed The People (2018)

When non-users hear the word cannabis, the first thing that pops in their heads is stoners and 4/20. The documentary Weed The People tried to depict a different and far more critical side of the battle for legalization. While directing the documentary, the director Abby Epstein aims to present a closer look at the struggle of individuals and families who use cannabis to battle against cancer. Apart from addressing the massive structural issue, the documentary is also entertaining and sweet at times. Despite the serious tone, it is a touching story about the medicinal value of cannabis and the struggle of people trying to access it legally.

Final Thoughts

While cannabis is rapidly gaining popularity, there are still plenty of people who don’t know much about it. Whether it is about methods of consumption, dosage, its effects, or scientific evidence, there is still a lack of clarity. Plenty of documentaries are coming up now to help educate the masses. If you’re planning to learn more about cannabis, you can start your research by watching the documentaries listed above!