Documentary Description
This one is just for Cheryl. The big question after all these years
and scientific findings, is why the US government still classifies
marijuana as a class one drug, akin to heroin and crank. Doctors will
tell you the miracles it works for the chronically ill, cancer patients
and for a natural sleep aid. It’s a crop that earns more than corn, and
Americans grow some of the best of it in the world. The legitimate
earning potential for farmers and distributors is astronomical.
Correspondent Lisa Ling goes undercover to private fields and indoor
state of the art hydroponic farms talking to the very reasonable and
resolute people who will not buckle under possible legal ramifications.
The movement to end the draconian punishments for possession and
growing increase every day, as the population is getting older and
sicker, insurance is harder to obtain and pay for and who refuse to be
held hostage by Big pharmaceutical companies gouging consumers for
legal alternatives.
Ling goes to “Oaksterdam”, a part of Oakland that has become a legal
medical marijuana haven and in the process, has revitalized the entire
neighborhood by invigorating nearby businesses and shops. Even those
who are not users are happy about the transformative nature the pot
trade has done to help the local economy. One advocate estimated that
nearly $3 million in annual tax revenue was contributed to the city of
Oakland in 2003 alone, with revenue increasing annually.
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