The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007)

BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. With up to 85% of 'BC ... See full summary »

Director:

Brett Harvey

Writers:

Brett Harvey, Adam Scorgie

Stars:

Adam Scorgie, Chris Bennett, Steve Bloom

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Adam Scorgie	...	Himself - Host
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Chris Bennett	...	Himself - Author & Former 'Pot TV' Manager
Steve Bloom	...	Himself - Former Editor, High Times
Renee Bojee	...	Herself - Activist
Neil Boyd	...	Himself - Professor of Criminology, Simon Fraser University
George Bush	...	Himself (archive footage)
George W. Bush	...	Himself (archive footage)
Larry Campbell	...	Himself - Mayor of Vancouver, 2002-2005 (as Senator Larry Campbell)
Rielle Capler	...	Herself - Policy Analyst - BC Compassion Club Society
Tommy Chong	...	Himself - Comedian
Jack A. Cole	...	Himself - Director of LEAP and Former Undercover Narcotics Agent
John Conroy	...	Himself - Criminal Defense Lawyer
Greg Cooper	...	Himself - Multiple Sclerosis & Ataxia Sufferer
Stephen Easton	...	Himself - Professor of Economics, Simon Fraser University
Marc Emery	...	Himself - Seed Retailer & Activist

Storyline

BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', Commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. With up to 85% of 'BC Bud' being exported to the United States, the trade has become an international issue. Follow filmmaker Adam Scorgie as he demystifies the underground market and brings to light how an industry can function while remaining illegal. Through growers, police officers, criminologists, economists, doctors, politicians and pop culture icons, Scorgie examines the cause and effect nature of the business - an industry that may be profiting more by being illegal.

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Plot Keywords:

business | cannabis | marijuana | government | interview | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 June 2007 (Canada)

Filming Locations:

Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Score G Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Joe Rogan: It's a weird thing that you do when you make nature against the law.

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Connections

Features Hemp for Victory (1943)

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Soundtracks

"Lupita"
By Santa Lucia LFR
Performed by German Cantillo, Byron, Mario Zetina, Ryan Conroy, Brad Miurhead & Richard Brow
www.santaluciamusic.com

User Reviews

Outstanding Documentary

I've watched many documentaries about our country's disastrous drug war, and about marijuana specifically, and this one is easily the best. Fact-based, extremely informative, high production value, great interviews, entertaining presentation; nothing was missed here.

The film certainly is not ambivalent about our current marijuana policies; the message is clear that drastic changes are called-for. However, it does not present this case dogmatically or condescendingly. Also, this piece is not simply a case against the drug war. Around halfway into the film, the focus narrows down onto the incredibly huge illicit marijuana business in British Columbia. In fact, the movie's title refers to an informal name used to identify the various industries and individuals involved, either knowingly or unknowingly, in the marijuana business in BC. Very enlightening stuff that I was largely unaware of, even with the amount of interest I have in the topic.

The only downside is the relative lack of exposure this film has had; I had never even heard of it until very recently, even though it was released in 2007. However, it is available on Netflix (both on disc and instant streaming), and hopefully people will slowly discover this hidden masterpiece. Highly recommended.