Review by Kiefer Doerksen.

The title of Brett Harvey’s documentary The Union refers to BC's underground marijuana economy, made infinitely more profitable by its prohibition. The film explains why keeping pot illegal is mostly about economic and public relations benefits to both the government and various industries. Growers are often actually in favour of the prohibition, since it makes their business much more profitable. Hemp was once widely used for superior clothing and paper production. In fact, the American Declaration of Independence was written on hemp parchment. Harvey begins the film with a discussion of pot stereotypes and the actual health risks involved with using it. He finds no links to cancer, brain cell deterioration or record of any death directly related to marijuana use while legally available tobacco products cause hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. The film also offers eye-opening look into a grow op which utilizes ten train cars and diesel fuel to house its plants.

One criticism of the film is that no one on the pro-prohibition side is interviewed or given voice to provide a counterpoint to the filmmaker’s opinion. Credible sources appear throughout - including university scholars, political scientists, historians, as well as people within the marijuana legalization movement. Even former Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell provides insight into why the drug should be legal. Tommy Chong and Fear Factor host Joe Rogan provide humorous comments on the ironic nature of the pot debate, as does Harvey's use of old anti-weed propaganda films throughout. The Union is an entertaining film, not just for marijuana enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the tangled web of business in politics.

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High
Brett Harvey | Canada | 2007 | 105min

Wed. Oct. 10 | 9:30pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Thur. Oct. 11 | 3:30pm | Empire Granville Theatre