- Format: PAL
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: To be announced
- Studio: Union
- DVD Release Date: 3 Nov 2008
- Run Time: 104 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B001D1F8O8
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 70,858 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Video Description
British Columbia'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' , as the drug is called, 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. The Union: The Business Behind Getting High is a movie about the big industry Cannabis really is. Although still illegal in most parts of the world a multi billion dollar industry flourishes in the face of the authorities or are they a part of it?
THE VANCOUVER SUN
One of "10 Films You Won't Want To Miss"
"Entertaining and Comprehensive"
"Entertaining and Comprehensive"
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The phrase 'factual documentary' should be regarded as an oxymoron; a documentary should by it's very definition seek to present factual evidence, but it is however often the case that fact is replaced by fiction in order to present a biased viewpoint that represents the personal opinion of the film maker.
What I watched (albeit obvious in it's bias) was a balanced whilst entertaining film that highlighted many aspects of the criminal enterprise involved in the production and sale of Marijuana in both Canada and the U.S.
Whilst doing so however (and here's the bias part) it presented an argument in favour of the legalisation, or regulation of marijuana and/or hemp in such a way that anyone would be hard pushed to refute the benefits over any potentially negative consequences.
If you argue in favour of prohibition or decry the value of medical marijuana then I would ask you to watch the section of the film where Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Greg Cooper is featured, as it would make it far more difficult to endorse prohibition with a clear conscience.
Whilst it was unashamedly pro-marijuana, in many instances the people being interviewed aren't pro-marijuana activists or simply users, they are educated people who in previous capacities were forced to uphold the law in prohibiting and crimininalising marijuana and now being freed of constraint, argue in favour of legalisation or de-crimialisation..
Along with several people of a scientific pedigree who highlight the ignorance of politicians to broad scientific evidence, it makes for a more compelling argument.
I was also thankful that throughout although punctuated by slightly inane if amusing 'retro' video clips, the arguments didn't feel dumbed down as many modern pieces of documentary making are.
This in short, is worth watching, whether you are pro, or anti-marijuana, I guarantee this will open your eyes a little wider than you might expect it to do, and will keep you entertained while it does so.
Go watch.
What I watched (albeit obvious in it's bias) was a balanced whilst entertaining film that highlighted many aspects of the criminal enterprise involved in the production and sale of Marijuana in both Canada and the U.S.
Whilst doing so however (and here's the bias part) it presented an argument in favour of the legalisation, or regulation of marijuana and/or hemp in such a way that anyone would be hard pushed to refute the benefits over any potentially negative consequences.
If you argue in favour of prohibition or decry the value of medical marijuana then I would ask you to watch the section of the film where Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Greg Cooper is featured, as it would make it far more difficult to endorse prohibition with a clear conscience.
Whilst it was unashamedly pro-marijuana, in many instances the people being interviewed aren't pro-marijuana activists or simply users, they are educated people who in previous capacities were forced to uphold the law in prohibiting and crimininalising marijuana and now being freed of constraint, argue in favour of legalisation or de-crimialisation..
Along with several people of a scientific pedigree who highlight the ignorance of politicians to broad scientific evidence, it makes for a more compelling argument.
I was also thankful that throughout although punctuated by slightly inane if amusing 'retro' video clips, the arguments didn't feel dumbed down as many modern pieces of documentary making are.
This in short, is worth watching, whether you are pro, or anti-marijuana, I guarantee this will open your eyes a little wider than you might expect it to do, and will keep you entertained while it does so.
Go watch.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This documentary movie touch all aspects of the prohibition of marijuana. It is very informative. Although there were some things I already knew, this documentary took it further and went a little more in depth with it. This was probably one of the best ones I've seen yet! It's also very entertaining. I hope this movie will help people to better understand marijuana and the many benefits that comes along with it. You won't be disappointed!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Thought provoking, infuriating, inspiring - all words that can be related to this documentary.
Whilst it's easy to label it as bias, you may be interested to know the man behind the documentary was not an advocate of cannabis before making this film. His intention was to document how the cannabis trade in BC Canada worked, but ended up finding out so much more that he was compelled to expand the content of the documentary. His opinion was swayed to pro-cannabis because of his findings when making the documentary.
I challenge anyone to argue that Cannabis should be illegal after watching this piece. It gives a compelling & thorough arguement based on fact rather than government sensationalism, is brilliantly put together and above all is a pleasure to watch.
Highly recommended.
Whilst it's easy to label it as bias, you may be interested to know the man behind the documentary was not an advocate of cannabis before making this film. His intention was to document how the cannabis trade in BC Canada worked, but ended up finding out so much more that he was compelled to expand the content of the documentary. His opinion was swayed to pro-cannabis because of his findings when making the documentary.
I challenge anyone to argue that Cannabis should be illegal after watching this piece. It gives a compelling & thorough arguement based on fact rather than government sensationalism, is brilliantly put together and above all is a pleasure to watch.
Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A modern classic.
This documentary is a modern classic! It tells the whole story about growers, pot smokers, politics, etc, etc. Check it out! Also it's highly entertaining!
Published 7 months ago by Mike
The Union Documentary
Is probably one of the best documentaries I have seen, at least in a very long time. It might just "only scratch the surface" but even that was able to open my eyes, as well as a... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Eirik Hansen
About Time The Truth Was Told!
Excellent, honest and eye-opening. A must watch for anybody interested in the 'Drug War', whatever side of the fence you sit. Read more
Published on 6 April 2010 by iNotHere
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