Documentary Review

I enjoy watching documentaries because I want to see other peoples perspectives on topics that impact me and impact the world I live in. As it is in political discussions, religious discussions or something simple like sports, you must have an understand the subject; the more educated you are on the topic, the stronger your argument will be.

Just to name a few documentaries that I have enjoyed, The Great Global Warming Swindle, Food, Inc. Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, Indoctrinate U and now I can add to the list, The Union.

The Union has received many awards since its debut in 2007. The documentary talks about the frequently considered taboo topic of marijuana, but it approaches it from a new angle that is very important to understand: business.

Business is a big topic in the United States, where unemployment has increased over the last few years (until recently). According to Google's public data page, unemployment in Michigan is over 10.5%. Any opportunity to create new business is at least worth looking into.

This documentary looks at the business of marijuana in Canada, where upwards of $7 billion is made annually by "The Union". In British Columbia, this title refers to any and all of the private sector affiliated with marijuana. They also explore the effectiveness of prohibition and legalization versus decriminalization, as well as many other important topics.

What really made this documentary stand out to me was the list of interviewees. The people they interviewed held high offices in the political arena and law enforcement, that’s not to say they didn’t have a few sketchy characters as well. Just a few of their sources were as follows: Senator (Canada) and former Mayor of Vancouver Larry Campbell, Harvard professor of economics Jeffery Miron, Seattle's former Chief of Police Norm Stamper, the BC (British Columbia) Provincial Health Officer and then another long list of professors and comedians and activists.

While this movie wont be appreciated by most hardliners, hating all things marijuana related, those who are up for reasonable discussion about a topic, and in the confines of your own home… watch The Union. I have included the trailer below, but I think the trailer seems to be in an "attack mode", when the actual movie's arguments are well formulated, and well supported.

You can check out the trailer here: