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Cannabis Chronicles: Exploring the World of Weed Through the Best Weed Documentaries to Watch Right Now

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Time to read 8 min

Step into the captivating world of cannabis through a riveting collection of the best weed documentaries that will ignite your curiosity and leave you craving for more. 

These films peel back the layers of weed culture, revealing its intriguing history, mind-blowing medical potential, and the blazing debates surrounding future of cannabis, war on cannabis and reform of marijuana laws that has been leading to cannabis legalization.

A List of the Best Weed Documentaries

Valley with cannabis plants growing
Valley with cannabis plants growing (Envato)​​

1. The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007)


Directed by Brett Harvey, The Union is a groundbreaking documentary that takes you on an eye-opening journey into the herb industry. It explores the hidden aspects of the marijuana trade, uncovering the intricate web of cultivation, distribution, and prohibition surrounding this controversial plant. 


The film critically examines the war on drugs, challenges myths surrounding cannabis, and questions the effectiveness of marijuana prohibition. It offers a well-rounded perspective on the lucrative nature of the weed trade and the potential economic benefits of legalization.

2. Grass: The History of Marijuana (1999)


Step back in time and explore the captivating history of marijuana in Grass. Directed by Ron Mann, this thought-provoking documentary takes you on a journey through the cultural and political landscape surrounding the medicinal plant. It sheds light on its long-standing use, societal perceptions, and the impact of prohibition.


Grass offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between the plant and society, utilizing archival footage, interviews, and compelling storytelling.

3. Super High Me (2007)


Prepare for a humorous and enlightening adventure as comedian Doug Benson embarks on a unique experiment in this movie inspired by the popular documentary Super Size Me, this film follows Doug as he abstains from cannabis for a month and then indulges in non-stop consumption for another 30 days.


Super High Me offers a lighthearted exploration of the effects of prolonged weed use and the broader cultural attitudes towards cannabis, presented through Doug's comedic antics and candid observations.

4. The Culture High (2014)


This documentary delves deep into the societal, political, and cultural impact of cannabis in a riveting and thought-provoking manner. 


Directed by Brett Harvey, this documentary features interviews with experts, celebrities, and activists who provide diverse perspectives on the war on drugs, the medical potential of cannabis, and the influence of the media. 


With its engaging storytelling and compelling arguments, the movie challenges preconceived notions and invites viewers to critically examine their views on marijuana.

5. Weed (2013)


Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a renowned neurosurgeon and medical correspondent, takes viewers on a compelling journey in the documentary series Weed


Exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis, Dr. Gupta investigates the scientific research, personal stories, and legal landscape surrounding medical marijuana


With empathy and scientific rigor, Weed sheds light on the intricate relationship between cannabis and health, challenging conventional thinking and igniting conversations about its medical applications.

6. The Legend of 420 (2017)


Uncover the legend and lore surrounding cannabis in The Legend of 420. This documentary delves into the cultural significance and evolving perceptions of marijuana, exploring its impact on art, music, and popular culture. 


Through interviews with artists, activists, and industry insiders, The Legend of 420 paints a vivid picture of the influence and symbolism of cannabis in our society, offering an entertaining and enlightening exploration of its enduring legacy.

7. Breaking Habits (2019)


Experience a captivating story of empowerment and rebellion in Breaking Habits. This documentary follows the journey of Sister Kate, a former corporate executive turned cannabis activist, as she starts her own marijuana farm and navigates the challenges of the legal and social landscape. 


Breaking Habits offers a unique perspective on the potential of cannabis as a catalyst for change and the personal transformations it can inspire.

8. Weed the People (2018)


Discover the healing power of cannabis with the director Abby Epstein in Weed the People. This documentary explores the use of medical marijuana in pediatric cancer treatment, highlighting the stories of families seeking alternative therapies. 


Through emotional narratives and expert interviews, Weed the People sheds light on the potential benefits of legalize weed in alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients, sparking conversations about the integration of this medicinal flower into conventional medicine.

9. The Magic Plant (2017)


Unveil the secrets of cannabis in The Magic Plant. This documentary takes you on a global journey, exploring the cultural, historical, and scientific aspects of marijuana. 


Through stunning visuals and interviews with experts, The Magic Plant delves into the diverse uses of the plant, its potential therapeutic applications, and the ongoing debate surrounding its legalization. It offers a comprehensive exploration of this remarkable plant and its impact on societies around the world.

10. How to Make Money Selling Drugs (2012)


Enter the gritty world of drug trafficking in How to Make Money Selling Drugs. This documentary takes a unique approach, blending real-life testimonials, interviews with drug dealers, and celebrity perspectives to expose the dark realities of the drug trade. 


It provides a thought-provoking examination of the economics, ethics, and consequences associated with the illegal drug market, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of the war on drugs.

11. The Emperor of Hemp (1999)


The Emperor of Hemp chronicles the extraordinary life of hemp activist and entrepreneur Jack Herer. This documentary highlights Herer's relentless pursuit to unveil the true potential of hemp as a versatile and sustainable resource. 


Through interviews and archival footage, the film explores the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped the perception and legal status of hemp. 


The Emperor of Hemp serves as a tribute to Herer's unwavering passion and advocacy for this remarkable plant.

12. Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis (2011)


Clearing the Smoke delves into the scientific research surrounding cannabis, offering an evidence-based exploration of its potential medical applications. This documentary investigates the therapeutic properties of marijuana and its compounds, shedding light on the efficacy of cannabis in treating various conditions. 


Through interviews with medical professionals and patients, Clearing the Smoke presents a balanced and informative perspective on the science behind cannabis.

13. Rolling Papers (2015)


Step into the world of journalism and weed culture in Rolling Papers. This documentary follows the historic journey of The Denver Post, as it becomes the first major newspaper to appoint a marijuana editor. 


The film captures the dynamic landscape of Colorado's weed industry after its legalization, exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by journalists covering this emerging field. Rolling Papers offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving perceptions and media portrayal of legal cannabis.

14. The Grass Is Greener (2019)


This documentary is available on Netflix and it explores the cultural and social impact of weed prohibition. Directed by Fab 5 Freddy, the film delves into the complex history of cannabis prohibition in the United States and its significant influence on music, politics, and popular culture. 


Through interviews with musicians like Snoop Dogg and Damian Marley, artists, activists, growers and experts, the movie examines how cannabis has been intertwined with various genres of music, particularly jazz and hip-hop. It also sheds light on the racial disparities in drug enforcement and the evolving perspectives on legalization of cannabis industry. 


With its engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, The Grass Is Greener offers a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between weed, music, and society.

Take Your Watch Party to New Heights


After you pick your weed documentaries to watch, don't forget to enhance your experience with the perfect smoking accessories, like this high-quality smoking pipe that combines both style and functionality. 


Whether you prefer a sleek glass piece or a rustic wooden design, a well-crafted smoking pipe can elevate your enjoyment and deliver a smooth, flavorful experience while additionally, having a reliable and efficient cannabis grinder is essential for preparing your favorite strains. 


And don't forget that a high-quality grinder ensures a consistent grind, allowing you to unlock the full potential of your favorite cannabis and achieve a perfectly even burn.


Cannabis plant under a purple LED light
Cannabis plant under a purple LED light  (Envato)​​​​
Hippie woman smoking weed
Hippie woman smoking weed (Envato)​​​​

Conclusions


The world of weed is rich with captivating stories and thought-provoking documentaries that shed light on the plant’s culture, history, and impact on society. From the eye-opening exploration of the legal cannabis market in The Union: The Business Behind Getting High to the historical context provided by Grass, each documentary offers a unique perspective on this controversial plant. 


While Super High Me brings humor to the table with its comedic take on the effects of prolonged weed use, Breaking Habits presents a compelling story of empowerment and rebellion.


Weed the People delves into the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis, showcasing its impact on health and nature. The Emperor of Hemp pays tribute to the remarkable advocacy work of Jack Herer, and Clearing the Smoke: The Science of Cannabis offers an evidence-based exploration of the medical applications of the plant.


Rolling Papers takes us behind the scenes of green journalism, while The Grass Is Greener examines the cultural and social impact of cannabis in music and society. What I wish to say is that there is plenty to choose from, depending on your mood and your desire to learn certain aspects of cannabis.

Although not included in this list, there are several other noteworthy cannabis documentaries that deserve attention. For example, The Union 2.0 serves as a follow-up to The Union and provides updated insights into the industry. The Culture High, from the same director, delves deeper into the societal and political impact of cannabis. 


In Weed 2: Cannabis Madness, Dr. Sanjay Gupta's continues the exploration of medical marijuana, and High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America explores the intersection of cannabis and African American culture.


These documentaries offer a captivating journey into the world of cannabis, challenging perceptions, and sparking meaningful conversations. Whether you're interested in the economics, medical potential, or cultural aspects of cannabis, there's a documentary waiting to ignite your curiosity.


Happy watching!

Author:

Simon Folmann
Simon V. Folmann

Simon Folmann

Simon is an accomplished entrepreneur and inventor in the cannabis industry. He’s the founder and CEO of HØJ; a revolutionary high-end cannabis accessories company. His mission is to change the way we experience the herb and enhance people’s smoking experience through knowledge and unique products.

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