I have a confession to make: I have a love-hate relationship with documentaries. It’s kind of like my relationship with Brussels sprouts – I never want to watch/eat them, but I always end up enjoying them. Every. Single. Time. So when I heard about a documentary that was already three years old, I wasn’t exactly jumping with excitement. But let me tell you, Grass Is Greener on Netflix proved me wrong.
The film follows hip-hop icon Fab Five Freddy as he delves into the history of cannabis prohibition in the US. From the jazz clubs of New Orleans in the 1920s to the current state of cannabis, the documentary features interviews with rap legends Snoop Dogg and B-Real, as well as lawyers, advocates, and activists. But the most powerful moments come from the stories of families torn apart by the unjust criminalization of cannabis, particularly in communities of color.
The documentary also sheds light on the villain of the story – Harry Anslinger, the first director of the Bureau of Narcotics. He enforced racist policies and ignored scientific evidence in order to target African Americans and Mexican immigrants. And while it’s infuriating, it’s not surprising given the current state of our society. Just look at Jeff Sessions and his enforcement of the child separation policy at the US border.
But there are also heroes in this story, like former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who commissioned a report that debunked Anslinger’s claims. It’s clear that the government chose propaganda and racism over science, leading to the demonization of cannabis.
By the end of the documentary, I was fired up and ready for action. Grass Is Greener is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of cannabis prohibition and the ongoing fight for social justice. And as for my love-hate relationship with documentaries? Well, let’s just say this one has definitely earned a spot on my “love” list.
