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The Union: The Business Behind Getting High

Name: The Union: The Business Behind Getting High
Director: Brett Harvey
Released: 2007
Duration: 104 min

2007

Director

Brett Harvey

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Adam Scorgie explores the illegal marijuana industry in British Columbia, revealing how the international business is most likely more profitable than it would be if it was lawful in this enlightening documentary. Marijuana growers, law enforcement officials, physicians, politicians, criminologists, economists and celebrities—including comedian Tommy Chong—shed light on this topical subject in a series of compelling interviews.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

4.9/10

Fair

Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The documentary focuses entirely on the socio-economic and legal mechanics of the marijuana industry. There are no visible LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-heteronormative identities.

Gender Representation

Fair

The film centers on the industrial and legal aspects of the cannabis trade. While it features various professionals, the subject matter leans toward male-dominated sectors like law enforcement and illegal trade.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The film explores the international business of marijuana within British Columbia. While the global nature of the industry suggests demographic variety, there is no specific evidence of intentional intersectional casting.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The narrative challenges traditional Western legal institutions by framing illegal trade as a profitable business. It celebrates counter-cultural values and critiques systemic restrictions through figures like Tommy Chong.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no documented evidence of subjects or characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The film's scope remains strictly on the economic and legal aspects of the industry.

Strengths

Challenges traditional Western legal and regulatory institutions through a counter-cultural lens.
Provides a unique economic perspective on the international marijuana trade.
Includes diverse professional viewpoints, ranging from physicians to politicians.

Areas for Improvement

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and non-heteronormative narratives.
Shows a lack of visible or invisible disability representation.
The subject matter leans heavily toward male-dominated sectors of trade and law enforcement.

AI Analysis

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High functions primarily as a counter-cultural critique of prohibition. It succeeds in disrupting mainstream institutional narratives by framing the illegal marijuana trade through an economic lens. This focus on anti-institutionalism provides a strong cultural perspective that challenges state authority. However, the film lacks depth in identity-based representation. The narrative is heavily weighted toward professional expertise in male-dominated fields, such as law enforcement and industry mechanics, leaving little room for diverse social identities. There is a notable absence of LGBTQ+ and disability-focused content. Ultimately, the documentary is a specialized look at a specific subculture. While it offers a compelling look at the business of cannabis, its demographic breadth is limited by its narrow focus on legal and economic structures.

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