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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

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2007

Director

Brett Harvey

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High functions primarily as a critique of prohibition through a counter-cultural lens. It disrupts mainstream institutional narratives by framing the illegal marijuana trade through an economic perspective. 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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Category Breakdown

Does The Union: The Business Behind Getting High have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses solely on the socio-economic and legal aspects of the marijuana industry. It does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight relationships.

How does The Union: The Business Behind Getting High portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on the industrial and legal dimensions of the cannabis trade. It features various professionals, but the subject matter leans towards male-dominated sectors like law enforcement and illegal trade.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Union: The Business Behind Getting High?

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 multi-layered casting.

How does The Union: The Business Behind Getting High represent religion and culture?

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.

Does The Union: The Business Behind Getting High include 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.

Present on Screen

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.

Limited or Absent

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

Official 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.

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