Review of 420: The Documentary

Just when you think you know everything there is to know about a certain topic, such as pot, along comes a film that makes you realize you didn't know squat! This may seem really crazy to some, but I had never heard of the term "420" until now. I even work in the music industry and had never heard of 420 - how is that possible? I'm perplexed that something that is so widely known and celebrated has escaped my attention and life so completely. OK, maybe it's because i'm not a smoker, a toker or hang out with stoners - but still. A friend of mine did the sound mix for this film and was telling me about it, then invited me to a screening and I was really impressed with the quality of the film and editing, not to mention the sound. The life story of the producer is also fascinating, but i realize this space is reserved for reviews of the film so I'll refrain from expounding on the fact that the producer was inspired to make the film due to her own experience with the drug war and prison sentence… Another thing I did not know is that the DEA refuses to move marijuana from a Sch 1 drug (reserved for the most dangerous) to a Sch 2 or 3 or even 4, which is reserved for drugs that DO have medicinal benefits. I'd never really given any serious thought to why pot is illegal on the federal level vs. state. Now I do - it's because the DEA is committing fraud upon the American people on a daily basis! Anyone in prison for pot should be released simply based upon the fact that we have been lied to and manipulated for over 40 years now. After watching this film, I am completely convinced that I too need to raise my voice and become more involved in the movement to legalize marijuana and end the drug war.