Grass (1999)

"Grass" (1999) is a riveting exploration into the tumultuous history of marijuana within the United States. Unveiling a saga that began with its unofficial introduction in the early 20th century, the film captures the relentless governmental crusade to eradicate the herb from American society, marking its journey from the 1930s to the 1970s. This riveting narrative draws you into a world where marijuana was believed to instigate a myriad of maladies, from temporary insanity to murderous tendencies, a belief largely propagated through cinematic depictions like "Tell Your Children" (1936). This hysteria led to marijuana's harsh classification as an illegal substance in 1937. As the winds of time blew away these misconceptions, particularly during the free-spirited 1960s, the anti-marijuana campaign shifted gears, painting it as a gateway to more dangerous narcotics. The film intricately weaves the story of Harry J. Anslinger, the first Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, and President Richard Nixon, the chief architects of this war. Their campaign was fueled by xenophobia, prejudice, and political opportunism, with a surprising twist of anti-Communist messaging as most marijuana in the 1950s traced its origins to China. The film explores how these key players silenced any scientific findings that challenged their claims, such as a report commissioned by New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia. "Grass" is a compelling tale that unearths the roots of a federal policy marred by misguided criminalization rather than a public health approach. As we navigate this costly and futile battle against a substance with debatable ill effects, we witness the erosion of basic civil liberties and the astronomical cost borne by the government. The film serves as a stark revelation of America's war on marijuana, a war that has stretched to the end of the century and beyond, costing several billions of dollars.

Grass is a documentary movie featuring Woody Harrelson.

Grass is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Grass on Amazon Video and Apple TV.