The Future of Weed
In May of 2013 Colorado became the first state in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Motherboard headed to Colorado after the state’s legalization of marijuana. Calling Colorado the “Silicon Valley” of marijuana, they take us on a trip visiting some of the industry’s head businesses and supporters from all different backgrounds.
Marijuana has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, therapeutic, and sacred purposes. Only since 1970 was marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug in the passing of the Controlled Substances Act, with claims that marijuana has absolutely no medicinal value. The truth is we all, humans and animals alike, have an endocannabinoid system within our bodies. This means that even if you have never come in contact with the plant, cannabinoids occur naturally in your body. The film explores some of the little known medical benefits of marijuana through experts and testimonials.
However, since laws indiscriminately prohibit the study of marijuana for any purpose other than to attempt to find negative side effects to the plant all advancements in research and development have truly been grassroots undertakings. Nevertheless, the innovation has been astounding to even those who have been involved with marijuana for many years.
Consuming marijuana is only one half of the picture and pleasure, for those who are connoisseurs of the flower. The process of growing and harvesting is an art and science within itself. The stores are growing about 70% of their product on site, a Colorado state enforced regulation, and we are privileged to get a glimpse into the growing process and production aspects of the booming business. Some of the leading and experimental technology currently being developed is introduced as we get a glimpse of the potential for the, little tapped into but very lucrative, marijuana market. In fact the market in 2013 is worth $1.5 Billion and that number is anticipated to quadruple within the next 5 years.
Whether you consider yourself well versed on the topic of marijuana and its future as people actively take a stance in support of anti-prohibition, or you are just beginning to get introduced to this previously demonized botanical wonder of nature, the film offers an opportunity for everyone to expand their knowledge and become more intelligent on the topic.