Code Of The West

Code of the West, directed by Rebecca Richman Cohen, is a 2012 American documentary film that centers on the controversial issue of the medical marijuana industry. The film presents a well-rounded perspective which covers the intersection of politics, activism, the struggle for patient access, and the ongoing battle for cannabis legalization.

Set against the broad panorama of Montana's towering mountains and wide-open prairies, Code of the West explores the fluctuating environment surrounding medical marijuana and its use in the region. Named after the unwritten code of conduct governing the fast-paced lawlessness of the Wild West, the documentary navigates through the modern political landscape where the ideological battles are just as prevalent.

This documentary serves as neither an advocacy piece nor a condemnation of medical marijuana use. It remains neutral and presents the reality—both pros and cons—of medical marijuana legalization in Montana. However, it does highlight the shift in perspectives that has occurred over time, when societal acceptance was replaced by legislative backlash.

The film majorly focuses on the efforts of Tom Daubert, a medical marijuana advocate and lobbyist who was instrumental in promoting a state law in 2004 to allow its use. Daubert, a dedicated medical marijuana activist, turns into the film’s anchor, as he tirelessly works to shift public opinion and legislation in favor of medical marijuana patients.

At the same time, Code of the West delves into the opposition's corner. From law enforcement officials and conservative politicians to more traditional citizens concerned about their communities, we see that resistance to the medical marijuana industry is often driven by worries about increased drug usage, criminal involvement, and societal decline.

Cohen effectively presents this polarization, providing audiences with interviews and insights from a variety of perspectives. These include marijuana growers, politicians, law enforcement officials, lobbyists, and patients demonstrating a broad spectrum of viewpoints in an attempt to present an unbiased depiction of a topic that tends to elicit strong and emotionally charged reactions.

One pivotal narrative strand in the film is the workings of the 2011 Republican-controlled state legislature, which aimed to repeal the voter-approved medical marijuana law. The tension around this legal shift, along with several federal raids on growers' homes and businesses, sets the stage for a larger debate over states' rights, individual liberties, and the federal government's War on Drugs.

Code of the West offers an intimate look into the lives of the people affected by medical marijuana legislation on both sides of the issue. For medical marijuana patients, the drug represents relief from debilitating pain and discomfort. For law enforcement and opponents, the drug embodies an imminent societal threat.

A significant portion of the film is also dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the marijuana growing industry. From small-scale operations to massive grow facilities, the audience is given a behind-the-scenes view of a business often shrouded in secrecy. This glimpse into the industry examines not only its role in the economy but also its influence on the sociopolitical environment of the state.

Overall, Code of the West does a commendable job of capturing the ongoing debate over cannabis legalization—a topic of social and political significance that is often oversimplified or polarized in popular discourse. Cohen's documentary stands out because it neither vilifies nor glorifies any side of the debate, choosing instead to present an unvarnished portrayal of a deeply complex issue.

Code of the West is a thought-provoking, compelling film that invites viewers to dig deeper, question their preconceptions, and reflect on their personal beliefs about medical marijuana and its place in society. It's a film that is an exemplar of immersive journalism, one that encapsulates the essence of a subject with candor, clarity, and, above all, honesty. From start to finish, Code of the West provides an engaging and informative exploration of medical marijuana and the political, economic, and cultural issues that encompass it.