Mile High: The Comeback of Cannabis

Mile High: The Comeback of Cannabis is a 2014 documentary that chronicles the history and revolution of cannabis in the United States. This compelling film prominently features personalities like Betty Aldworth, Joseph Anderson, and Mik Ayers who have all played integral roles in the narrative surrounding cannabis legislation and use. The movie effortlessly blends empathic storytelling, individual narratives, and the pursuit of a nationwide change that marries both expert testimonies and social impact, rewarding viewers with a unique perspective on a topic that has long been shrouded in stigma and controversy.

Director Anthony Hashem delves deep into the heart of the most contentious part of American life and politics - the marijuana question. Hashem artfully chronicles the journey from the first whispers of legalization to the reality of its implementation, giving audiences a front row seat to witness the tumultuous path that ended in Colorado becoming the first US state to legalize cannabis for recreational use as of January 2014. The movie narrates this groundbreaking journey with sensitivity, expertly weaving a narratively rich and culturally significant story.

At its core, Mile High sheds light on the issues surrounding legalization laws and the social effects they have on communities. The film offers a multi-faceted analysis of the controversy, such as the legal roadblocks that threatened the path to legalization and the societal waves caused in its wake. The film embarks on a quest to dispel myths about marijuana and examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of its legalization.

Betty Aldworth, former Deputy Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association and current executive director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, brings the professional advocacy perspective to the film. She shines as the compassionate, fierce advocate committed to promoting education around cannabis use and advocating for reform and regulation.

Joseph Anderson, a medical cannabis patient and entrepreneur, offers a deeply personal perspective. His mission to fight for his right, and that of others, to use medical marijuana for pain management and quality of life adds an emotionally compelling layer to the documentary. His narrative is integral to showing the human aspect of cannabis use and why legalization and decriminalization are so important.

Complementing Aldworth’s and Anderson’s narratives is Mik Ayers as an artist and cannabis enthusiast. Ayers adds a cultural depth to the movie, exploring how marijuana interacts with art and creativity, and its salience in certain subcultures and countercultures.

By incorporating these diverse perspectives, Mile High: The Comeback of Cannabis provides a well-rounded narrative, offering insights into all aspects of the issue at hand, from the political and legal to the personal and societal.

The film is more than just a story of cannabis legalization in Colorado. It represents the rise of a movement calling for a change to the nation's laws, and an end to the over-policing and punishment of the communities most affected by the prohibition. With the insights of renowned legal and medical experts, the film navigates the landscape of public opinion, legislation, and the science of cannabis use. It manages to bring a balanced view, focusing both on the potential positive impacts on public health, crime, and economy and the possible negative implications.

The real essence of the movie, however, lies in its human stories. It skilfully showcases real-life stories of medical marijuana patients, recreational users, and activists who have fought a long, painful battle for decriminalization and regulation. By focusing on these personal narratives, the film brings the issue of cannabis legalization out of the realm of academic debate and into the realm of human experience.

Featuring in-depth interviews, insights from scientists and doctors in the field, and a non-partisan approach towards tackling the controversy surrounding cannabis, Mile High: The Comeback of Cannabis serves as an important tool in understanding the depth of the cannabis debate. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and future of marijuana legalization in the U.S or any individual who simply likes engaging, well-crafted, and informative documentaries.

In sum, Mile High: The Comeback of Cannabis serves as a powerful testament to the change Colorado started, as it celebrates the people who transformed the state and thereby marked the beginning of the end of America's long-held prohibition on marijuana.