Cannabis culture has come a long way from the shadows of prohibition to the mainstream conversations of today. What once was a taboo subject is now openly discussed and explored in various forms of media, including documentaries.

As an art form that blends information with storytelling, documentaries are a powerful platform for shedding light on complex topics, such as cannabis. If you're looking to expand your knowledge about cannabis through film, you're in luck. Here's our curated guide on some of the must-watch cannabis documentaries that will open your eyes and change the way you think about this plant.

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (2007)

This 2007 documentary about British Columbia's illegal cannabis trade is a must-see for anyone looking to understand the history and economics of cannabis in Canada. The film explores the underground of the cannabis industry, and features interviews with growers, dealers, doctors, politicians, activists and more. Through a mix of facts and personal stories, The Union paints a compelling picture of the industry's past and present while offering insights into its future.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime, YouTube

The Culture High (2014)

A critically acclaimed follow-up to The Union, this film dives deep into the war on drugs, the societal impact of prohibition, and features interviews with experts, celebrities, and activists. Through the lens of cannabis legalization, The Culture High explores themes of government control, individual liberty, and the power of grassroots movements. With Joe Rogan, Snoop Dogg, and Richard Branson among the film's contributors, this documentary presents a compelling argument for rethinking our approach to drugs and criminal justice.

Watch it on: Netflix, YouTube

Murder Mountain (2018–2019)

The dark side of the cannabis industry is explored in this chilling docuseries, which focuses on the infamous Murder Mountain region of Northern California. The series delves into the Humboldt County area, known for its large-scale illegal cannabis growing operations and the violence that often accompanies them. Through interviews with local residents and law enforcement officials, as well as footage from actual raids, Murder Mountain sheds light on the dangerous and sometimes deadly world of illegal marijuana cultivation.

Watch it on: Netflix

Grass is Greener (2019)

Narrated and directed by hip-hop legend Fab 5 Freddy, The Grass is Greener dives into the history of cannabis prohibition in the United States, with a sharp focus on how music, race, and policy intersect. Featuring interviews with artists like Snoop Dogg, B-Real, and Damian Marley, this documentary explores how cannabis became demonized, especially in communities of colour, and how it led to decades of harmful policies and mass incarceration.

Watch it on: Netflix

Weed the People (2018)

Produced by Ricki Lake and directed by Abby Epstein, Weed the People offers an emotional and humanizing look at the medical side of cannabis. The film follows families who turn to cannabis oil as a last hope for their children’s cancer treatment, often facing bureaucratic roadblocks, financial hardship, and the weight of uncertainty. For those interested in the medicinal properties of cannabis and its potential to revolutionize modern medicine, Weed the People is a must-watch.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime, YouTube

High Cuisine (2017)

Though not quite a documentary, High Cuisine is a deliciously entertaining series that takes viewers on a culinary adventure centered around cannabis-infused cuisine. Chefs competing in a cooking competition use cannabis as their secret ingredient, creating innovative and mouthwatering dishes that showcase its versatility. A fun and lighthearted take on the intersection of cannabis and cuisine, High Cuisine is a great watch for anyone looking to explore the culinary possibilities of cannabis.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime

Emperor of Hemp (1999)

A bit of an underground classic, Emperor of Hemp chronicles the life and activism of Jack Herer, the legendary cannabis advocate and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Herer’s tireless campaign to legalize hemp and cannabis is told through archival footage and interviews, revealing how one man’s passion helped spark a global movement. This 60-minute documentary is an inspiring watch for anyone interested in the history and potential of cannabis.

Watch it on: YouTube

The God Plant (2018)

A comprehensive documentary that explores the medical and cultural uses of cannabis throughout history. From its ancient origins to modern-day controversies, The God Plant examines the plant's potential as a medicine for various illnesses and its role in spiritual and cultural practices. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and educational film on cannabis, this is a must-watch.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime

EXPLAINED: Weed (2019)

Part of Netflix’s “Explained” series, this episode dives into the multi-billion dollar industry of cannabis and its impact on various aspects of society. From medical cannabis to CBD products, Weed explores the complex legal and social issues surrounding cannabis in an engaging and informative way. It also features interviews with experts, advocates, and skeptics, offering a well-rounded perspective on the subject.

Watch it on: Netflix

Cooked with Cannabis (2020)

Another food and cannabis-related series, Cooked with Cannabis brings together chefs, celebrities, and cannabis connoisseurs to create delicious dishes infused with different strains of marijuana. Hosted by chef and cannabis enthusiast Kelis, the show features professional chefs competing to create the most delicious and innovative dishes infused with cannabis. Along with mouth-watering recipes, viewers also learn about different strains of cannabis and their potential health benefits.

Watch it on: Netflix

Breaking Habits (2018)

Sister Kate, a self-proclaimed nun without official ties to the Catholic Church, runs a cannabis farm in California’s Central Valley. Breaking Habits follows her journey from corporate executive to "weed nun," as she builds Sisters of the Valley into a feminist cannabis collective that grows and sells CBD products. With moments that are both quirky and profound, Breaking Habits shows how cannabis can be a catalyst for both personal and social transformation.

Watch it on: Apple TV, Google Play

CBD Nation (2020)

This science-focused documentary breaks down the myths and facts surrounding cannabidiol (CBD), offering a deep dive into the therapeutic potential of one of cannabis’s most talked-about compounds. CBD Nation features interviews with scientists, doctors, and patients who’ve experienced the healing power of CBD firsthand. From childhood epilepsy to chronic pain, this documentary explores the potential of CBD as a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime

Lights, camera, advocacy

In a world where cannabis is still misunderstood by many, documentaries play a crucial role in education and awareness. They humanize the issues, highlight the science, and often challenge long-held assumptions. For Canadians, they also offer a broader global context, helping us appreciate the progress made here at home while staying informed about ongoing challenges abroad. Whether you're looking for inspiration, education, or just a good story, these documentaries offer something for everyone in the cannabis community.