Chris J. Russo; 2021; USA; 96 min.
Following the widely praised 2016 decision to legalize cannabis in California, six courageous women emerge from the shadows to enter the new commercial industry. As farmers, entrepreneurs, and activists, these modern-day pioneers find their initial optimism quickly replaced with uncertainty and fear as the new legislation favors deep-pocketed corporations. Queer filmmaker Russo invites us into their lives, including Felicia Carbajal, a queer Latinx activist, who talks about the important role of cannabis during the AIDS crisis and how LGBTQ activists were at the forefront of legalizing medical marijuana. At every turn, these six trailblazers defy stereotypes, while revealing that cannabis is much more than a plant, it’s a community.
We’ll be joined after the screening for a special Q&A with filmmaker Chris J. Russo
CONTENT WARNINGS: DRUG USE