
Genres: Document
Starring: Craig X. Rubin, Alex Jones, Ethan Nadelmann, Jeff Joseph
Director(s): Kevin Booth
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Available Quality: DivX, iPod
IMDB Rating: 7.4 out of 10 (234 votes)
With California and the rest of the country going bankrupt, one business is booming. How Weed Won the West is the story of the growing Medical Marijuana industry, focusing on Los Angeles with over 1000 legal dispensaries doling out the buds. Following the story of Organica, a southland dispensary which was raided by state and federal agencies in August of 2009, the film shows that although much has changed with Obama in office, the drug war is nowhere near over. Kevin Booth, producerdirector of American Drug War, picks up where the last film left off and continues his fight against the hypocrisy of the War on Drugs. Intended to inform and entertain, this fast paced and even sometimes funny film features Texas conspiracy guru Alex Jones, Ethan Nadelmann head of Drug Policy Alliance, and a host of amazing characters including a former LAPD narcotics officer who now thinks all drugs should be legal.
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(17 May 2012)
The documentary was awesome. Kevin Booth does a great job at putting together multiple, and often conflicting perspectives on medical marijuana, its legalization, and on exposing many myths surrounding the medial marijuana industry. The material gathered in this documentary will make you laugh, it will make you sad, it will make you think, and some of it will likely make you angry. Whether you support the legalization of medical marijuana or not, your opinion means little without educating yourself first on the issues being debated... so if you need to educate yourself on these issues HWWW is a great place to start.
K R (16 May 2012)
Not a weed consumer myself anymore, but this film definitely opensanyone's eyes concerning the detrimental economic, social and humanramifications created by marijuana prohibition. This film is a must-seeas it destined to become an icon of the marijuana anti-prohibitionmovement. It takes the viewer through a journey of real life storiesinvolving the relatively new California legal marijuana industry. Itdoes not focus strictly on the medicinal value of marijuana, but thewidespread responsible consumption of marijuana for personal recreationand mood enhancement as well. While there are many light andentertaining moments which are implied by a somewhat playful title, thesubject matter and the production values of this film give it a seriousand mainstream position in documentary film history.
(15 May 2012)
This review is from: How Weed Won the West (DVD) This film has historic footage that should be part of all of our libraries.Someday soon this film will be seen as a significant cause of change in the pot prohibition scene.In the meantime its a great video on the medical marijuana realities in California 2010.One Love and good viewing...Rev. Tom Brown [...]
(15 May 2012)
In his sequel to "American Drug War," Kevin Booth delves into the world of medical marijuana and the issues surrounding the legalization of the drug."How Weed Won the West" paints a detailed portrait of what various parties' thoughts are on the legalization of marijuana, including farmers in California, members of the DEA and law enforcement. The film also covers stories about the Dark Alliance, the group that works with drug cartels and dealers to regulate the amount of drugs that are brought into the country.The documentary includes interviews with activists, advocates, gang members, former drug dealers and radio host Alex Jones. Booth even goes as far as testing the drug himself to provide detail on the effects of marijuana."How Weed Won the West" is an eye-opening look into the American drug war, and takes viewers on a ride through the issues that have been surrounding the legalization of marijuana for the last 70 years.
(13 May 2012)
Even if you do not partake in marijuana, you should see this film and learn just how much the government is lying to you and willfully ignoring the will of the People. To date, citizens of 14 states, voted for medical marijuana access. And YET the Feds still raid legally established dispensaries and growers. The tenth amendment of the constitution assures that the citizens of the state decide what is best for their state and not the federal goverment. this film does a great job of exploring how medical marijuana started its journey towards legalization and the propoganda war that has brainwashed society into thinking this is more dagerous than cigarettes, alcohol or processed foods. Learn about "Freeway" Ricky Ross who was the biggest dealer back in the day who was supplied by none other than the FBI and CIA. And learn about how Ross was thrown under the bus by the same feds after he outlived his usefulness. Do yourself a favor and watch the film. Then do a little research on the pimp game big pharma and big government is pulling on citizens. Put the pieces together and it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out why the government doesn't marijuana legalized. Imagine what would happen if people learned the truth about a completely natural, sustainable medicine that can alleviate much of what ails us. Imagine what would happen if the government would have to admit that they were HORRIBLY wrong about their fake war on drugs. There's a reason why Thomas Jefferson wrote the first drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution on hemp.
DrMesmer (12 May 2012)
I had to take a little time to rereview this film as I know several ofthe peeps in it and it is a subject close to my heart (lungs). So ifthis were just a random film about something I cared nothing about Iwould still be super impressed and moved by the film-making andstoryline. The weaving of stories from Jeff and his dog Scabs and CraigX to the Mexican guys in NorCal growing and the wrestler recouping fromher issues is flawless and entertaining. The music is hip and flowswell and Kevins first hand involvement and narration is easy to followand connect with. What really touched me was the Alex Jonescommentaries sprinkled throughout giving the Cali Herb issue nationaland global significance, putting the issue in perspective for manyoutside the ganja scene. Please see this film and show it to anyone youknow who dosen't "get it" about "Hemp Saving the Planet", because itcan and this is how it begins. There are many light, funny moments inthis flick but it is a serious look at one of the premier issues of ourday. Good job Kevin!
(05 May 2012)
This review is from: How Weed Won the West (Amazon Instant Video) NIce video. I loved this film and all other documentaries and features about legalizing and regulating drug trade. It's just suprising to see how many people in leadership do not have any common sense about a flower. Isn't that where other "legal" prescription drugs come from, the earth? I am just counting down the days until the people overthrow our government. I am giving all this to God because I know He cares about His people on earth and about specifically our health and being healthy! Merry Christmas and Godbless! PrAISE JESUS~Shaun's movie corner!
(05 May 2012)
I loved Kevin Booth's first film on the so called American drug war and the corruption and hypocrisy behind that sham. This documentary focuses even further on the corrupt politics behind the prohibition of cannabis and some of the players profiting from the illegality of cannabis. I am a huge fan of Alex Jones and he succeeds in helping the viewer to understand that the tyranny of cannabis prohibition is related to government oppression on a much larger level. The film takes us behind the scenes of a prominent medical canna bis club that was brutally raided by the neo fascist DEA and FBI in spite of the fact that President Obama pledged not to focus law enforcement personnel and resources on such trivial pursuits as medical cannabis programs in States where they are legal when there are Al Qaeda terrorists to bring to justice. This was a tragic incident as these scum bag Nazi Gestapo-like agents tore the medical cannabis club premises apart and barbarically shot the pet pit bull several times almost fatally killing it. To understand how our repressive government sets up conditions where it gets to trample upon our civil liberties, this film is "must see" viewing. Cannabis prohibition is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The government strives to keep us stupid and obedient to the State. Cannabis is a threat to the State's quest for total control that includes a plan to outlaw Vitamin C and most vitamins and supplements without a doctor's prescription.
silax (04 May 2012)
This is what you get when you scoop the bottom of the smokers barreland get them to make a pro marijuana documentary.Let me just say these are the people the conservative types are afraidwe'll become if MJ is legalized. The majority of the first half focuseson a dispensary that has been recently raided. The owner is outragedthat all his inventory has been stolen and his place of businessransacked. Obviously anyone in the owners shoes would be distraught andwould bring this to the courts, but what we later learn is said ownerhad previously been raided and decided to reopen to "stick it to theman". So with no leg to stand on legally, the lawyers basically laughin his face or give him awkward looks while he rambles on aboutfreedom. The footage is very awkward to watch, his moments make thepeople around him uncomfortable as well as the viewer.I struggled to take anyone seriously in this documentary. Seriously, apriest that smokes weed with his loser looking friends, then films alittle skit with some old woman which results in him jumping her.If anything this film made me question why I smoke. I don't want to endup being 40, rambling on uncontrollable or being a douche bag priestthat wears baggy cheap suits to be cool. (IT WASN'T COOL IN THE 90s,ITS NOT COOL NOW.) I'd suggest to anyone who smokes looking for adocumentary, that brings new evidence to the case of legalizing ourbeloved drug, to steer clear of this piece of dog .
(03 May 2012)
Very educational concerning the history of marijuana, prohibition, and what we are facing today. Real life accounts of DEA raid victims, doctors, patients, lawyers, cancer survivors, pharmaceutical victims. Informational, inspirational.
(02 May 2012)
Informative documentary explaining the laws, problems, and acceptance of marijuana in California. As an East Coast native it's always fascinating to see how different things are on the West Coast. Found it enthralling but rather cheesy at times with mock-commercials etc. Good documentary though.
(02 May 2012)
It becomes more evident, in this docudrama, that people imprisoned for the use and distribution of weed needs to be stopped. A great movie with naration from Alex Jones, a fighter for American Freedom.
(29 April 2012)
This is a must-see film because it destined to become an icon of the marijuana anti-prohibition movement. Even to someone who has not consumed weed in decades, this film definitely opens anyone's eyes concerning the detrimental economic, social and human ramifications created by marijuana prohibition. It takes the viewer through a journey of real life stories involving the relatively new California legal marijuana industry using a refreshing angle which does not focus strictly on the medicinal value of marijuana. The widespread responsible consumption of marijuana for personal recreation and mood enhancement is addressed as well. While there are many light and entertaining moments which are implied by a somewhat playful title, the subject matter and the production values of this film give it a serious historical position as an iconic mainstream documentary film.
(29 April 2012)
"How Weed Won the West" sheds light on the issues surrounding the legalization of marijuana. It presents a detailed outline of each parties' thoughts and outlooks on the legalization of this widely controversial drug. California farmers, DEA members and various members of law enforcement voice their opinions on whether or not marijuana should be legalized. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the information given about the Dark Alliance, which is a group that works with drug cartels and dealers to regulate the amount of drugs coming into the USA. This film was interesting because it represented the points of view of many different members of the country - from former drug dealers to activists. We also see the filmmaker, Booth, test out the drug in order to demonstrate its effects on the human body. It offers a true look into just how controversial marijuana use has become and how often it is debated within our country each day.
sumankey13 (20 April 2012)
Not your typical "stoner" movie, Kevin Booth's newest documentary onthe varied and complex issues in the hemp movement showcases the mostrecent, hot-off-the-presses, real-life situations involved in the movefor hemp/ cannabis re-legalization, and deserves national attention.It's high production quality and in-depth, respectful, and honest lookinto the lives of the people this issue affects, puts it well above thebar of marijuana joke movies. This is an issue that is far tooimportant for people to sit back on any longer. Kevin's film reflectsthe humanity behind an often demonized and misunderstood, healing, andpossibly economic panacea herb -- Cannabis marijuana, hemp. Used to belegal. Should be again! Great, educational, funny, and moving movie.Peace. S
dschmeding (20 April 2012)
Since this is not the directors first piece I wonder how he can put outthis disaster of a documentary. The editing, shaky camera-work use ofmusic and storytelling is the worst I have ever seen and remind me ofbad school projects. Technically everything is a mess here... even thelower thirds are irritating. I also was constantly reminded of theFamily Guy Episode where Lois and Peter make music on weed and thinkits cool while everybody else is annoyed of the display of lack oftalent. It just fits this "documentary" on many levels.As for the content... Its hard to concentrate with the irritatingediting that seems to put random shaky pictures of bad footage in ahectic music video fashion on top of an off-speaker who is as annoyingas most of the people interviews here. Its hard to feel sympathy withmost of the people appearing in this documentary from the messed upstoner's to Alex Jones who delivers some painfully staged statements inhis typical "He who screams loudest wins" fashion. Honestly if thismovie achieves anything it makes you wonder if legalizing weed isreally the right thing to do, although you were 100% sure its rightbefore watching this. This movie screams "Drugs are bad" at you whiletalking about the opposite.There are loads of interesting and well done documentaries on thissubject but this is a totally incoherent mess ... its a shame someoneputs out such atrocious work after 20 years of work as a director andeditor. Most of the comments here must be written by people involved inthis production because this documentary fails on every level likeusually only beginners do, so I can't possible think why anyone wouldrate this higher than 3 stars. Stay away!
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