The best cannabis shows, movies, and documentaries to watch
Article written by
April AcernoContent Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Gavin MorelandMedical Director
Cannabis remains a thought-provoking and often controversial subject. So, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of shows, movies, and documentaries about cannabis available on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about the endocannabinoid system or explore the history of cannabis legalization, these documentaries and series offer an entertaining yet educational way to learn about cannabis.
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Best shows and documentaries about cannabis
Below, you’ll find some of the most highly rated documentaries and shows about cannabis. Stream them on available platforms, from Netflix to Hulu.
Grass is Greener (2019)
Hosted by hip hop pioneer Fab Five Freddy, Grass is Greener examines the history of cannabis prohibition in the United States and its ties to music, Black and Latinx communities, and public perception around cannabis use.
The documentary features interviews with celebrities, attorneys, and cannabis influencers, as well as people whose lives have been negatively impacted by anti-cannabis laws.
Weed the People (2018)
Produced by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, Weed the People is a moving documentary about the families of children who use medical cannabis to help manage cancer symptoms.
The film follows their emotional journeys as they navigate the legal and medical challenges of accessing cannabis-based treatments for their children.
The God Plant (2018)
According to viewers, The God Plant is one of the most comprehensive documentaries about cannabis. It explores the early history of cannabis use, the science behind the endocannabinoid system, the legal landscape around cannabis, and more.
The God Plant proposes using the billions of dollars generated by cannabis taxes for good by reinvesting money into cannabis research, healthcare, and community development.
Waldo on Weed (2019)
Waldo on Weed is a thought-provoking documentary about a young boy with eye cancer and his parents’ search for relief through cannabis therapy.
After traditional chemotherapy caused severe side effects, the family turned to cannabidiol (CBD) oil to manage his symptoms — even traveling across the country to access treatment legally.
The film is both a story about medical cannabis and a powerful portrait of parents who stop at nothing to find effective treatment for their son.
In Pot We Trust (2007)
In Pot We Trust is a documentary that follows people with chronic illnesses who use medical cannabis as part of their treatment.
The film is celebrated for its relatively unbiased portrayal of the medical cannabis industry. It highlights the plant’s potential benefits, as well as some of its drawbacks, which include a complex legal system that can be challenging for many medical users to navigate.
Medicinal 101 (2009)
Medicinal 101 offers a compelling look at some of the legal injustices around cannabis criminalization. It features interviews with attorneys, activists, physicians, and people whose lives have been personally affected by cannabis-related drug convictions.
The documentary advocates for cannabis legalization as a path to justice, though the legal landscape around cannabis has significantly evolved since this film was released in 2009.
Lynching Charlie Lynch (2011)
In 2006, Charlie Lynch opened a medical cannabis dispensary in California after applying for a business license, joining his local Chamber of Commerce, and cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Despite complying with these legal requirements, his dispensary was targeted by a large federal investigation that eventually landed him in a federal detention center. Lynching Charlie Lynch documents his story.
Although it was released over a decade ago, the film reminds viewers that cannabis legislation still has a long way to go.
How Weed Won the West (2010)
How Weed Won the West is another film that highlights the intersection between cannabis and politics. Directed by noted documentarian Kevin Booth, the film focuses on the medical cannabis industry in Los Angeles, California, during the 2000s.
The documentary captures the tension between the fast-growing medical market and anti-cannabis law enforcement at that time.
The Legend of 420 (2017)
The Legend of 420 offers a lighter, more humorous approach to cannabis culture. It explores the effects of legalization and how cannabis has influenced art, fine dining, and culture.
This documentary is an entertaining yet educational watch for anyone curious about how cannabis went from taboo to trendy.
Green Guild (2011)
Green Guild is a highly rated documentary centered around the day-to-day operations of a medical cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles. It features interviews with staff, patients, and cannabis advocates to highlight the unique challenges of running a dispensary.
Green Guild was released several years ago. While watching the film, you can see how far the industry has come — and how much farther it still needs to go in terms of social acceptance and legalization.
Weediquette (2016)
Weediquette is a binge-worthy documentary series that follows ViceMedia correspondent Krishna Andavolu as he explores different avenues of cannabis culture, including legalization, science, and economics.
Across its three seasons, Weediquette offers a deep dive into the cannabis industry, educating viewers on its many complexities and legal obstacles.
High: The True Tale of American Marijuana (2008)
High: The True Tale of American Marijuana offers a fascinating deep dive into the history of cannabis criminalization in the U.S., tracing back to the “reefer madness” era of the 1930s. The documentary aims to answer why cannabis has been one of the most demonized plants in American history.
Honorable mentions
If you’re looking for something less educational and more entertaining, here are some recommendations for cannabis shows to watch:
- Cooked with Cannabis: This cooking competition features chefs serving their best cannabis-infused dishes to a panel of judges.
- Disjointed: Kathy Bates stars in this sitcom about a woman who runs a cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles, California.
- Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle: This classic comedy is a great choice when you’re looking for laughs.
- The Marijuana Show: Similar to Shark Tank, this reality show features cannabis entrepreneurs pitching their products to a team of investors.
Why cannabis education is important
Without proper education, the cannabis landscape can be difficult to navigate. Research on the plant is still evolving, and cannabis laws are frequently changing. Misinformation around the plant’s potential benefits, risks, and legal status persists.
Cannabis documentaries, shows, and movies serve as valuable educational tools that can help separate fact from fiction. But the best way to stay informed is to speak directly with a doctor who’s educated in cannabis care.
Schedule an appointment at Leafwell to speak with a cannabis-informed doctor. They can help you personalize your cannabis use to your health needs.
