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‘Cannabis Buyers Club’ Documentary Featured at Tribeca Film Festival

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The dawn of the movement to legalize weed in the United States is explored in a new documentary film series, which made its world premiere this week at the Tribeca Film Festival. Cannabis Buyers Club, the story of pot dealer, cannabis reform leader and queer rights activist Dennis Peron, debuted at the world-renowned film festival on Monday, with a repeat showing planned for tonight.

“Cannabis Buyers Club chronicles the most important unknown LGBTQ+ rights struggle of the 20th century,” reads a synopsis of the film shared by the Tribeca Film Festival. “When a new disease ravages his community and the government doesn’t care, renegade pot dealer Dennis Peron leads a movement to help, heal, and fight back. Peron, a gay Vietnam vet, builds a pot empire in the middle of the war on drugs and fights politicians and police to save his friends. The definitive story of marijuana legalization in America.”

The four-part documentary series was directed by Kip Andersen and Chris O’Connell, who also served as the film’s producer. In the opening episode, the film follows Peron’s introduction to cannabis as a reluctant soldier in Vietnam. Eschewing alcohol as a “war drug,” the pacifist instead turned to pot when it was time for his unit to take R & R.

From Vietnam To The Castro

Not long before his tour in Vietnam ended, Peron traveled to Thailand, where he bought five or six pounds of some of the best cannabis in the world. Then, assigned to the base mail room after returning to his unit, he began sending weed back to the United States hidden in cassette tape cases. After returning to America and taking up residence in San Francisco, Peron’s foray into the underground pot industry continued in earnest.

His involvement in the community and political activism put Peron at the front of the effort to legalize weed in San Francisco, where he counted gay activist and later county supervisor Harvey Milk among his many allies. Selling pot from storefronts in the Castro, Peron’s will to champion cannabis policy reform was galvanized by the AIDS epidemic, which took the lives of his partner and countless others and left his friends and neighbors wasting away. Cannabis stimulated patients’ appetites and helped keep from losing weight, prolonging their lives.

In the early 1990s, Peron founded the Cannabis Buyers Club in San Francisco, giving patients and their caregivers a safe place to obtain the medicine they needed. In 1996, he co-authored Proposition 215, the landmark ballot measure that legalized the medical use of cannabis in California.

“In order to unpack the stories of Cannabis Buyers Club, you have to know the mood of San Francisco at that time, as well as the events that led to Dennis becoming this controversial guy,” Andersen and O’Connell write in their directors’ statement. “These events could only have happened in San Francisco, which stars in this film alongside Dennis and other colorful characters: Brownie Mary, Tony Sera, Joe Banon, Greg Corrales. It was the perfect political storm where the AIDS crisis crashed into the drug war and a liberal city fought against a conservative state and won. Precedents were set in justice, the repercussions of which are still felt today, with new states legalizing marijuana every year.”

Peron suffered a stroke in 2010, making it difficult for him to speak. His health declining, Peron shared his life story with the filmmakers behind Cannabis Buyers Club in the last interviews before his death in 2018.

“A few months into making this film, Dennis, the controversial protagonist and hero died,” wrote O’Connell and Andersen. “We were with him in his bedroom days before, cameras rolling hearing the story from him. We remember that last interview. He told us how he used to walk right into Dianne Feinstein’s office when she was mayor of San Francisco. He could do that, well, because he kind of ran that city then.”

Cannabis Buyers Club Screening At Tribeca Film Festival

In addition to the June 16 screening of Cannabis Buyers Club, the Tribeca Film Festival is hosting virtual access to the documentary for viewing at home, which began on June 15. The festival started on June 8 and closes on Sunday, June 19.

“This 2022 feature film program leaves us proud and humbled by the boundless ingenuity and passion of our indefatigable filmmaking community,” festival director and vice president of programming Cara Cusumano said in a press release when this year’s selections were revealed in April. “Whether a comedic breath of fresh air or a trenchant expose of the most urgent contemporary issues, this year’s official selections again remind us of the vitality and urgency of independent film in a world that needs it more than ever.”

The post ‘Cannabis Buyers Club’ Documentary Featured at Tribeca Film Festival appeared first on High Times.

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High Expectations: A Journey Through the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg

Exploring the Cannabis Landscape in Johannesburg South Africa

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Embarking on a journey through the vibrant cannabis landscape at the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was nothing short of extraordinary. From groundbreaking innovations to the palpable enthusiasm in the air, the event left an indelible mark on every attendee.

The expo showcased a myriad of cutting-edge cannabis products, each a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From revolutionary cultivation techniques to colorful consumption devices and mouth watering edibles on sale.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, I had the privilege of engaging with industry pioneers. Their insights into the cannabis market’s evolution were not only enlightening but also provided a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Amidst the booths and displays, I witnessed the beating heart of Johannesburg’s cannabis community. Passionate advocates, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts gathered to share their experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.The expo was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, a true reflection of the diverse tapestry that makes up South Africa’s cannabis community. From traditional rituals to modern practices, the event celebrated the rich heritage woven into the fabric of cannabis culture.

Embarking on a journey through the vibrant cannabis landscape at the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was nothing short of extraordinary. From groundbreaking innovations to the palpable enthusiasm in the air, the event left an indelible mark on every attendee.

The expo showcased a myriad of cutting-edge cannabis products, each a testament to the industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence. From revolutionary cultivation techniques to colorful consumption devices and mouth watering edibles on sale.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, I had the privilege of engaging with industry pioneers. Their insights into the cannabis market’s evolution were not only enlightening but also provided a glimpse into the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Amidst the booths and displays, I witnessed the beating heart of Johannesburg’s cannabis community. Passionate advocates, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts gathered to share their experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.The expo was a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, a true reflection of the diverse tapestry that makes up South Africa’s cannabis community. From traditional rituals to modern practices, the event celebrated the rich heritage woven into the fabric of cannabis culture.

As the day unfolded, it became evident that the cannabis community in Johannesburg is not just an industry; it’s a movement. The call to action, echoed through the vibrant atmosphere, resonated with a shared goal — to uplift and support one another. I extend an invitation to join hands in supporting the cannabis movement. Your contribution can pave the way for more events, more innovations, and a future where cannabis is embraced and understood.

In conclusion, attending the Cannabis Expo in Johannesburg was an immersive experience, an odyssey through the present and future of a rapidly evolving industry. From groundbreaking innovations to the heartbeat of a united community, every moment underscored the significance of cannabis in South Africa’s cultural narrative. As we move forward, let’s continue to support and celebrate the boundless potential that lies within the cannabis community.

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Unleashing Creativity: Cannabis and Artistic Inspiration

Cannabis + Creativity doc shares stories of plant-infused artistry

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Cannabis, often synonymous with creativity, has served as a muse for countless artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers throughout the annals of history. This profound connection between cannabis and the arts is brilliantly illuminated in the recently released short documentary, “Cannabis + Creativity,” directed by Elana Frankel, with Kassia Graham serving as the assistant director

Poster by Dan Tashman

In this captivating film, a diverse array of artists representing various creative realms come together to dive deeper into the profound influence of the cannabis plant on their creative processes. The subjects range from accomplished composers and musicians to renowned poets and innovative designers. The documentary delves into both the personal and professional lives of these six visionary artists, offering an intimate glimpse into their unique creative methodologies, all while unravelling the profound impact that cannabis has on their artistic expression.

Within the short timeframe, viewers are treated to firsthand testimonials from each creator, as they generously invite us into their personal relationship with the plant. Whilst providing a window into their creative workflow as impacted by cannabis. Each individual brings their own fresh perspective, coupled with personal anecdotes, sharing stories of entrepreneurial journeys in the cannabis industry, or how they turn to cannabis-infused edibles to help them tap into their creative wellspring, slowing down the world to forge profound connections with their artistry.

Director Elana Frankel eloquently encapsulates the essence of the documentary, stating, “Can cannabis increase creativity? We embarked on a journey of discovery within our documentary, ‘Cannabis + Creativity.’ Through the lens of six individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and professions, we set out to explore how this remarkable plant supports and fuels their creative lifestyles. They experiment, take risks, break rules, and most importantly, they have fun. In the end, they all share a common tool – cannabis – as a means to express themselves and bring their artistic visions to life.”

The intricate interplay between cannabis and creativity is a subject of enduring fascination. Cannabis documentaries have emerged as an invaluable medium, not only for educating but also entertaining audiences, shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of this versatile plant. So dive into this green frontier and be sure to include “Cannabis + Creativity” on your must-watch list

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The Prospect of Hemp in India

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The relationship of India with Cannabis dates back to 2000 BC when religious scholars called it one of the five sacred plants in ancient Vedas Texts. Still, the plant is illegal to use in many parts of the country except for research, medical purposes, and government-authorized premises. However, today, India is developing as one of the leaders working to revitalize the industrial hemp crop. It has changed the lives of millions of Indian farmers. This sustainable crop can be used in making over 25,000 products. These include medicine, textile, oil, food, and gas. 

China, on the other hand, is the largest producer of industrial hemp. It shares more than 20% of world production growing agro-economy crops. Even in America, there are 32 states that have legalized the cultivation of ‘Cannabis Sativa’, and Canada also established itself as the leading producer of hemp seeds for various uses. As the countries around the world are taking the initiative regarding hemp cultivation, India has also joined the race, working to revitalize the 12,000 years old hemp crop. 

Industrial Hemp- A Leader of Agro Economy

When it comes to cannabis plants or hemp, the first thought is to associate it with psychoactive drugs called Marijuana, which is not completely true. Industrial hemp has a long controversy of being linked with marijuana. However, the major thing to consider is -the amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what makes marijuana a psychoactive drug. In hemp, Cannabidiol (CBD) has a more significant percentage as compared to the amount of THC, which makes it user-friendly. Moreover, this percentage doesn’t make it fall under narcotics, which is illegal. In the Hemp flower, the THC level is between 0.02% and 0.3% compared to the level in marijuana, which is 5% to 10%. According to 1985’s Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act, the cannabis plant with a lower THC level than 0.3% is legal for commercial cultivation. 

Perfect Areas for Hemp Cultivation

In India, the Ganges river basin is considered a perfect area for the cultivation of hemp. Any barren hilly region with water-scarce is considered a positive area for the cultivation of hemp. Hemp needs consistent moisture only during the establishment of germination and seedling. The average rainfall (annually) in India is between 300-650mm, which is appropriate for the cultivation of industrial hemp. As a tropical nation, India has an amazing photoperiod that is also beneficial for the growth of hemp. The best part about hemp crop cultivation is – it can be grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Moreover, it can be used in crop rotation to remove soil remediation, pesticide effects, weeding fields, and bioabsorption of containment and heavy metals. 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, there are many benefits of hemp cultivation. It will increase GDP per capita and uplift the socio-economic level of the Indian farmers. Although India is trying to seek alternatives to conventional farming that involves pesticides and chemical fertilizers, Industrial hemp is moving ahead with organic farming and better sustainable agriculture practices. For Indian farmers, industrial has become a profitable and reliable source of income. However, it is yet to see what steps the government of India takes to get maximum benefits from this miraculous crop.

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