Druglawed

"How New Zealand Got Rolled Up In The U.S. Drug War"

Jan 1 2015 N/A 1h 40m
Crime, Documentary, History

DRUGLAWED is the explosive documentary exposing how New Zealand has been co-opted by the US into fighting the failed War On Drugs. Filmed in six countries over four years, this is the documentary that finally clears the smoke around the international prohibition of cannabis. Over the last 100 years the US government has forced its drug control policies on almost every country on earth. 40 years since Richard Nixon declared the War On Drugs in 1972, 22 million Americans have been arrested for marijuana. Only one country in the world has higher arrest and conviction rates: New Zealand. DRUGLAWED examines how New Zealand fell in lockstep with US policies, and shows how smaller countries can break out.

Plot

184 countries signed up to fight Richard Nixon's War On Drugs. New Zealand adopted these drug policies and for decades has lead the world in arresting its citizens for cannabis. Now even as the US turns its back on the failed prohibition of marijuana, New Zealand refuses to change its approach. Someone is arrested here for cannabis every thirty minutes - despite the fact that no one has ever died from using it, the war on cannabis has no end in sight. Through cannabis users and growers, police officers, economists, doctors, politicians and scientists, we examine the cause and effect nature of the underground cannabis business - and explain how other jurisdictions have pulled this black market out of the darkness.

Written by

Yuki Sato

Directed by

Arik Reiss

Cast

Ethan Nadelmann, David Nutt, Rick Doblin

Crew

View crew

Production Companies

Section 18 Media

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
136
Average Rating
9.2 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA