5 Cannabis Documentaries for Stoners on Netflix

As the weather gets cooler, it’s prime Netflix watching season. And while that might mean a lot of getting high and watching Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, there’s also the option of taking the educational route. And by that, we mean a good weed documentary.

There’s some pretty fascinating investigative content out there at the moment and it can be overwhelming to know what’s worth watching. If you’re looking for the best round up of weed documentaries on Netflix right now, we’ve got you covered. 

Grass is Greener

The Grass is Greener is a 2019 doco from director Fab 5 Freddie that delves into the history of cannabis in the US. The documentary provides a compelling look into marijuana’s influence on American culture after its entry into the market in the 1990s.

It celebrates marijuana’s connection to jazz and hip hop—highlighting cannabis icons like Bob Marley, Louis Armstrong, and Snoop Dogg—and also documents the darker side of cannabis with thought-provoking debate.

Not only does The Grass is Greener have an awesome soundtrack, but it also provides fascinating exposure on how the drug played a key part in injustices made under prohibition, and how “reefer madness” swept the nation. Don’t miss this one.

Rolling Papers 

Released in 2015 and directed by Mitch Dickman, Rolling Papers provides an insight into the importance of cannabis journalism in recent times. The documentary celebrates the impact of cannabis on the economy, including the story behind The Denver Post’s stance on cannabis reporting and how it pioneered a change for the shrinking journalism industry.

Cannabis enthusiasts will enjoy the beautifully shot visuals, with lots of marijuana eye candy to feed the senses. But more than just aesthetically pleasing, Rolling Papers provides an important look at the significance journalism plays in the booming cannabis industry, including consumer rights and quality control. 

While the documentary covers contentious issues like the war on drugs and parenting and cannabis, it also illuminates the thriving business world of cannabis. A fascinating must-watch.

Weed The People

Weed The People is a provocative documentary about American families struggling with disease and their limited access to medicinal cannabis. 

The recipient of Nashville Film Festival’s 2018 Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary tells the story of the US government’s war on drugs and how it impacted access to medical marijuana, through the eyes of American sufferers of childhood cancer.

Weed The People exposes how the government compromised efforts to prove the positive effects of cannabinoids and highlights international studies that identify CBD research as a key therapy for cancer patients. This emotionally-charged film gives an important message about the life-saving healing properties of cannabis.

The Legend of 420

If you’re interested in the evolution of marijuana in mainstream society, you shouldn’t miss The Legend of 420. The documentary takes you through the history of the drug’s classification—from a once dangerous substance to its decriminalization—and how and why this has evolved. 

The 2017 documentary from director Peter Spirer provides insightful interviews with experts, celebrities, politicians, and growers that paint a thought-provoking picture of how the cannabis business has come to be what it is today and what we might expect in the future. 

Murder Mountain

If you’re looking for something a little more unique (and creepy) in the cannabis documentary department, Murder Mountain might be just the film for you. The 2019 true-crime documentary series tells the story of Garret Rodriguez, a man who vanished after heading to work as a grower in a marijuana field in Humboldt County, California in 2013.

It’s not only a true story about the mysterious murders, sex trafficking, and disappearances in the area, but also one of marijuana legalization. With 30 open cases still going on today, this series shines a light into Murder Mountain’s quest for justice and makes for one super compelling Netflix night-in.

What’s your favourite cannabis documentary? Let us know in the comments below!