Code of the West

The issue of medical marijuana is one of the thornier controversies in contemporary American law. Witness the increasing number of states with laws enabling the creation and operation of a licensed and regulated medical marijuana system (and Colorado and Washington state just passed legislation supporting recreational use), even though it is illegal under federal law. Rebecca Richman Cohen's documentary takes a look at the 2011 social and political debate in Montana, as the state legislature began to consider legalizing medical marijuana. Although a law approving medical marijuana succeeded with bipartisan support, an aggressive repeal movement quickly formed to have the law overturned. The arguments from both sides grew emotional and strident as the controversy raged, with terminally ill patients and anti-pot lobbyists making their respective cases. Code of the West focuses more on the political process than on the medical aspects of the controversy, serving up an intriguing and often invigorating behind-the-scenes examination of a hot topic. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)