New Documentary Explores Racism in the War on Drugs

By Tiarra Mukherjee Apr 23, 2019

A new documentary detailing racial inequality in the cannabis industry is in the works from NBA All-Star turned activist Caron Butler. Principal photography is already underway for “The Green Dream,” which highlights the harsh realities of Black and Latinx people who are disproportionately criminalized for marijuana use and possession, Deadline reports today (April 23). The film, scheduled for a 2020 release, will weave together interviews with activists, celebrities, politicians and law enforcement officers to explore the many ways Black and Latinx people are targeted for marijuana-related arrests, despite the push for decriminalization in other communities. 

Butler previously played for several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings. These days, he is known for his work on criminal justice reform. He told Deadline that, “as an active participant of reform against mass incarceration, it’s paramount that this side of the story is told.”

“This film explores an issue that lives mostly under the radar when you look at the hot topic of cannabis legalization,” added co-producer Parisa Dunn (“U.S. Drug Wars”). “You only need scratch the surface to find that the biggest winners of decriminalization are not those who have suffered most from the impact of the War on Drugs.”