I will readily admit up front to being biased, as I have lived in Humboldt County CA for many decades and am both familiar with the unique evolution of the "industry" and the lifestyle so entertainingly depicted, but I also know many of the extremely talented actors and musicians that reside in our little slice of heaven here behind the Redwood Curtain. That such a polished and professional film grew here organically from a held-over multi-year hit stage production of our internationally known Dell'Arte Theater Academy to a brilliant screenplay is no surprise. Our coastal niche here in NorCal has attracted many famous refugees from various areas of metropolitan madness, and this film represents the fruit of the efforts of a myriad of talented contributors. Virtually the entirety of the writing, acting, musical scoring, recording and performance, filming, directing and editing were done by people with a long term connection to the community.
Okay, okay... as to the movie. The subject matter couldn't be more topical, what with the national mood of sanity that is (finally? hopefully?) beginning to blossom... pun intended. As well as a fun romp and musical celebration of what has been a medicinal and recreational mainstay of human cultures for many thousands of years, the film doesn't shy away from the fallout of the consequences, unintended or otherwise, of our nations second great attempt at "prohibition". Reefer madness indeed. Lasting many times longer than the prohibition on alcohol... which spawned organized crime and actually spread alcohol consumption, our misguided attempt to protect our children from the "threat" of black culture and music some 80 years ago has had a similar rain of negative fallout.
All of these aspects in our Humboldt (trademarked) microcosm are well represented in the film... a musical AND a "potumentary" documentary. Above all else the nearly two hours running time is imbued with humor and sanity... what better antidote for the truly runaway freak show currently into its second held over year in our nations capital. 'Nuff said.