Legalized, medical cannabis has changed lives in Canada, America and Israel where it is easy to access and research is developed. It is prescribed by doctors and used by children to treat extreme cases of epilepsy, and it also helps adults with PTSD, pain from cancer, and it’s byproducts like CBD is used as a neutraceutical.
Now that’s it’s legal in more than half of all US states, what should be done with the people incarcerated when it was outlawed?
Grassland, a timely social justice narrative film highlighting the perils of cannabis incarceration, is now available for streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, Roku, and more.
The story follows Leo (Cabot-Conyers), a curious and sensitive young boy whose world is turned upside down when he befriends his new neighbors—an inquisitive young white boy and his police officer grandfather (Kober). Unknowingly, Leo’s friendship places his single mother (Maestro), who is secretly running an illegal cannabis business, at risk.
Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning artist Common serves as an Executive Producer. The film stars Mía Maestro (The Motorcycle Diaries), Quincy Isaiah (Winning Time), Jeff Kober (Sons of Anarchy), Ravi Cabot-Conyers (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew), and Sean Convery. Rounding out the cast are Rachel Ticotin, Armando Riesco, Claudia Robinson, and newcomer Elizabeth Cuzzupoli. Set in 2008, amidst the economic recession, Grassland explores the stark realities of racial inequality in the criminal justice system.
The Grassland team launched a robust impact and advocacy campaign aimed to target relevant federal, state-level criminal justice reform and the estimated 40,000+ Americans still in prison on low-level cannabis possession charges, despite the legal cannabis industry reaching over $30 Billion in 2024 in the U.S.
The film partnered with Common’s organization, Free to Dream, as well as lifestyle brand Shinola and Last Prisoner Project in its impact campaign. As part of their partnership with Shinola, the film’s team launched a multi-city screening tour featuring panels with activists in the cannabis equity space.
Executive Produced by Common and Directed by William Bermudez and Sam Friedman, Grassland offers an intimate portrayal of race, justice, and family, telling a story of friendship, courage, and sacrifice. As Leo’s desire to protect his family unknowingly jeopardizes their safety, the film powerfully illustrates the devastating cost of systemic injustice.
