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Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug on the planet. In most countries, this plant is illegal; some brand it as dangerous; others seem to look the other way. In the U.S. the federal government places it in the same category as heroin. Across the globe, bold growers plant gardens in national forests, national parks and suburban homes converted into greenhouses. Scientists who study this plant consider it among the most complex in the plant kingdom with 400 active chemicals and compounds. And in California alone, the marijuana trade out paces the entire wine industry, placing it among the largest cash crops in the United States. Intertwined with culture, economics, law enforcement and perhaps medical miracles, this plant holds both peril and promise. Join National Geographic’s EXPLORER as we investigate the state of marijuana.

- http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/explorer/3821/Overview

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C12H16N2O said:

Here's hoping we can rely on National Geographic for an honest educational show. It would be a real shame to see a scientific journal misguided by propaganda.

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Quote:

Hello all,

"Wow!" That was my first thought after watching the trailer for an
upcoming National Geographic Explorer entitled 'Marijuana Nation'.

For nearly 18 months, producers, editors and, bless them, fact checkers
from National Geographic have been corresponding with NORML seeking all
kinds of information regarding medical cannabis, eradication efforts by
law enforcement, the pro and con arguments for reform, contact information
for all of sides of the debate, etc.

Watch the video at:
http://blog.norml.org/2008/11/26/i'm-thankful-for-lucy-ling-and-national-geographic/


I'm keen to reply to the oft ask question 'why is cannabis is illegal?'
that if we have a watchdog press regarding cannabis prohibition rather
than a lapdog press, there is little doubt in my mind that substantive
reforms occur quickly--not over decades, which is what the general pace of
reform has been when otherwise intelligent, critically-thinking
journalists parrot the government's propaganda, thereby mis-educating (in
some cases, regarding some media outlets, outright misleading) the
citizenry who rely so heavily on what is supposed to be verified and
credible information.

While having not seen the entire product, if the trailer of NatlGeo
journalist Lucy Ling's commentary is an indicator, I'm greatly looking
forward to viewing Marijuana Nation on National Geographic at 10PM
(eastern/pacific), Tuesday, December 2.

Ms. Ling has covered the war on some drugs as a total-hands-on-journalist
(a rarity these days!) from virtually all angles, from Colombia to
Compton, and her personal commentary regarding what she has seen and
believes regarding America's cannabis prohibition laws is Murrow-esque.

;D)

Enjoy your T-Day,

-Allen
NORML

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