First we saw "Pot Barons of Colorado" released by MSNBC in late November. Now a CNBC documentary, led by correspondent Harry Smith, is charting "the rise of a new American industry," reporting on the results of recreational marijuana legalization in the state–what CNBC is calling "this unprecedented social experiment." The documentary, called “Marijuana Country: The Cannabis Boom," premiers Monday, Jan. 5 at 9PM ET/PT.
According to a representative from CNBC, "Smith profiles the most successful marijuana merchant in Denver, who hopes to expand his family run business to other states as they follow Colorado’s lead and legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use. He explores the new world of cannabis-infused edibles and the sale of pot brownies, chocolates and even soda, which has led to some confusion and controversy over dosing and portion size. CNBC cameras also follow two pot dealers–one of them a U.S. Army veteran–who profit from a black market that funnels the drug across state lines and continues to thrive despite the new law."
The documentary also explores an issue that has been quite high-profile in all states where marijuana has been legalized, whether for medical or recreational use: what legalization means for employers and employees, drug testing and drug-free workplaces. "Harry Smith talks to Brandon Coats, who awaits a State Supreme Court ruling that could ripple across the country. Coats was fired from his job when he tested positive for THC–the result of an act that was legal according to the state," according to CNBC.
"Smith also reports on the plight of medical refugees, a fellowship of hundreds of families that have moved to Colorado to obtain medicinal marijuana they can’t get in their home states," CNBC reports.
For more information, extras and videos, visit the website.
Pictured: CNBC correspondent Harry Smith. Photo courtesy CNBC.
