Watch Canadian Strain

Canadian Strain is a funny and thought-provoking movie that explores the world of cannabis culture in the wake of its legalization in Canada. Starring Jess Salguerio, Colin Mochrie, Natalie Brown, Andrew Curr, Ashleigh Rains, and directed by Geordie Sabbagh, the film gives a refreshing take on the subject matter, tackling issues such as social acceptance, gender roles, and the politics surrounding the legalization of the herb.

The story follows the journey of a young woman named Anne (played by Salguerio) who, after her father's sudden death, inherits his cannabis farm, which has been lying dormant for years. She decides to take a chance and revive the farm. Her life takes a radical turn as she enters the world of cannabis culture, encountering a cast of colorful characters along the way.

One of the most interesting characters in the movie is Joanne (played by Brown), Anne's best friend, who is a staunch feminist and is determined to break the stereotype of women in the cannabis industry being reduced to sex objects. She's also a police officer who has struggled with guilt after arresting people for cannabis-related offenses before it was legalized.

Another character that steals the show is Anne's love interest, Matt (played by Curr), who is also a caregiver for his mother, who has cancer. He’s conflicted with his job and the stigma associated with it, and a desire to help people in need with the drug that he is passionate about.

Their interactions, along with the rest of the cast, propel the story in a way that makes you laugh and empathize at the same time. The characters add dimension to the story, exploring different perspectives on how cannabis affects people in different ways.

Colin Mochrie plays a small but important role as Anne’s dad, the previous owner of the farm, through flashbacks and voiceover. His character gives you a glimpse of what life was like before it became legal and how his passion for the herb was viewed by society.

The filming style is consistent in setting the tone early with a relaxed yet tenacious attitude, with a specific art form of visual storytelling. The film uses color, movement and music to not only set the scenes but also to give commentary on the emotions of the characters.

The soundtrack of Canadian Strain is a mix of reggae, folk and rock, which is very fitting for the theme of the movie. It brings out the essence of the narrative without overpowering the sentiment of the scenes as they unfold.

Overall, Canadian Strain is a movie worth watching, not only for its comedic value but also for the message it carries. It tackles the stigma surrounding cannabis and the people who use it, showing their humanity and how this plant has benefited them, and gives a nod toward real-world social issues. Geordie Sabbagh's strong direction and writing create a humorous and empathetic story that balances the comedic tone with a strong message about acceptance and faith. A smart and enjoyable film, Canadian Strain is an authentic and funny take on the legalization of cannabis.

Canadian Strain is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.