The project was born out of Bob Przybylski’s observation of cannabis’s prevalent role in Bay City, sparking a curiosity to explore beyond the visible signs and smells. Over 18 months, Przybylski and Beacom conducted in-depth interviews with various stakeholders in the cannabis industry, including business owners and workers and they visited cultivation sites. The film also includes footage from the Michigan CannaTech Expo and engages with local officials, law enforcement, psychologists, addiction specialists and residents to offer a rounded perspective on the industry’s impact on communities.

Michigan’s cannabis industry has seen impressive growth in recent years. In 2023, the industry marked a milestone, with sales totaling $3.06 billion, a notable increase from the previous year. This growth positively affected the local economy, generating substantial tax revenue for state and local governments. With recreational cannabis sales accounting for a major portion of this total, the industry’s expansion has also led to the opening of 120 new dispensaries statewide.