"Smoke Screen" challenges the accepted dogma concerning America's drug problems and the so called "War on Drugs". Over the past 36 years, this war has cost American taxpayers more than the WARS in VIETNAM or IRAQ! Still there are more illegal drugs on America's streets today than ever before.
Thatcher Brown a graduate student at UCLA is working on a project to verify the use of cannabis to help in the treatment of pain, nausea and disease. His best friend and neighbor, Jon Marshall, (black) go out for an evening to celebrate the end of the term. They are caught up in the criminal justice system because they, along with two girls are smoking pot.
This WAR, with it's primary goal of incarceration rather than treatment has ruined the lives of millions of Americans with it's primary goal of incarceration rather than treatment. It stresses criminal rather than medical solutions. It denies MILLIONS stricken with cancer and other diseases relief from PAIN and SUFFERING!
Thatcher and Jon, whose parents are upper middle class families, have strong, successful fathers. Robert Brown is a top lawyer who believes that "the law is the law" and those who break it will suffer the consequences of their actions. His mother, Carol Brown is a strong woman determined to help her son.
SMOKE SCREEN is a 90 minute drama as well as a documentary. These "real people" are part of a story involving statements, interviews and lectures by former and current law enforcement, prosecutors, leaders, judges and others who believe the "War on Drugs" has caused their fellow citizens terrible harm. Many feel remorseful about their past participation in this unjust system and believe "you can get over an ADDICTION but you will never get over a CONVICTION". This is a quote from LEAP, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a group formed a few years ago and now has thousands of supporters all over the world.
http://www.eldoggo.com/Trailer.htm
It is my opinion that this should be seen by as many folks as possible in the hopes that someday everyone will see what the WOD really is.