William Bermudez and Sam Friedman’s Grassland is a captivating social justice drama that transports viewers back to 2008, a year marked by the financial crisis and the height of America’s punitive War On Drugs. The film follows the story of Sofia (Mía Maestro), a Latina single mother who turns to growing cannabis in the basement of her rented apartment to make ends meet for her and her young son, Leo (Ravi Cabot-Conyers). Their lives take a dramatic turn when their new neighbor, John (Jeff Kober), a retired cop, moves into the building and his grandson befriends Leo. As John’s suspicions about Sofia’s activities grow, tension escalates and threatens to unravel her precarious world.
Cabot-Conyers delivers a heartwarming performance as Leo, whose innocence and curiosity provide a stark contrast to the harsh realities of his life. Kober brings depth to his character, John, who is shaped by his own biases and regrets, making him both antagonist and victim of systemic failure while raising his grandson Tom alone. Sofia’s story is raw and authentic, portraying her not as a criminal, but as a mother doing what she must to provide for her child during difficult times. Maestro’s performance captures Sofia’s struggles perfectly, showcasing her strength and vulnerability. Her basement grow operation is not glamorous, but a necessary means of survival, putting her at risk in a society that harshly punished people for even small amounts of cannabis.
The film also sheds light on the unfair enforcement of cannabis laws almost two decades ago. In 2008, Black and Latino communities were disproportionately targeted, facing much higher arrest rates than white people for marijuana possession. This is exemplified through Brandon (Quincy Isaiah), Sofia’s friend who helps care for Leo but avoids deeper involvement in her operation due to his own criminal record – a chilling reminder of how even minor offenses can have long-lasting consequences.
Grassland is more than just a film about cannabis; it’s a powerful commentary on survival, injustice, and the real human cost of systemic racial profiling. What makes the film even more poignant is how much has changed since 2008, yet how far we still have to go. Cannabis legalization has spread across the US, with 24 states and Washington, DC, legalizing adult use. Main Street dispensaries now sell products that were once considered illegal and sent people to prison. However, thousands are still incarcerated for non-violent cannabis-related offenses, some serving lengthy sentences for small amounts of weed. Organizations like Freedom Grow, 40 Tons, and the Last Prisoner Project are working to free these individuals, but progress is slow.
Society’s perception of cannabis has shifted significantly since 2008. Back then, only about 30 percent of Americans supported legalization, but now, according to a 2024 Pew research poll, 88 percent of US adults believe cannabis should be legal for medical or adult use. The industry is booming, with the US market estimated at $38.50 billion. Grassland serves as a reminder of how much has changed, but also how much work still needs to be done to address the injustices of the past and present.
