Vice Season 2 Episode 6 Rocky Mountain High & North Korean Defectors

In Vice season 2 episode 6, viewers are taken on a journey through two vastly different worlds. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal, medical, and political implications of the growing movement to legalize marijuana in the United States. The Vice team travels to Denver, Colorado, where residents enjoy the freedom of legally consuming and selling marijuana for recreational use. The team speaks to activists, entrepreneurs, and law enforcement officials, who share their opinions on the impact of legalization on public safety, economic growth, and social justice.

The Vice team also explores the scientific research on marijuana's effects on the brain and body. They interview doctors and patients who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes, such as pain relief or to treat symptoms of PTSD, epilepsy, and cancer. While many advocates praise the benefits of marijuana, others caution that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and potential risks.

After exploring the marijuana industry in Colorado, the episode takes a drastic turn as the Vice team travels to Seoul, South Korea, to investigate the plight of North Korean defectors. The team talks to activists and aid workers who assist defectors in their dangerous journey of fleeing their authoritarian homeland and seeking asylum in South Korea or other countries. The team learns about the challenges defectors face, such as navigating the complex legal system, adapting to a new language and culture, and overcoming trauma and stigma.

The Vice team also explores the broader geopolitical implications of North Korea's human rights abuses and nuclear ambitions. They speak to experts and officials who provide insight into the latest developments in the North Korean crisis and the international efforts to contain the regime's threats. The team sheds light on the human toll of political tensions and the importance of diplomacy and humanitarian aid in resolving the crisis.

Overall, Rocky Mountain High & North Korean Defectors offers a thought-provoking and informative look at two pressing issues of our time. The episode highlights the need for evidence-based policies on drug reform and for compassion and solidarity with those who suffer from political oppression and deprivation.