Want to make a Documentary without getting people in trouble

[OnVideoandMic]

I live in New York State but this would be a documentary that I would like to get out all over the U.S.

I would like to make this documentary about marijuana use in our society. I want to do a segment on it about people who smoke but are still functional citizens in society. The problem is that I want to actually show them, and they would be admitting to smoking. I don't want to have to conceal faces and voices because I feel it would take away from the message.

Is there a some way that I can do this without repercussions arising for these people and myself?

Thank you all for your help.

[Zigner]

Originally Posted by OnVideoandMic

I live in New York State but this would be a documentary that I would like to get out all over the U.S.

I would like to make this documentary about marijuana use in our society. I want to do a segment on it about people who smoke but are still functional citizens in society. The problem is that I want to actually show them, and they would be admitting to smoking. I don't want to have to conceal faces and voices because I feel it would take away from the message.

Is there a some way that I can do this without repercussions arising for these people and myself?

Thank you all for your help.

What makes you think anybody would want to participate?

I mean, even pot-heads know better than to admit, on camera, to their illegal use...

[Tallrat]

I believe lots of people would if legally protected. They do documentaries on sex swapping, Heroin addicts and just about every thing else. Sorry I don't know the answer though.

[Roo]

National Geographic and CNBC have done documentaries of this nature; Marijuana Nation and Marijuana, Inc., respectively. Although individuals are not identified by name, they are interviewed without any attempt to disguise faces or general locations. Many growers are interviewed in their own fields. So, obviously, it can be done.
I would suggest consulting a competent attorney before proceeding too far into the project.