CNBC to Permiere Marijuana USA December 8th

In CNBC’s original documentary, "Marijuana USA," cannabis meets capitalism head on, as the world’s most commonly used illicit drug comes out of the shadows and into the mainstream.

As more states pass laws permitting the use of marijuana for medicinal use, the once vilified weed is having its moment in the sun. Some hope–and others fear– the whole country may soon be going to pot.

CNBC’s Trish Regan travels the country and finds that in many places, marijuana has shed its back-alley stigma. In Colorado, this thriving industry is infusing much-needed capital and jobs into a weak economy. It’s attracting savvy, young entrepreneurs who are re-branding pot as a natural herbal remedy that can be sold openly at a dispensary near you. Astonishingly, it’s regulated, licensed and taxed, just like any other legitimate product.

But even in this bold new era of relaxed state laws, the drug remains in clear violation of federal laws. Law enforcement officers and federal officials vow they will not surrender. CNBC travels to the frontlines of America’s weed wars – from the fierce political campaign to legalize the drug in California to the ambitious air and ground campaign to search for marijuana plots deep in the mountainous terrain of eastern Kentucky.

"Marijuana USA" goes inside the rapidly changing business of a drug whose popularity – and profitability – is spreading like never before.

Marijuana USA will premiere on Wednesday, December 8th at 9pm ET. The one hour documentary will repeat that evening at 10pm ET, 12am ET and 1am ET.

The show will also re-air on the following dates:

Thursday, December 9th at 8pm ET and 12am ET

Sunday, December 12th at 10pm ET