It's taboo to deal drugs.
James' single mother struggles to pay for rent and food because she makes minimum wage.
James wants to help his mother pay the bills.
James starts working at McDonald's for minimum wage just like his mother.
James starts selling marijuana to his friends and giving the extra money to his mom.
James turns over all his salary to his mother, leaving their family slightly less desperate.
James is eventually arrested, but his mother is able to keep paying the bills with the cash he hid.