The term #0excludeGlossary originated from a 1936 film that sought to instill fear about the use of cannabis by depicting outlandish and catastrophic outcomes for those who indulged in marijuana. Initially created as a cautionary tale, the film was later rebranded by filmmaker Dwain Esper to capitalize on its sensationalist potential. Over the decades, “Reefer Madness” has transformed from a symbol of anti-cannabis propaganda to a cultural reference point for the absurdity of past cannabis-related hysteria. Today, the term is often used with a touch of irony, reflecting on the exaggerated claims of the past while acknowledging the strides made in cannabis legalization and education. For those immersed in the cannabis industry, “Reefer Madness” serves as both a historical artifact and a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation. As the cannabis landscape continues to shift, the legacy of “Reefer Madness” underscores the need for accurate information and open dialogue in shaping the future of cannabis policy and perception. [Source: Harvard]
Reefer Madness is an American public service announcement and exploitation film about drug use and abuse. It was originally titled Tell Your Children, and it has been known by the titles The Burning Question, Dope Addict, Doped Youth, and Love Madness as well.
| Reefer Madness | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1972 theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Louis J. Gasnier |
| Screenplay by | Arthur Hoerl |
| Story by | Lawrence Meade |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Jack Greenhalgh |
| Edited by | Carl Pierson |
| Music by | Abe Meyer |
Production companies | G&H Productions |
| Distributed by | Motion Picture Ventures |
Release date |
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Running time | 68 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $100,000 (about $2,175,000 in 2024) |
| Box office | $1,443,000 (1970 reissue) |
In the film, aspiring high school students are enticed by pushers to try marijuana. They become addicted and engage in criminal activities such as a hit and run, manslaughter, murder, conspiracy to murder and attempted rape. They suffer hallucinations, descend into manic-depressive episodes and insanity, and associate with organized crime. One character commits suicide.
The film was produced in 1936 by mainstream independent filmmaker George Hirliman. It was financed by a church group and intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale about the dangers of cannabis use. Directed by silent-era pioneer Louis J. Gasnier, it featured a cast of mainly little-known actors. In 1938, exploitation film producer Dwain Esper purchased the film and recut it for distribution to exploitation houses, catering to vulgar interest while escaping censorship under the guise of moral guidance. Esper retitled the film Reefer Madness.
Reefer Madness was "rediscovered" in the early 1970s, and it became an underground hit on college campuses. It gained new life as an unintentional satire among advocates of cannabis policy reform. Critics have called it one of the worst films ever made, and it has gained a cult following within cannabis culture. It is in the public domain in the United States, due to the film carrying an improper copyright notice.