A church group produced the 1936 American propaganda film to warn people about the purported dangers of cannabis. It was just one part of a concerted effort in the 1930s to criminalize cannabis and other narcotics. 

But despite its original intent, the film has since become known for its campy, false, and over-the-top portrayal of the plant’s supposed effects on young people. 

It’s become a prominent and influential piece of American media, though not for the reasons its producers hoped. In fact, “reefer madness” is often used today as a sort of shorthand for any messaging or actions against drug use seen as hysterical, unnecessary, or false.

Here are five interesting facts about “Reefer Madness” that you may not know:

The original title of the film was “Tell Your Children.” 

Would “Reefer Madness” be the cannabis cultural touchstone it is today without its sensational name? We’ll never know. You have to admit, though, that it’s a much catchier title than the original one French-American film director Louis J. Gasnier gave it. 

“Tell Your Children” was the name of the small church group that financed the film—and the inspiration for its title.

That quickly changed when husband-and-wife exploitation filmmakers and distributors Dwain and Hildagarde Esper bought the film (though Dwain was the face of the operation). They recut the film, adding more bawdy scenes, and renamed it “Reefer Madness” for a more salacious vibe.

“Reefer Madness” was a flop—and the founder of NORML rediscovered it decades later.

The Espers distributed the new cut on the exploitation film circuit under different names, like “The Burning Question,” where it performed pretty poorly and was quickly shelved.

Around 1970, the film was rediscovered by the founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws — an advocacy group still influential today. In 1973, founder Keith Stroup told The New York Times that NORML had attained the rights to distribute the film, which by then was seen as humorous and ironic. The film grossed about $100,000 through showings in about 20 cities on college campuses and traditional theaters, Stroup said.

Today, the film is in the public domain.

True crimes likely inspired the “Reefer Madness” sensationalism.

There was a strong pro-prohibitionist movement in the 1930s, primarily led by anti-pot crusader Harry Anslinger, the first head of the newly created Federal Bureau of Narcotics, in 1930. The FBN enlisted self-proclaimed cannabis experts to convince the public (and juries) that marijuana use led to violent crime.

But it was an actual ax murder of five in Tampa, Florida, that supposedly served as the true inspiration for “Reefer Madness.” 

Florida man Victor Licata killed both of his parents and all three of his siblings with the crude weapon in 1933, purportedly while in a cannabis-created delirium. That latter false belief gave him the nickname “Dream Slayer” and provided leaders like Anslinger the ammunition they needed to criminalize cannabis.

A film called “Madness,” based on more than a decade of research into these killings and their impact on American drug policy, is being produced by Florida native Devin Muller, who wrote and is directing it. The COVID-19 pandemic held up the film’s production.

“Reefer Madness” has established itself as a pop-culture staple.

From references in stoner-buddy flicks like “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” to made-for-TV musical remakes starring Kristen Bell, there is no doubt that this small-budget exploitation flick has had a big impact on American culture—for better or worse.

Scientific research has widely debunked the film’s portrayal of cannabis as a dangerous and deadly substance.

Despite decades of prohibition on federally funded research, scientists and researchers are finding that weed is the safest of all drugs used recreationally. Experts and regular citizens are regularly discovering its medical benefits as legalization sweeps the nation. Two more states adopted adult-use cannabis programs in the November 2022 elections, and the movement shows no signs of slowing down. 

Growers generally create cannabis strains by breeding varieties based on their terpene profiles, which affect their psychoactive properties and drive consumer preference. Terpene profiles influence effects such as energy levels and mental clarity. 

Below are suggested strains to pair with some of your favorite activities. 

Head Out for a Night on the Town

Super Silver Haze is an excellent choice for a night out on the town.  Users report this strain will enhance your experiences by giving you an energy boost and a body buzz while reducing your weekday stress and social anxiety. 

Users say another benefit of Super Silver Haze is the enhancement of your senses. The club lights will be breathtaking, drinks taste better, and the music immerses you. This is the strain to use before starting an unforgettable night out.

Exercise

Mixing cannabis and exercise has been increasing in popularity. There are even gyms that promote the practice. pairing exercise with cannabis. The popular Durban Poison strain will likely give you bursts of energy, help you feel clearheaded, and may increase your productivity. This strain is also a popular exercise enhancer because users say it reduces fatigue and boosts motivation. 

“The majority of participants who endorsed using cannabis shortly before/after exercise reported that doing so enhances their enjoyment of and recovery from exercise, and approximately half reported that it increases their motivation to exercise,” according to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health.

Watch a Documentary

If you want a relaxing evening in front of the TV, Cereal Milk may be exactly what you are looking for. Users say this strain will calm your daily stresses while soothing your body and mind. This strain is also known to improve focus, allowing you to absorb information thoughtfully.

Laugh at a Comedy Show

One of the pronounced effects of the Tropicana Cookies strain is that it has been known to cause fits of giggles — which is why it’s an excellent option when seeing a comedian or attending an improv show. Users report this strain also increases your energy while letting you stay focused and level-headed. Because the strain is also a social enhancer, it can make a comedy show with friends even more enjoyable. 

Read a Book

There’s no better way to spend a moody evening than with a cozy blanket, a thrilling book, and some cannabis to immerse yourself in the story fully. Gelato may be just the strain for this scenario. Users say Gelato increases your focus, improves mood, relieves stress, and allows your imagination to jump into whatever adventure you are reading. 

Go on a Date

Something as special as blossoming love requires the Unicorn Poop strain. This hybrid strain is perfect for date night because many say it improves conversation, gives you a small bout of giggles, and gently puts your body and mind into a euphoric state.

Cheer on Your Team at a Sporting Event

Sporting events are known for their ice-cold beers, cheering fans, and high energy. The Lemon Cake OG is an excellent addition to your game day checklist. This strain will likely give you all the energy needed to cheer your team to a win. The stimulating buzz accompanying this strain will invigorate your body and mind, adding to the excitement of the competition. While it doesn’t guarantee a win for your team, it can offer fans an exciting experience.

Whatever your plans, consider using a special strain to get you in the right mood to experience each activity to the fullest!

A Miner and Co. Studio survey showed that cannabis users said that consuming the plant increased their interest in whatever they were watching and boosted their attention span.

What strains are best to consume before sitting in that comfy recliner seat you reserved at the local megaplex? Likely a hybrid strain — something that keeps you invested in what you’re watching but also relaxes you so you can chill out to the max.

Here are the top five strains we recommend:

GG4

This strain, also known as Gorilla Glue, Original Glue, and simply Glue, is an award-winner known for its euphoric and couch-locking effects (think glue + couch).

“Relaxed” and “hungry” are two of the top effects listed by consumers of the strain according to the authoritative cannabis website and database, Leafly.

This is a versatile option but could be best for a super-hero or action film. 

Blue Dream

Among the most famous hybrid strains, Blue Dream is perfect for the movies thanks to its “cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation,” as described in Leafly.

“Creative” and “uplifted” are two of the most common user descriptions of the sativa-dominant strain in the Leafly database.

This strain may be best for a plot-twisting mystery or thriller. 

Do-Si-Dos

Likely named after the Girl Scout cookies, Do-Si-Dos are an indica-dominant hybrid strain that provide an immediate heavy hit. AllBud describes the high as a: “cerebral rush of euphoric energy…before fading into a happy stoney introspection.” If that doesn’t make you want to take a few hits before you walk into the theater, we don’t know what will.

“Relaxed” and “hungry” are two of the most common feelings reported by Leafly users. This strain is probably best for a “popcorn flick” with plenty of entertainment value but not as thought-provoking.  

Apple Fritter

Like the pastry, this hybrid is reportedly delicious and uplifting but with enough weight to keep you locked to your chair. This strain is probably perfect for a comedy as “relaxed,” “tingly,” and “giggly” are the three top feelings reported by Leafly users.

White Widow

This is another well-known and popular hybrid born in the 1990s.

Wikileaf touts the strain’s “quick-acting cerebral effects.” Adding that users can be “tuned into sounds and patterns that may have gone unnoticed before.” 

“Energetic” and “creative” are two of the top feelings associated with the strain, according to user reports in the Leafly database.

White Widow is probably best for something a little more avant-garde that requires some creative thinking to understand. It makes for great conversation over dinner after the credits roll.

Whether you’re out to catch the latest thriller, romcom, or indie art flick, consider one of these five strains before you sit down and lock yourself in for the ride.

But remember, always consume responsibly — public consumption of cannabis is banned in every legal state, as is driving under the influence. 

May we recommend a ride-hailing service like Lyft or Uber or even a nice walk if you live within a reasonable distance?

Enjoy the show!

The Podcast is available on any of these platforms.

We’ve been working on something special and we are excited to finally be able to share our first podcast with everyone (while offering a special thanks to Caliva for being our sponsor)!

Meet Our Host – Kevin Fermin:

Kevin is a cannabis enthusiast and professional with over ten years of cannabis experience. Starting off as a trimmer at the age of 18 Kevin quickly became enamored with the cannabis plant and its medicinal effects along with the change of perception brought along with consumption.  Soon he moved into the retail space and fell in love with the satisfaction of providing the public with alternative methods of pain and psychiatric management.

Meet our Guest Host – Betty Blazed:

Betty is a cannabis influencer and advocate on Instagram and The WeedTube. You also may have seen her on TikTok as @thatbishbetty! But besides all that, she is just a girl who enjoys getting high, geeking out and talking your ear off about weed. Her love for Mary Jane has been growing for a while now. Before moving out to Southern California, she lived in both Oregon & Hawaii; two unique climates for growing cannabis and cultivating her knowledge. When she made the move to California, her eyes were opened wide by the cannabis scene here! “It’s a new wave, and I want to ride it!” she thought. “I wanted to be part of something big, to help educate and guide others, all while doing what I love most, smoking weed!”

Enjoy listing to Kevin and Betty on our first podcast – The Cannifornian Podcast!

Listen in as they discuss fun, safe and educational information to learn about and stay up to date on the cannabis and CBD industry. For upcoming podcasts, we’ll continue to do a deep dive into legalization, health and wellness benefits, culture, and much more!

Follow us on Anchor, Spotify, Apple and Google Podcast at The Cannifornian Podcast!⁠