The Evolution of Marijuana: From Menace to Legalization
In the 1930s, marijuana was portrayed as a “ghastly menace” in the propaganda film “Reefer Madness.” However, over the years, public perception of the drug has shifted dramatically. Today, many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and the drug is no longer considered a criminal offense.
The podcast “Reefer Growing Madness” explores the history of marijuana and its legalization. The show’s host, Matt Casey, takes listeners on a journey from the early days of marijuana prohibition to the present day, where marijuana is legal for recreational use in many states.
The podcast begins with a discussion of the 1936 film “Reefer Madness,” which was intended to scare people away from marijuana. The film portrays marijuana as a violent and addictive drug that can lead to insanity and death. However, the film’s portrayal of marijuana was exaggerated and misleading, and it has since become a cult classic.
The podcast then turns to the history of marijuana prohibition in the United States. In the 1970s, the Nixon administration launched a war on drugs, which included the criminalization of marijuana. The war on drugs was based on the idea that marijuana was a dangerous drug that was leading to a rise in crime and social problems.
However, as the years went by, it became clear that the war on drugs was not working. Marijuana was still widely available, and many people were being arrested and imprisoned for possessing or selling the drug. In the 1990s, a movement began to reform marijuana laws, with many people calling for the drug to be legalized.
In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then, many other states have followed suit, and marijuana is now legal for recreational use in over half of the United States.
The podcast also explores the current state of the marijuana industry, including the rise of legal dispensaries and the development of new marijuana products. The show’s host, Matt Casey, visits a dispensary and samples some of the products available.
Throughout the podcast, Casey also talks to experts and advocates for marijuana legalization. He discusses the benefits of legalization, including the potential for increased tax revenue and the reduction of crime. He also talks about the challenges of legalization, including the need to regulate the industry and ensure that marijuana is not being used by minors.
Overall, “Reefer Growing Madness” is a fascinating podcast that explores the history and current state of marijuana legalization.
