Reefer Madness
The legalization of cannabis is on the rise around America, but did you ever wonder why was it prohibited in the first place? In this class we look back on the many uses of cannabis throughout history and then dive into how sensationalist journalism, racism, and the rise of big business came together to vilify this plant in the early 20th century.
We place a special emphasis on propaganda films like Reefer Madness and Marihuana: Weed with Roots in Hell that created a culture of fear around one of humanity’s longest used resources. Bringing it up to the present, we also discuss how public perception and use of cannabis developed over the last century and society’s recent re-acceptance of it as a medicinal and recreational drug.