Reefer Madness: "Marijuana is more dangerous than heroin" The anti-pot movie - Film

Reefer Madness from 1936 is not a stoner movie in the modern sense – but without this film, many later classics would probably not exist. Originally produced as a warning film against marijuana, it supposedly shows how a single joint leads to madness, violence, death and the devil’s work. The problem? The exaggerated portrayal, the moral panic and the complete loss of reality turned it into an unintentional comedy cult decades later. Today, the film is celebrated by stoners and activists with an ironic wink – as a lesson in how propaganda doesn’t work. Back to the list: Movies with cannabis.

What is Reefer Madness about?
Die beliebtesten Kifferfilme

A couple of teenagers try cannabis and, according to the film, end up in a downward spiral of sex, murder, madness and suicide. The plot looks like a theatrical production with dramatic music, stiff dialogue and black and white demonization. Everything is over the top and full of warnings: Smoke weed once – and your life is ruined. For today’s viewers, this seems unintentionally comical, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

Originally under the title “Tell Your Children”

Shows marijuana to be more dangerous than heroin

Today: Ironic cult film at festivals & universities

Stream full movie for free
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New! Reefer Madness in color (colored)

Thank you technology! Reefer Madness colored and after 80 years in color.

Before you stream! Remember: marijuana is more dangerous than heroin” 😂

Reefer Madness in black / white

You want the original? Stream Reefer Madness in black and white here.

Trailer: Original from 1936

Already a topic in cinemas in 1936: Cannabis.

Actors & style: Kitsch cult!

Häufig von anderen gelesen

The actors were rather unknown in their day and play extremely over the top – in keeping with the message of the film. Everything is theatrical, dramatic and morally charged. There is no humor, no irony – but that’s exactly what makes it so funny today. In modern cannabis culture, the film is seen as a prime example of the completely exaggerated anti-drug policies of the past. Many quotes (“Marijuana – the devil’s weed!”) have long since become meme material.

Dorothy Short as Mary – the innocent victim
Dave O’Brien as Ralph – the insane marijuana pusher

What is it about?

Sex, violence, madness – all because of a joint.

4 fun facts about Reefer Madness

The film was lost for decades – until activists rediscovered it in the 1970s and sent it on tour as a satire. Today it is in the public domain and freely available worldwide. There is a musical version, a rock opera and countless reinterpretations. Many activists use the film today to draw attention to the irrationality of earlier drug policies.

First published in 1936 – later recut several times
Rediscovered in the 70s by NORML & students
Remade as a musical adaptation in 2005
Public domain – freely accessible on YouTube & archives

Why this movie belongs

“Reefer Madness” is the origin of the public stoner debate – albeit involuntarily. Today, the film is loved because it shows how absurd and moralistic cannabis used to be. For fans of the genre, it is a must-see – as both an ironic monument and a warning. If you want to experience real film history of the “War on Weed”, this absurd masterpiece is a must-see.

More real stoner movies instead of propaganda?

Once you’ve celebrated “Mac & Devin“, take a look at the most popular cannabis films. Whether it’s classics like “Friday” or musical escalation in “How High” – you’ll find everything here to make your next evening perfect.