After an announcement that John Conyers (House Judiciary Committee) would be investigating the DEA in respect to recent Paramilitary-style raids on local pot dispensaries - the country's top Drug Czar released a notice to the public warning that the habitual use of marijuana could heighten depression - and ultimately - result in an ongoing development of mental and emotional problems.
If you're in the dark about the veracity of those statements - you may want to take in a screening of "REEFER MADNESS" - when it next screens at a local theatre near you.
After all, "Reefer Madness" is a wicked hilarious twist on the whole controversial subject.
The cult classic was originally conceived as a propaganda tool to quell desire for the evil drug among troubled rebellious youth - with the ultimate aim - of curbing any bold-faced effort to legalize the leafy substance for use in polite social circles.
In fact, the 1936 exploitation film revolves around the fictional tragic events that ensue when a handful of naive high school students are lured by dreaded pushers to smoke "marijuana".
For instance, the filmmakers focus on a hit and run accident, manslaughter, suicide, rape, and - in at least one instance - a descent into madness.
The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and starred a cast of mostly unknown actors.
"Reefer Madness" was originally financed by a church group and crowned with the inspiring title, "Tell Your Children".
The film was intended as a morality tale and - likewise - cleverly crafted to warn teenagers about the alleged pitfalls of using illicit drugs such as cannabis.
As fate would have it, soon after the film was shot, a visionary producer - Dwain Esper - bought the unreleased project and re-cut the raw footage for distribution on the exploitation film circuit.
Early on, the film never garnered much attention, though.
But, in the 1970's, it was rediscovered and gained a persona of its own as a piece of unintentional comedy among cannabis smokers.
Today, it is in the public domain in the United State, and is considered a cult film which has inspired a musical satire (playing off-Broadway in 2001) and a Showtime feature film titled - "Reefer Madness" - based on the musical.
Don't forget to take along your "Volcano" when you screen it, Michael Phelps!
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