'Reefer Madness: The Musical' Goes To Show That Outdated Weed Hysteria Is Still Fun To Parody

A lot has changed since “Reefer Madness: The Musical” debuted at the Hudson Theatre on Santa Monica Blvd. in 1998, starting with the legalization of marijuana in most states and the Biden administration's recent proposal to reschedule cannabis from its onerous position as a dangerous Schedule I drug to Schedule III.

The revival of a show lampooning outdated pot hysteria goes to show that “Reefer Madness” is still fun to make fun of.

Directed by Spencer Liff — who also did the choreography — and produced by Reefer’s original stars Alan Cumming and Kristen Bell, the dancing extravaganza is set against a 1930s backdrop reminiscent of the original 1936 film that inspired the musical.

"Even in a modest house on Hollywood Blvd., this dance-happy, immersive production feels about as big as the threat that marijuana poses to middle America in the 1930s," wrote Variety's Chris Millman.

Original Reefer Madness: Racist Inspiration Of Harry Anslinger

The campy yet made-in-all-seriousness first version of “Reefer Madness” was a sort of PSA to get the word of Harry Anslinger out. At the time, Anslinger was head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, which along with several other agencies eventually blended under the umbrella of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which turned 50 in 2023.

"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others," Anslinger said at the time.

That very music, jazz and swing dance are at the core of the new version of Reefer Madness. The plot mirrors the simplicity of the original film: boy meets girl, boy meets weed, girl joins in and they both spiral into chaos among other friends who are all losing their composure in a "reefer den."

The cast, notes Variety, is universally praised, with standout performances extending to the ensemble members, who impress with numerous costume changes and dynamic roles.

“Reefer Madness: The Musical” is playing at The Whitley theater in Los Angeles until July 21.

 There will be no weed hysteria at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago this Oct. 8-9, just lots of top executives, investors, advocates and policymakers. Get your tickets now before prices go up by following this link.

Now Read: UN Health Official’s New Report Calls For End To Drug War, Harm Reduction, Scientific Approach To Drug Policy

Courtesy photo