In 1936, a low-budget propaganda film set out to warn the public about the dangers of cannabis. Instead, it became one of the most infamous examples of moral panic ever committed to screen.

In this episode, Paul O’Donoghue of Give & Toke is joined by Joel and Bash of Exotican to revisit Reefer Madness, the film that tried to terrify audiences with tales of insanity, violence, and social decay. What was intended as a cautionary tale has since evolved into a cult classic and a cultural case study in misinformation.

Together, they unpack the historical context behind the film, the forces that shaped early cannabis prohibition, and the unintended consequences of exaggerated drug messaging. More than just cinema, Reefer Madness reveals how fear-based narratives can influence public perception, policy, and stigma for generations.

Was it effective public education or one of the greatest propaganda misfires in modern history?

🔗 Give & Toke: https://giveandtoke.com.au

🔗 Exotican: https://exotican.com.au

Helping or Hurting? is a limited series from Give & Toke and Exotican examining how cannabis has been portrayed on screen, and whether those portrayals have shaped perception for better or worse.