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Reefer Madness

by: Rosi Efthim

Sat Jan 23, 2010 at 03:01:51 PM EST

I was never much of a pot-smoker. For one thing, I'm a relentlessly straight-arrow (sad, true), and for another the smoke just makes my eyes itch to the degree of zero-mellow, trust me. But I think most laws governing the use of marijuana are absurdly over-reactive, and driven by prudish fears of "unspeakable scourge" like the movie that ties for my all-time favorite midnight cult show, Reefer Madness. (You know what my other favorite is, right? Speculation encouraged in Comments). For your weekend enjoyment, 68 minutes of Reefer Madness is below.

Right now, there are volunteers from NORML - National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law - out gathering petition signatures in New Brunswick for a ballot initiative that seeks less aggressive arrest and prosecution policies for adult personal use. Sounds like a good idea to me.

I went to school in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where NORML - with heavy support from University of Michigan students - was successful in reducing most marijuana arrests to a $5 fine (now $25), a misdemeanor ticket in your mailbox. The provision's actually written right into the city charter. Ann Arbor's now one of 30 cities with "Low-Priority" ordinances. Seattle's resulted in a 75% reduction in simple marijuana possession arrests after 2 years. New Brunswick would be the first such ordinance in NJ.

NORML activists are always concerned with decriminalizing marijuana use in large part to free up personal enjoyment, but they're wise - and correct - to highlight the issue from an economic perspective. They make the point that passing this initiative would increase public safety in the city by freeing up police resources for more serious threats to public safety. You know, violent crimes, white collar misdeeds, stuff like that. Not Reefer Madness mayhem destroying the youth of America.

According to NORML-NJ's figures, last year nearly 30,000 were arrested in NJ for marijuana possession, costing taxpayers an estimated $3,000-$10,000 per case. Criminal penalties in NJ, regarded as some of the nation's harshest, can include up to 6 months in jail, fines and suspension of driving privileges - even if no motor vehicle was involved in the crime. Conviction can also result in a criminal record reflecting a drug crime and can pose difficulties in finding a job or accessing student financial aid. An obvious concern to college students, who comprise much of NB's population. NORML-NJ is chaired by criminal attorney Frederic DiMaria, Jr.

It's been a rough year for ballot initiatives in New Brunswick, but it's been a better year for saner laws for marijuana use. Petition info for New Brunswick.

Okay, speculation time. What's my other favorite cult movie? What's yours?

Rosi Efthim :: Reefer Madness

Tags: NORML, New Brunswick, marijuana, (All Tags)

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Reefer Madness | 27 comments

Rocky Horror Picture Show (0.00 / 0)

Pink Floyd The Wall is another good one. I would love to see The Big Lebowski's cult status reach the point where it finds its way onto the midnight screeens. I have heard that in some parts of the country, the Sound of Music is shown at midnight with Rocky Horroresque singalongs.

One of these days, I am going to get around to talking to the management of the local movie theater in Dunellen, which is owned by the bar and grill next door and has tables in between rows of seats for the serving of food and beverages.

Dunellen might be a little square for midnight screenings of cult films, but in this economy, the almighty dollar might talk louder than the community's sensibilities/sensitivities.

Are there any theaters in the greater Flemington area that have midnight screenings of cult films? If not, is Dunellen too far away for you and others in your area to travel to see movies like these?

With regards to the discomfort that you experience from pot smoke, I would offer the same advice that I extended to Jay Lassiter: brownies.

You forgot to mention that University of Michigan Ann Arbor is the home of an annual festival called Hemp Fest.

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sat Jan 23, 2010 at 21:48:32 PM UTC

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Nope (0.00 / 0)

Think darker. Much, much darker.

Weirder.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sat Jan 23, 2010 at 21:50:08 PM UTC

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A Clockwork Orange? (0.00 / 0)

I don't know that many cult films that are on the midnight screening circuit. If this isn't correct, can you give us a hint? The name of the filmmaker or an actor in the film?

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sat Jan 23, 2010 at 23:17:34 PM UTC

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darker? (0.00 / 0)

How about Carrie?

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 01:29:45 AM UTC

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Waaaaaaaay darker (0.00 / 0)

than Carrie.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 04:33:37 AM UTC

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Finding Nemo (0.00 / 0)

I am watching it with my daughter as I type this and anyone who has ever seen this film knows that the opening minutes are as a dark as any since Bambi.

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 18:31:32 PM UTC

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Bambi (0.00 / 0)

Bambi scares the crap out of me, I've never seen it.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 20:07:05 PM UTC

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Angel Heart? (0.00 / 0)

by: Dvd Avins @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 18:53:26 PM UTC

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Angel Heart (0.00 / 0)

Way too mass market. No.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 20:08:00 PM UTC

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Obscure hint. (0.00 / 0)

Bowls of water in the dresser drawers.

Additional obscure hints, or easier hints, available on request.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 04:48:01 AM UTC

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Sound of Music? The Exorcist? (0.00 / 0)

How about that for a double feature?

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 05:04:14 AM UTC

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Serial Mom. (0.00 / 0)

I don't know it's this is culty enough, but it's John Waters and I love him.

activist for hire.

by: Jay Lassiter @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 12:31:06 PM UTC

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John Waters (0.00 / 0)

Anything by him scores very high on my midnight cult-o-meter (particularly if it has Scratch 'n Sniff). But, alas no.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 17:54:40 PM UTC

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Waters is fantastic, but... (3.00 / 1)

...Hairspray is much better than Serial Mom

As fun as the remake of Hairspray is, particularly with John Travolta's performance, it is sad that so many people aren't aware of the brilliance that is the original.

And if it wasn't for Pecker, the tea bag might never have become the adjective and verb that it is today.

While there have been many members of the LGBT community who have contributed many wonderful things to our culture, I wonder if any have contributed as much as John Waters.

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 18:16:36 PM UTC

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Hairspray (0.00 / 0)

Cannot hold a tease comb to Polyester.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 23:08:46 PM UTC

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never heard of it (0.00 / 0)

Is that John Waters as well?

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Mon Jan 25, 2010 at 00:10:01 AM UTC

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Dr. Strangelove (0.00 / 0)

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
Planet of the Apes?
Beach Blanket Bingo?

None are better than Happy Texas.

by: Thurman Hart @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 17:11:51 PM UTC

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Less-obscure hint (0.00 / 0)

Mutant baby.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 17:57:54 PM UTC

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Honey I Blew Up The Kid? (0.00 / 0)

Warmer or colder?

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 18:40:29 PM UTC

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Neither. Just funny. n/t (0.00 / 0)

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 20:08:30 PM UTC

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Very unobscure hints, now. (0.00 / 0)

David Lynch.
Hair.
Industrial settings.
Took 5 years to shoot.
Lady in the Radiator.
Deformed baby.
Dark, bizarre, surreal.
Mary X.
Greystone Mansion.
American Film Institute.

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.

by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 20:18:26 PM UTC

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Blue Velvet (0.00 / 0)

It's either that or David Lynch made a biopic about Dick and Mary Jo Codey that I have never heard about.

If you like Blue Velvet, then you'll love this.

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 22:53:30 PM UTC

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sheesh ... (0.00 / 0)

nobody got it, huh? I guessed it immediately way back when you said, "darker than Rocky Horror," but I'm too lazy on the weekend to log in and comment.

by: denniscmcgrath @ Mon Jan 25, 2010 at 13:08:36 PM UTC

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So what movie was it, Dennis? (0.00 / 0)

Inquiring minds want to know.

by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Mon Jan 25, 2010 at 15:00:56 PM UTC

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