Reefer Madness Musical Satirizes War on Drugs in Santa Cruz

Renegade Theater's production examines the legacy of anti-cannabis propaganda and its impact on marginalized communities.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:53am

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A striking black silhouette of a cannabis leaf, rendered in a bold, minimalist style that evokes the visual aesthetic of Saul Bass, conceptually representing the themes of the Reefer Madness musical and the War on Drugs.The Reefer Madness musical satirizes the legacy of anti-cannabis propaganda and its impact on marginalized communities in Santa Cruz.Santa Cruz Today

Renegade Theater's production of 'Reefer Madness: The Musical' at the Santa Cruz Vets Hall blends satire and history to examine the legacy of the War on Drugs. The show explores how the 1936 anti-cannabis film 'Reefer Madness' and the policies of former U.S. Treasury Department narcotics commissioner Harry J. Anslinger demonized and criminalized certain communities, particularly Mexicans, Latinos, and African Americans. The musical features a diverse cast that grapples with portraying villainous characters and conveying the show's serious message through comedy.

Why it matters

The production shines a light on how the War on Drugs has been used as a tool to disrupt and incarcerate marginalized communities, with lasting impacts that continue today. It also explores the role of satire in addressing social and political issues, and how easy it is for nuanced messages to be misinterpreted or co-opted.

The details

The musical follows the story of teenager Jimmy, whose life is upended after he tries marijuana. The show's villains, including a stand-in for Anslinger, use the film 'Reefer Madness' as propaganda to demonize cannabis and the communities associated with it. The cast grapples with portraying these villainous characters in a way that conveys the serious message without losing the satirical edge. Costume designer Shimona Miller incorporated elements like zoot suits, which were historically associated with marginalized groups and seen as 'un-American' during the war effort.

  • The musical runs from April 3 to April 20, 2026, with a special 4/20 closing night performance.
  • The show's producers chose Last Prisoner Project, a cannabis social justice reform nonprofit, as the beneficiary for the run.

The players

Renegade Theater

The local theater company producing the 'Reefer Madness' musical in Santa Cruz.

Jason Ortiz

Director of Strategic Initiatives for Last Prisoner Project, a cannabis social justice reform nonprofit.

Harry J. Anslinger

The first commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who played a key role in demonizing cannabis and certain communities through propaganda like 'Reefer Madness'.

Kathie Mollica

A 71-year-old Navy veteran and reefer enjoyer since age 13, who spoke about her discomfort with wearing her U.S. Navy flag pin due to the association with right-wing politics.

Gennevie 'Q' Herbranson

The producer of Renegade Theater's 'Reefer Madness: The Musical' who condemns the original 'Reefer Madness' film as pivotal to how cannabis was policed in America.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still a little...shy. Especially as we're sitting here in this Veterans Hall, I'm very proud to have served this wonderful country that this man, in my humble opinion, has destroyed.”

— Kathie Mollica, 71-year-old Navy veteran

What’s next

The final weekend of Reefer Madness shows, including the Understudy show on April 17 and the 4/20 Closing Night performance, will take place in Santa Cruz.

The takeaway

The Reefer Madness musical uses satire to shine a light on the legacy of the War on Drugs and how it has been used as a tool to criminalize and disrupt marginalized communities. The production explores the nuanced role of art and comedy in addressing social and political issues, and the importance of media literacy in preventing the misinterpretation of such works.