WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN DOCUMENTARIES A documentary history of marijuana criminalization in the U.S. [ Grass credits: Dir: Ron Mann/ Woody Harrelson (narrator)/ 80min/ Documentary-Educational/ Canada/ Legalize Drugs, Propaganda] "This is an enjoyable film, and the comic aspect of it also makes it a good pick to share with non-libertarian friends, as it communicates its … [Read more...]
The Hemp Revolution (1995)
A documentary defense of the hemp plant, revealing the laws against it to be hypocritical and unjust. [ The Hemp Revolution credits: Dir: Anthony Clarke/ 75 min/ Documentary-Educational/ Australia/ Legalize Drugs] No trailer is available, but this film is commonly posted online. "A nearly encyclopedic account of hemp’s relationship with modern man. The Hemp Revolution is a … [Read more...]
Sex, Drugs & Democracy (1994)
An examination of Holland’s de facto legalization of a number of victimless crimes reveals the beneficial effects of that legalization. [ Sex, Drugs, & Democracy credits: Dir: Jonathan Blank/ 87 min/ Documentary-Educational/ Government Enforced Morality, Libertarianism 101] "An interesting film that should be instructive to many." In Holland, prostitutes sit in store … [Read more...]
Billion Dollar Crop (1994)
A thoroughgoing defense of hemp that examines both its many uses, and the history and (il)logic of its criminalization. [ Billion Dollar Crop credits: Dir: Barbara A. Chobocky, Michael Cordell/ 55 min/ Documentary-Educational/ Australia/ Legalize Drugs] "Billion Dollar Crop is an engaging documentary. It’s well organized and persuasive, and employs a variety of credible … [Read more...]
L.627 (1992)
A dedicated French drug enforcement agent fights a hopeless battle to win the “War on Drugs.” [ L.627 credits: Dir: Bertrand Tavernier/ Didier Bezace, Jean-Paul Comart, Charlotte Kady/ 145 min/ Drama, Foreign Language/ France/ In French with English subtitles/ Legalize Drugs, Working for Government] Apparently the futile and counterproductive nature of the “War on Drugs” … [Read more...]
The Palermo Connection (1990)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS A New York City politician who campaigns on a platform of drug decriminalization encounters deadly opposition from the Mafia. [ The Palermo Connection credits: Dir: Francesco Rosi/ James Belushi, Mimi Rogers, Joss Ackland/100 min/ Thriller/ France, Italy/ Filmed in English/ Legalize Drugs] “A film that correctly identifies drug prohibition … [Read more...]
Carbine Williams (1952)
Imprisoned for allegedly killing a federal revenue agent, a fiercely independent bootlegger spends his time in jail inventing an improved rifle. Based on a true story. [ Carbine Williams credits: Dir: Richard Thorpe/ James Stewart, Jean Hagen, Wendell Corey/ 90 min/ Drama, Biography/ Creator as Hero, Legalize Drugs, Second Amendment] “Jimmy Stewart is ideal in his … [Read more...]
The Wet Parade (1932)
For two families in early twentieth century America, alcohol addiction brings misery—and Prohibition just makes things worse. Based on the Upton Sinclair novel. [ The Wet Parade credits: Dir: Victor Fleming/ Dorothy Jordan, Robert Young, Lewis Stone/ 118 min/ Drama/ Legalize Drugs] No trailer available but clips may be viewed here. "This entire story could be updated to … [Read more...]
Texas Teenager Faces 99 Years Over Pot Brownies
Nineteen-year-old Jacob Lavaro faces a possible life sentence for making and selling marijuana brownies. [1 min/ Legalize drugs, Law & the individual] UPDATE: "The Austin American-Statesman reports that Jacob Lavoro, the Texas teenager who originally faced a sentence of 10 years to life after he was caught with a pound and a half of hash-infused cookies … [Read more...]
Police Kill 80-Year-Old Man In His Own Bed in Failed Drug Bust
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies storm a retired engineer's dwelling in a failed search for meth, kill him, and can't get their story straight as to how it happened. [8 minutes] TechDirt: Widow Sues LA Sheriff's Dept. After Her 80-Year-Old Husband Is Killed During A Search For Drugs That Weren't Actually There, 2/14/14 Daily Mail: Widow sues for $50M … [Read more...]