Tribute To Peter McWilliams
Host, Casper Leitch, pays tribute to Peter McWilliams with guests Paul Krassner, Peter Christ, Paul Stanford, Todd McCormick, Chris Conrad and Mikkie Norris.
You Can’t Afford The Luxury Of A Negative Thought!
Todd McCormick, Paul Krassner, Paul Stanford, Chris Conrad, Mikki Norris, and Peter Christ homage to the late author and activist Peter McWilliams, who was a pioneer in the medical marijuana movement and a visionary in predicting the reality of cyber war.
Peter McWilliams was known for his advocacy for personal liberties and the right to make choices that don't harm others. His work influenced many and he is the person who coined the term 'consensual crime'.
McWilliams faced five years in prison for his need of medical marijuana due to his AIDS diagnosis, which ultimately led to his premature death. The speakers express outrage over his unjust treatment and call for an end to policies surrounding the war on drugs and the denial of medical marijuana defense at the federal level. They honor McWilliams' legacy as an inspiring figure who advocated for improving people's lives.
In this powerful and emotional episode, host Casper Leitch honors the life and legacy of Peter McWilliams: bestselling author, activist, and pioneer in the fight for medical cannabis and personal freedom. This tribute reviews Peter’s influence on the hemp movement, civil liberties, and the battle to end global cannabis-hemp prohibition.
Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of how McWilliams inspired a generation of activists, challenged the U.S. government's war on drugs, and helped lay the foundation for today’s industrial hemp revival, global hemp industry, and expanding hemp markets.
Tune in for a look at a fearless advocate who used his words to change the world and discover why his story still matters very much.
This heartfelt tribute, hosted by Casper Leitch, honors the life and legacy of Peter McWilliams, a prolific author, medical marijuana advocate, and passionate defender of personal liberty. The episode features moving recollections from several prominent activists and friends, including Paul Krassner, Todd McCormick, Peter Christ, Chris Conrad, Mikkie Norris, and Paul Stanford.
Peter McWilliams was an author of over 30 books (5 of which were New York Times bestsellers); an activist for medical marijuana, LGBTQ rights, and individual freedom; he Coined and popularized terms like "victimless crime” and “consensual crime” to describe acts between consenting adults that shouldn’t be criminalized; he was an advocated for the decriminalization of activities like drug use, sex work, and gambling.
Peter McWilliams wasn’t just a writer, he was a catalyst for change, a lover of liberty, and a man who used his voice to fight back against oppressive laws. He was a visionary and trailblazer in drug law reform; a victim of a cruel and outdated legal system; a beacon of humor, compassion, and courage. This tribute serves not just as a memorial, but as a rallying cry to continue the work he started.
Key Themes from the program guests.
Paul Krassner - Satirist and Activist: Recalled McWilliams’ idealism and humor and describes their collaboration on a planned cyber-war film. He Criticized government officials and judges who contributed to McWilliams' suffering and death. He also mentioned Peter McWilliams’ vanity license plate as being the word "ENJOY” as emblematic of his joyful, freedom-focused philosophy.
Peter Christ - Founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP): Explained how McWilliams’ book 'Ain’t Nobody’s Business If You Do' changed his life; described the profound impact McWilliams had on law enforcement activists opposing drug prohibition; differentiated between “normal people” (who share good ideas) and “fascists” (who force them onto others).
Paul Stanford - Cannabis Activist: Shared memories of exchanging emails with McWilliams; described being outraged by McWilliams' arrest and eventual death; criticized the government’s refusal to allow the need for medical cannabis as a legal defense in court.
Chris Conrad and Mickey Norris - Husband and Wife and editors of The West Coast Leaf: Spoke about how McWilliams was “killed by the U.S. government” due to being denied access to medical marijuana; recalled the DEA raid on McWilliams’ home; highlighted his role as a “beacon of light” and advocate for suffering patients; described the U.S. government's war on cannabis as "systemically cruel and inhumane".
Todd McCormick - Cannabis Activists: spoke of his close, brother-like bond with Peter; how they co-authored a cannabis-related book with Peter and was arrested in the same case; described McWilliams as someone with deep knowledge in diverse subjects; explained how Peter’s passion for learning, love, and creative expression shaped his activism; urged listeners to read and explore the preserved online archives of Peter McWilliams’ work.
