Blunt Reflections on the Federal War on Drugs with Author Jim Higdon
High Time for a Change? Blunt Reflections on the Federal War on Drugs with Author Jim Higdon
Tuesday, March 25, 12-1pm
Room 122
James Higdon is the author of The Cornbread Mafia, the story of the largest marijuana syndicate in American history, headquartered in his hometown of Lebanon, Kentucky. The book recounts the rise and fall of this organization, culminating in 70 arrests across 10 states and the seizure of 200 tons of marijuana. In the course of his reporting, Higdon became the first journalist subpoenaed by the Obama administration due to his relationship with marijuana kingpin and current federal fugitive Johnny Boone, who faces life in prison without parole for his non-violent crimes.
Mr. Higdon is a graduate of Centre College, Brown University’s creative writing program, and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and is a former web producer for the New York Times with recent stories in High Times, Fortune and Esquire.
Mr. Higdon will discuss the current state of the federal War on Drugs, legalization efforts at the state level, the aggressive federal prosecution of Johnny Boone, and the experience of being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury for his work as a journalist.