Piece Description

In the 1970's the marijuana market was flowing from the south into the US through Mexico and Florida. Unlike today, where most marijuana is grown domestically, the best pot came across the border. There was a wild west atmosphere in Florida at the time where anyone with the resources and business sense could cash in the on the crop.

To a born entrepreneur like Robert Platshorn, it was a welcome cash heavy prospect. But after running some harrying but successful operations into Columbia Bobby Tuna closed up shop. He was one of the smart few who knew how to get our early with their winnings from the game. It was over a year later that he was slapped with federal smuggling charges and faced a frightening prison sentence. In many ways all of Robert's worst fears came true. He lost his wealth and enterprises and would spend a full 30 years in federal prison, much of the time in maximum security.

Robert remains the longest servicng pot prisoner. I met him this year in san Fransisico at the NAtioanl NORMl conference. He was there with his son, who was just 4 when Bob went away to prison.

We talk about his tales for smuggling, being charged and convicted and now his life after prison re-uniting with family and friends who have supported him.

The interview aired on Active Voice radio 11/18/2009