Becoming the King of Pot is a new true crime podcast that chronicles the life of Bruce Perlowin, one of the most notorious marijuana smugglers of all time. Join Todd, the King's cousin, and Bruce as they recount the history of his pot smuggling journey.
Step inside the untold true crime story of America's original drug kingpin, Bruce Perlowin, alongside host Todd Denkin. Long before the era of modern cannabis legalization, medical marijuana, and recreational cannabis, massive operations were built from the ground up during the wild vintage era of the 1970s and 80s. Dive deep into the raw reality of cannabis smuggling, marijuana trafficking, and the extreme risks of drug dealing—rivaling the infamous chaos of the cocaine cowboys. Explore the highs and lows of the booming weed empire, from cold cases and strict marijuana laws to the psychological toll of cannabis addiction and the sheer scale of illicit weed money. As cannabis culture shifted from high-stakes smuggling stories to today's legitimate cannabis industry focused on THC, CBD, and reform, this episode unpacks what it really took to build, run, and survive the nation's most notorious trafficking network. #TrueCrime #KingOfPot #BrucePerlowin #CannabisHistory #SmugglingStories From Becoming the King of Pot — the true story of America's most notorious marijuana smuggler, Bruce Perlowin. ▶ Full episodes: https://youtube.com/@becomingtkop?si=80KKcy2wIzcSrek8?sub_confirmation=1
17 Oct 2026
Cocaine Cowboys Vs. The Hippie Mafia
In this episode of Becoming the King of Pot, host Todd Denkin sits down with legendary marijuana kingpin Bruce Perlowin to reveal explosive smuggling stories from the front lines of the 1970s counterculture. Before building a massive weed empire, Bruce operated at ground zero in South Florida just as the era of the violent cocaine cowboys began to collide with the laid-back hippie mafia. Discover how the early pioneers of cannabis smuggling laid down the nautical routes, radio networks, and offload docks that unintended traffickers later co-opted, and why Bruce made the pivotal decision to abandon Miami for California rather than trade peace and cannabis culture for paranoia, bloodshed, and easy weed money. Diving deep into the vintage era of marijuana trafficking and true crime, Bruce breaks down the stark psychological contrast between dealing THC and moving hard stimulants. While the modern cannabis industry pushes forward through medical marijuana, recreational cannabis, and evolving marijuana laws toward total cannabis legalization, this raw discussion explores cold cases, drug dealing, addiction, and the dark consequences of Nixon’s War on Drugs. Hear firsthand how high-stakes maritime runs, rogue crews, and billions in black-market pot shaped the American underground before legalization took hold. #TrueCrime #KingOfPot #BrucePerlowin #CannabisHistory #SmugglingStories From Becoming the King of Pot — the true story of America's most notorious marijuana smuggler, Bruce Perlowin. ▶ Full episodes: https://youtube.com/@becomingtkop?si=80KKcy2wIzcSrek8?sub\_confirmation=1
3 Oct 2026
MY UNLIKELY FRIEND IN PRISON
Step inside the high-stakes world of true crime and vintage smuggling stories, where the line between counterculture rebellion and massive weed money blurred. Long before today’s era of recreational cannabis, medical marijuana, and shifting marijuana laws, building a cannabis empire meant navigating dangerous drug dealing networks and evading federal authorities. Reminiscent of the legendary cocaine cowboys era, this look into early marijuana trafficking explores how Bruce Perlowin and Todd Denkin carved out their place in cannabis culture, risking everything to move massive shipments of weed and THC across borders. Beyond the thrills of outlaw cannabis smuggling, this story dives into the reality behind running a billion-dollar weed empire. Examine the personal costs, the complexities of drug kingpin operations, and the evolving perception of pot from cold cases and outlaw contraband to the modern cannabis industry. Whether you are fascinated by true crime history or the roots of cannabis legalization, this inside look unpacks the true grit and drama behind one of America's most audacious smuggling sagas. #TrueCrime #KingOfPot #BrucePerlowin #CannabisHistory #SmugglingStories From Becoming the King of Pot — the true story of America's most notorious marijuana smuggler, Bruce Perlowin.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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