Product Description
Marijuana is the world's most popular illicit drug, with hundreds of millions of regular users worldwide. One in three Americans has smoked pot at least once. The Drug Enforcement Agency estimates that Americans smoke five million pounds of marijuana each year. And yet marijuana remains largely misunderstood by both its advocates and its detractors. To some, marijuana is an insidious "stepping-stone" drug, enticing the inexperienced and paving the way to the inevitable abuse of harder drugs. To others, medical marijuana is an organic means of easing the discomfort or stimulating the appetite of the gravely ill. Others still view marijuana, like alcohol, as a largely harmless indulgence, dangerous only when used immoderately. All sides of the debate have appropriated the scientific evidence on marijuana to satisfy their claims. What then are we to make of these conflicting portrayals of a drug with historical origins dating back to 8,000 B.C.? Understanding Marijuana examines the biological, psychological, and societal impact of this controversial substance. What are the effects, for mind and body, of long-term use? Are smokers of marijuana more likely than non-users to abuse cocaine and heroine? What effect has the increasing potency of marijuana in recent years had on users and on use? Does our current legal policy toward marijuana make sense? Earleywine separates science from opinion to show how marijuana defies easy dichotomies. Tracing the medical and political debates surrounding marijuana in a balanced, objective fashion, this book will be the definitive primer on our most controversial and widely used illicit substance.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 20 reviews)

Most objective, reliable, and scholarly by PWT (Northern California, USA)

5 Stars
August 14, 2009
This book includes a historical review of the plant, including medical and political histories. Combined with the most reliable scientific experiments and both sides of each argument, this book is the pillar of all marijuana knowledge. I used it to write a 11 page English paper, I got a 95% on the college class paper, this was an upper division english class, obviously i worked very hard, but this book was the best source to build any notable opinion. The scientific evidence is well organized and thoroughly explained based on thousands of separate experiments. All possibilities for error are considered. Great book for gaining a honest perspective of the plant. The sources that the book uses are undeniably reliable making this book the greatest source for reference.

Quotable, Definitive by David J. Snyder (CT)

5 Stars
April 02, 2009
I was curious about this book because I am passionate about the cannabis issue and although it's never been a personal problem among my social circle and I, I can see the debate growing every day across the country. Whenever something claims to have the scientific "facts" about cannabis, I am usually very skeptical about the sources, the research, etc. However, this book brings much more. With forty-some odd pages of referenced research and experimentation, it's hard to find fault with the facts presented here. Whenever Fox News or some other anti-pot media network blames marijuana for all the problems in society, this book is there to show how ignorant and uninformed they are (but come on, for Fox News that's a given on any subject). It's a shame that people continue to ignore the facts and continue drinking/smoking or taking pharmaceuticals that are far more dangerous. I guarantee that if you read this book, it will change your views of cannabis for the better.

Informative and Entertaining by Jack Mulligan

5 Stars
September 23, 2007
This book is perfect for anyone wanting to understand this controversial subject. It provides a very scientific look into many long-standing myths associated with the plant and drops humorous comments along the way.

Understanding Marijuana through the long years of dedicated research of Dr Mitchell Earleywine. by Laurie (Midwest)

5 Stars
September 06, 2007
Dr. Earlywine's book "Understanding Marijuana" explains the uses of marijuana on a level that can be understood by all readers. Remaining unbiased, he combines the political aspect to the benefits of decriminalization the substance as well as the harmful effects and beneficial uses. The long term research becomes clear as the author takes you into a world not clearly understood by most in everyday society. This book comes highly recommended to those who can benefit from Dr. Earleywine's years of dedicated research into the variations of the legalization of marijuana and in my opinion, the end of the tireless "war on drugs".

Awesome Overview by Robert Edmands (Denver, CO USA)

5 Stars
June 09, 2007
I first experienced pot at age 16 and soon learned that what little I was told was NOT TRUE. This book lays it out in all its splendor. It is not a harmless drug- but it is the next best thing. The pharmacology section was very useful as it explained the way THC is produced and broken down by the plant. On the way up to THC Cannabidiol is produced. Cannabinol is produced as the plant starts to break down. The medical section is fabulous. I was not aware of its medical applications fully until I became a Medical Assisting Student and was placed as an intern in a Multiple Sclerosis practice. This drug does wonders for them! Few knew about it. More need to learn about it. That and I just love the look of those leaves! They are Serrated!!

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