To some it's the classic "gateway drug," to others it is a harmless way to relax, or provide relief from pain. Some fear it is dangerous and addictive, while others feel it should be decriminalized. Whatever the viewpoint, cannabis incites debate at every level, and the effect it has on every corner of the globe is undeniable.
In this comprehensive study, Martin Booth crafts a tale of medical advance and religious enlightenment; of political subterfuge and law enforcement; of cunning smugglers, street pushers, gang warfare, writers, artists, and musicians. And above all, Booth chronicles the fascinating process through which cannabis became outlawed throughout the Western world, and the effect such legislation has had on the global economy.
"Fascinating...a clear-headed and sustained case." —The Sunday Times (UK)
"Even-handed, adult and good-humoured...original and thought-provoking." —Sunday Telegraph (UK)
"Well-researched." —The Seattle Times
| 1 | The fragrant cane | 1 |
| 2 | Out of the land of mulberry and hemp | 16 |
| 3 | A fibre of all seasons | 27 |
| 4 | The shrub of emotion, the morsel of thought | 38 |
| 5 | Myths and murderers | 48 |
| 6 | The herb Pantagruelion | 56 |
| 7 | A La Mode Du Hachisch | 64 |
| 8 | The pastor's son from Poughkeepsie | 76 |
| 9 | Cannabis R[subscript x] | 89 |
| 10 | Loosening the girders of the soul | 98 |
| 11 | Conventions, commissions and contraband | 111 |
| 12 | Mary Jane, cockroaches and the blues | 127 |
| 13 | When the legend became fact, print the legend | 144 |
| 14 | New York, New York | 161 |
| 15 | Star-buster | 171 |
| 16 | Dora, bebop and the vipers of London | 182 |
| 17 | The beats | 193 |
| 18 | Turning on, tuning in and riding the bus | 205 |
| 19 | Ashrams and the agents of change | 227 |
| 20 | The times they were adjusting | 240 |
| 21 | Island in the sun | 258 |
| 22 | Swinging in London, stoned in Amsterdam | 269 |
| 23 | The universal friend | 283 |
| 24 | The balm of hope | 292 |
| 25 | The industry of dreams and dollars | 302 |
| 26 | Fudge, counter-fudge and the future | 313 |
Marijuana, pot, joint,leaf, ganja, cannabis sativa. Very polarizing stuff. Either it's seen as a gateway drug, leading the user toward harder and more dangerous drugs; or it's a harmless relaxant, a social lubricant less dangerous than cigarettes or alcohol. It's either a crime that gets you arrested; or a medicinal godsend capable of easing incredible physical pain.
This book provides a detailed look at cannabis, it's place in history; uses; growth and harvesting; political and law enforcement developments; medicinal uses; religious uses; use as an artistic enhancement and much more. The book takes a reasoned approach that will educate all but the most closed minds.
Did you know-In Marco Polo's writings, a group of guards of an Arab leaders stronghold after being given the task of killing a hated rival were stirred into a murderous rage by the use of hashish. They became the 'Hashsahshins' later to be known as assassins?
Cannabis is the most widely used drug on earth, it's non addictive, easy to grow and harvest, has myriad other uses (hemp,etc.) and never been proven to promote aggressive or criminal behaviors. So why is it regulated against, the target of such a campaign of misinformation and fear mongering? It's a pretty amazing tale!
Did you know- Special rolling papers called Ez-Widers, were a salute to the movie Easy Rider? And one brand even included a thin metal strip in the paper so when the joint was smoked down to the end you had a built in handle?
Anonymous
Posted September 23, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
To some it's the classic "gateway drug," to others it is a harmless way to relax, or provide relief from pain. Some fear it is dangerous and addictive, while others feel it should be decriminalized. Whatever the viewpoint, cannabis incites debate at every level, and the effect it has on every corner of the globe is undeniable.
In this comprehensive study, Martin Booth crafts a tale of medical advance and religious enlightenment; of political subterfuge and law enforcement; of ...