Marijuana-Abuse Books

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.

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".

With all of the misinformation circulating about cannabis over the last 70 years its nice to have a refreshing, scholarly, intelligent review of the subject. I wish everybody in the country who had anything to do with the War on Drugs - from both sides of the debate, would stop bantering about unsupported nonsense and old cliches about that vegetation and look at the evidence, the history, and see the nonsense that is currently floating unabashedly about on that subject. Thanks Dr. Earlywine for your significant effort to try to get out the facts. Del

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!!

Yep. Another book that's packed full of research to support this incredible little herb. SIGH! We really need to get "with it" and make this available for health and well being for our people and our planet.

I read this book new and several times since. I've given away a few copies which is why I'm here on Amazon again. I hope they don't run out.
I WROTE CONSUMERS REPORT a while back about publishing an updated edition. They didn't respond.

As the other reviewers say, this book is hands down, the best book on drug history available. Unlike other books about the history of drugs and drug policy (i.e., Musto), this book is not dry. It covers most drugs, including licit drugs (which is very important), and this man has great insight. This is the right way to write about drug policy. I have no idea why this book was never reprinted; it is truly the best drug book that exists.

I read this book in the early '80s. I say that it helped me survive my period of drug experimentation. Now as a father I don't endorse the use of drugs but I do recommend this book so that the reader could make an informed choice.

Even though this book is nearly 30 years old, everything it says about the drug problem is still relevant today.

This publication outlined a clear-cut set of recommendations that if adhered to, today's drug problems would have become a long forgotten memory.

This book is a must for the collection.

I went through alot of 'Drug Education'. I thought I knew something. I didn't. I learned more in one night from this book than I did in 18 years of being a youth in the Drug War. Read this cover to cover and now try to get everyone I know to read it.

I am a disabled person who was overjoyed to read David Ford's wonderful exposè. My progressive condition should be causing unbearable pain and spasms at this point...and DOES without this great medicine. Someday the truth will triumph because of people such as Mr. Ford and books as bold as his. Someday this book will be a collector's item, like the Soviet flag, because of works like this. I have heard Mr. Ford on talk radio, as well. With his survivor's courage and enlightened convictions-having won his battle with cancer with a big help from marijuana-David Ford provides a wealth of knowledge and insight into the absolutely ridiculous and ineffective War On Drugs. This WOD, this total misuse of our money, is being promoted by alcohol, tobacco, and pharmaceutical companies. Dirty politics? You bet! Marijuana is a superior product plain and simple, and more doctors would publicly agree if they could do so without negative consequences. After reading "Marijuana: Not Guilty As Charged," I would not be surprised if the future reveals some sort of conspiracy involving advocates for the gun industry and the DEA's War On Drugs...perhaps gun lobbyists pressing officials to pass WOD budgets to fuel more crime to increase the demand for firearms. In any event, the War On Drugs has achieved this: in every American city, illegal drugs are more readily available today than ever before. And not many consider the by-products of the WOD's destruction, the constant displacement of farmers in developing countries among them. CLEARLY, the War On Drugs has become an out-of-control habit supported by taxpayers coerced by ill-conceived laws. Mr. Ford's book has an easy style and light approach, but makes one think deeply...and hope for a sequel.

I have had the honor and pleasure to read "Marijuana not guilty as charged" and brought several copies of it for friends and family. As Glenn, one of the readers, so correctly stated, it should be in every household to not only inform but educate people. It once again proves that we are a spoonfed society and that it takes individuals such as this author, David R. Ford, to break through that barrier and do the work for us. I applaud you Mr. Ford on having the courage to write a book on a very controveral subject and bring the facts to a very misguided society. I am looking for (hopefully) more publishings of yours. Gratefully, Elisabeth M. Drews

I've been working with Cannabis Action Network for about 3 years now. I've recently walked away from doing any political work due to an armed robbery I fell victim to due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You would think that would have ended any relations I had with Marijuana at that point.

It's an interesting story but I wanted to say how after reading MARIJUANA: NOT GUILTY AS CHARGED and actually feeling a taste of the REAL drug war that does exist in America, this book helped me to not feel alone and to make sense of what is happening all around us that we take for granted or wish to not see and give our power over to those in Authority in whom we "feel" should be giving us the truth on drugs. When in most cases the story is far from the "truth" in America.

This book gave me encouragement to not be a VICTIM of the Crime of not knowing the facts on Marijuana and gave me a conviction in my heart to let the world know they're is healing, growth, and most importantly Hemp that can bring an impoverished land back to a land of healthy, strong, individually stable people.

After the robbery and learning so much about the legalization of marijuana from short excerpt of one page papers and people I came across, I then found this book. I had many books to choose from. this book seemed to have the right information and well spoken best of all it was all in one great book. I've managed to help many people while working as the Office Administrator for CAN after reading this book. Thank you David Ford for taking the time to reach all of the people you interviewed!

After talking to people across the US over the phone on counseling them for marijuana use while working at CAN I saw the overwhelming need of Americans who felt hopeless and alone due to pressures of family, church and friends.

I grew up living on the East Coast and this book helped convince me how wrong I've been in my thinking but that it's due to my upbringing and the way we are all taught in school and life.
This may be something we have all heard before but the way David Ford lays out the facts and in a well understood way brings one to a new state of enlightenment.

After reading "Marijuana Not Guilty As Charged" I have decided to become active in this marijuana movement. This book made me realize that marijuana is a medicine. I wonder how long our federal government is going to be wrong(about medical marijuana) to try to prove that they are right. This book addresses their own DEA administrative judge Francis Young and his support of marijuana. David R. Ford also talks about the "steppingstone theory" and addresses the fact that marijuana was once legal in this country and what happened among many other issues. This book has changed a part of my life. I now know that I cannot sit back and let everyone else do the work in the marijuana movement I have to join the fight. Like David R. Ford, I too can do courageous things to help. This book is a must read. In the book David Ford dedicates a chapter to NORML(National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws) and ten things that you can do to relegalize marijuana.
David R. Ford is so sure of the benefits of marijuana he offers a $50,000 reward to anyone who can scientifically prove marijuana is not medicine. I think this book is a must for the "non-users" of marijuana as well as the users to gain some insight into this misinformed subject. Read this book it's possible that it could help you make the quality of life better for someone you might know or for yourself.

As a Caribbean person, who has lived most of my life in Guyana and Jamaica, I wish to highly recommend Dave Ford's timely book on the issue of marijuana use and persecution. Though Ford focuses on the problem in the USA he refers to other countries, and especially studies done outside of the USA which serve to support his thesis that marijuana is not guilty as charged. Ask the Rastafarians of Jamaica. He uses an impressive collection of facts to disclaim the various medical problems that are blamed on marijuana use. He shows how marijuana regulation got caught up in the attempt to deal with abuse of drugs such as cocaine and heroin and how the government bureaucracy for reasons which reasonable people can speculate on, refuses to correct. The noted Caribbean jurist, Aubrey Fraser, documented this same issue.

The hysteria surrounding the war on drugs creates a climate in which it is difficult for reasonable and workable approaches to drug use reduction and user rehabilitation to be implemented even though we have examples around the world of what works and what doesn't. A neglected aspect of the war on marijuana which Ford also discusses is how the war has drastically reduced the cultivation and use of hemp, one of the most useful plants known to man.

I would highly recommend Ford's book to anyone who is interested in the truth about marijuana and wants to be empowered to make an intelligent choice about what this relatively harmless intoxicant really is all about. It would be remiss if I did not also note that one of the things that is lost because of the irrational approach to marijuana use is the medical benefits of this plant. This has been the subject of study by scientists around the world, including specialists in Jamaica, the UK, and the USA and is one of the points Ford makes in his book.

If you are looking for some advanced info on a variety of marajuana strain's, then this is the book for you. From growing conditions to flowering time, this book has it all. Although the tasting notes are thorough, keep in mind that they are only an opinion and that there is a variety of goodies out there, especially here in the Humboldt Nation!

I have read many cannabis books and "The Cannabible 3" is by far the best.

Too many cannabis books are written by botanists who enjoy marijuana. Jason King is a cannabist (cannabis enthusiast) that also happens to like botany. The pictures are great, including many dried bud shots that other books lack. Jason really knows his stuff and I truly believe that he has smoked every one of the strains in this book.

This book is amazing, best of the three(i own them all). Better layout and pictures. Some more easy to find strains then the other versions. I'll say on thing, if you like cannabis at all you will love this book. HOWEVER, there is something in this book that really upset me. There is a large tone of vegan elitism in this book. The intro is a 12 page essay on the evils of modern society in every way including bashing many things used to create and sell his book. I felt it was insulting and over the top in every way.

But dont let that stop you from a other wise great book.

You would be a fool not to own this book...that is, if you like trees that is!

"plus I light up trees like everydays christmas!!!"

If you smoke it you'll like it!! It'a a good photo album.. it's like taking a picture before you went on vacation...but didn't need to pack the camera or go to the photo lab afterwards. yeaaaaaaaaaa!

[...]

My first inclination was to skim this book enough to write a review. Instead I wound up reading it cover to cover--the story is that engaging.

The book can be read on three levels. First, it is a story of a family devastated by one of its children sinking into the drug culture, with the anger, lying, secretiveness and mistrust that come out of that. The mother slowly watches her real son fading away, replaced by this total stranger she calls "The Other Son." She cannot understand, predict or trust what this "Other Son" is or will do next. She describes in great detail the burden carried by everybody in the family who cared for him and hated what he was doing to himself and them. I think every parent who has gone through the process of a child or relative gradually self-destructing in this way can relate to this story on a very personal level.

The second level describes in painstaking detail how there are very few effective solutions available for parents with an "Other Son." The author describes how they tried the police, a voluntary treatment program and the courts, among other things, with no positive effect. In all these attempts, they learned that he had his "rights" which the law demanded be respected. Many of the people they looked to for help understood what was happening, and sympathized with what the parents were trying to do, but their hands were tied by the law. The author in an anguished cry asked about the rights of others he was abusing and if anybody gave any consideration regarding the responsibilities he was shirking. The response was at best an ineffectual expression of sympathy from all sides.

The third level is a detailed description of what it took to get his attention and gradually bring their real son back to life, out of the self-centered, pleasure-oriented, irresponsible "Other Son." After all these failed attempts, what finally worked was a private boarding school that works with children with these attitudinal and behavioral problems. Called Everest and placed in Connecticut in the book, in reality it is a long time boarding school in Maine called Élan. Élan (Everest) follows the model of a therapeutic community where the main curriculum is to teach the students to be responsible for their actions. Their main tools in accomplishing this are a tight structure (where, contrary to most youth institutions, consequences are immediate and appropriate) and utilization of a positive peer culture.

This book is probably the best description I have read of how a therapeutic community works in the lives of real people. What she describes regarding therapeutic communities is a key ingredient for success that has been adopted by many of the successful therapeutic boarding schools in the private parent-choice network of residential schools and programs for struggling teens. The ideas of a therapeutic community have heavily influenced not only Élan, but many other schools including John Dewey Academy in Massachusetts, the now closed CEDU schools in California and Idaho and all those schools with key staff heavily influenced by what they learned at CEDU, which is a significant percentage of the successful schools and programs in this network.

This book is more than just another chronicle of a family in crisis caused by their teen in crisis. It is also more than just a description of a family lucky enough to happen to find a specific school that worked for their son. It is an indictment of public attitudes and resulting public policy creating rights for irresponsible teens that parents and society can't handle, and it is an insightful description of a workable solution, which is the whole idea of a therapeutic community. Any professional working with struggling teens would benefit from reading this book and understanding the underlying concepts the author spells out so well, whether or not they agree with them.

If you have a child who's behavior tends toward beliggerent, abusive, and confusing to you then you are not alone. Mrs. Pappas book gives you great resources and more importantly the feeling of relief to learn that you are not alone and there is something you can do about it. "The Other Son" is such an apropo title for any kid dabbling in the drug/alcohol culture. I highly recommend this book for helping you cope with the unknown world of drug/alcohol addicition.

Every parent should read this book and learn from it. It touches the very soul of a parents deep love and commitment to their child while clearly and passionately illustrating the tenacious struggle with societies inadequacies.

This is the story of a wonderful and caring family and the progression of their son into the world of substance abuse. Having a 16 year old child of my own who has been in drug rehab and now seems is on the relapse path, I could not put this book down. There were so many incidents which I have been through almost as if the script were my own. It is always a good thing to understand that you are not alone in the teen addict's world of lies, manipulation and low moral standards and that most importantly, there is recovery but, that it takes time and patience.

I commend the author on a great book and on her courage and wisdom to get her story out for so many others who need to understand there is help and support and most importantly, there is hope.

This book was recommended reading while my son was in treatment for substance abuse. An openly honest account of family pain and struggle while in the thros of a childs substance abuse. I was able to relate to so many circumstances mentioned which gave me better insight on helping myself and my family better deal during this topsy-turvey time in our lives. Regardless of your own personal situation and cirsumstances, this book was extremely benefical in obtaining new knowledge toward family recovery.

What if you had an illness that caused you pain, made you unable to eat, and was going to cut your life short, but there was an herbal medicine that could provide relief of the symptoms? Would you use it? What if using the medicine was a crime? George McMahon doesn't have to worry, much, about that. He has a strange congenital illness called Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS), which clogs his kidneys, causes his bones to break with little stress, and brings on muscle cramps and chronic pain. The federal government provides McMahon with the medicine he needs to ease the symptoms and live a relatively normal life. Only six other patients get it, because the federal government frets about the medicine - it has no worrisome side effects on McMahon, but the government worries that others will use the medicine as a drug to get high. McMahon is one of seven people in the United States who can legally smoke marijuana. How this came about, the difficulties it has presented for him, and the problems of other patients who could use the drug if they could get it, are the subject of _Prescription Pot: A Leading Advocate's Heroic Battle to Legalize Medical Marijuana_ (New Horizon Press), which McMahon wrote with his friend Christopher Largen. Read it and you might not think of marijuana in the way you do now.

Demerol and Percodan worked for the pain of NPS (codeine made him throw up) but they also put him into a brain-addled haze. In the sixties he smoked pot; although his fellow tokers got intoxicated and giggly, he simply got... better. The spasms eased, the pain was not so debilitating, and he could move around more. But it worried him. He didn't want to have a problem with drugs. Looking back on it, he knows he should have been concerned by the prescription pills he was swallowing which made him a junkie. He eventually found a doctor who jumped through all the paperwork hoops to enroll him into the Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program. Eventually, the doctor started receiving shipments of McMahon's medicine, ten joints a day. It continues to be his regimen, and he continues to do well.

McMahon's story isn't proof that marijuana works as medicine; it is actually just one anecdotal case history, though it is told with appealing humor and modesty. There are the stories of others told here, just as anecdotal (and some from those who have to get the pot illegally), but also just as affirming. However, there have been a limited number of studies on the few patients who get the drug legally, and the data is not just anecdotal: glaucoma, chronic pain, anorexia, nausea, and spasms can all be helped by it. That seems to make little difference to the government. In 1992, the legal medical marijuana program was closed to new applicants by the first Bush administration. The problem, as the White House saw it, was that there were too many new applicants because of the AIDS epidemic. The real problem is that the government has trouble accepting that marijuana can be anything but bad. It does not seem to matter that these patients could all be getting prescription joints, grown in a federal facility, rather than being doped up on other medications. Marijuana cannot be made easily available as a medicine, because non-patients enjoy it for fun. Given the sorts of scientific studies reported in books like _Understanding Marijuana_, continued heavy criminalization of pot use makes little sense, but as _Prescription Pot_ shows, denying it to patients who need it is simply immoral. McMahon goes out on the stump to try to convince legislators of the benefits of the marijuana he is lucky enough to get legally, and his and Largen's book is yet another part of that program. It is hard to disagree with it; patients simply deserve this option.

I had no interest in medical marijuana when I first picked up Prescription Pot, but I soon discovered this book is not some hippie diatribe. It is one of the most heartfelt, amusing and intriguing biographies I've ever read, with the ability to teach people the value of civil political discourse. This is an underdog's tale that every person dealing with pain, disability and death should experience. And the groundbreaking clinical study contained in the appendix is convincing evidence of official wrongdoing.

...because it exposes their myths, humanizes a pressing political issue, and reveals hidden casualties of prohibition. And it accomplishes this through a creative narrative that appeals to politicians, churchgoers, law enforcement officials, and ditch-diggers alike.

This book has more potential for changing public policy than a thousand pot rallies. That's exactly why some government officials hope Prescription Pot will "go gentle into that good night".

So take my advice. Be a good citizen. Become informed in your mind and heart. Just say NO to ignorance. And read this book!

Prescription Pot chronicles the amazing true life of George McMahon, one of five U.S. citizens who can legally smoke marijuana in every state. A recipient of the National Certificate of Heroism, George receives 300 pre-rolled cigarettes each month through a little-known FDA program, to treat pain, spasms, and nausea. Prescription Pot examines the medical marijuana issue through a unique account of George's courageous struggle with death, his victorious battle with daunting federal bureaucrats, his hilarious and harrowing escapades with police officers, and his journeys in search of America. George's story is encompassed within a wild and poignant trip across four states to the Arkansas State Capitol, Elvis Presley's Graceland, and Uncle Sam's marijuana farm at Ole Miss. The book includes the landmark clinical study on the federal cannabis patients.

Im George's oldest daughter Linda.
This book is the storie of my father and mothers long struggle to obtain a medicine that would give my father a quality of life he never would've attained hadn't he obtained this medicine, his family wouldnt have any kind of life either hadnt we found medicinal marijauna , who wants to grow up with a sick father ...or no father at all???
My father is a wonderful , caring man who just wants to help others with life threatning diseases..he is not a pothead on some high...he actually has a quality of life no Dr.'s wonder drugs gave him!!! He is here to see his family succeed, and his grandkids blossom ...

Charles Fuss has penned an exhaustive account of the maritime drug war (predominately marijuana) of the 70s and 80s. With accounts from law enforcement personnel from the Coast Guard, US Customs, DEA and others, Mr Fuss presents a very readable text with many exciting narratives. Included is insight from "bad guys" as well. Mr. Fuss stays away from partisan politics, which is not easy in any volatile suject, such as drug interdiction. The men and women who have fought, and still fight, the war against drugs deserve our admiration. This book recognizes the efforts of these ardent warriors. As Mr. Fuss states toward the end of "Sea of Grass", "We persevered, comitted more resources, ignored defeatist media advice, and prevailed against the grass boats. That should be a lesson."

Since I am his son, I would be expected to say good things about this book. Actually, I am also a BM3 USCG, and can say from experience that this book will be an asset to any member of a maritime law enforcement agency, or anyone interested in the subject. It is an easy read and is well written. Would be a good souvenier for anyone involved in the major maritime drug busts during the 70s and 80s. Also a good tool and reference for future cases

Two thumbs up to author Charles M. Fuss, Jr. With his years of experience and knowledge of maritime drug enforcement, and his past history as a mariner, Fuss gives great insight into the drug war of the 1970's. His acounts of actual cases are entertaining and informative . I especially enjoyed reading accounts from smugglers as well as enforcement personel. This book should be a must for the men and women who were directly involved with maritime interdiction during this period. It's also great for anyone interested in the subject. With the changing times and administration, I believe it is extremely important to take heed of Fuss's warning!

"Ganja in Jamaica" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy." http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy

This classic work has gained new significance with the release of the recommendations of the Jamaican Ganja Commission in August 2001. Rubin and Comitas give a chronology of cannabis usage and legislation, followed by a thorough study of how cannabis is used in rural communities, primarily by poorer sections of the population. They found little evidence of harmful effects as they described the informal social controls and customs that regulated its use more effectively than punitive laws ever could. A must read for everyone seeking a thorough understanding of cannabis and how best to control its use.

This was recommended by my counselor. My son grabbed it and read the medical detail and we now really actually know what is going on. Its worth every penny. Its not for those who aren't interested in scientific studies because its very well
supported. I now know quite a lot and would never suggest that Marijuana is
an appropriate drug for anyone who needs to study or learn.

This is a very honest, objective, and balanced book for parents of teens, or anyone who wants useful information on marijuana use in our society.

This is the most comprehensive look at marijuana and drug prohibition available! It was written by members of Nixons very own committee delegated to the task of researching marijuana, it's history, effects, and whether the drug policy at the time was a sensible one. They found that it was not, and suggested a serious rethinking of marijuana laws. However, instead of listening to his own research committee Nixon decided to start the now infamous war on drugs! Though this book only follows prohibition up to the early 70s, as that's when it was published, it contains the essential history of marijuana prohibition which most people are not familiar with. It discusses the general atmosphere of prohibition that hovered over the early 20th century, and how that affected marijuanas legal status. It also discusses the mutation by law makers of the word "narcotic," the inconsistent stances of Drug Czar Anslinger, and the horribly racist tactics used to criminalize marijuana (As well as the horribly racist reasons!)! This book is a must read for EveryOne!

This masterpiece can't be summarized in a simple review. Whatever your feelings about marijuana prohibition, you'll find this book supremely informative. The historical research is wonderfully detailed, but the authors present it in a nice narrative form so that the book reads like a mystery novel. They make insightful connections about the history of cannabis laws, attitudes about immigration, arrest records, the personal lives of members of law enforcement, and conflict between the social classes. They are candid about the potential limitations of their own objectivity, but everything they present is documented. Read it, think, and you'll find yourself agreeing with them.