Cannabis: A History

By Martin Booth

Book Overview

To some it's the classic "gateway drug", to others it is a harmless way to relax, or provide relief from crippling pain. Some fear it is a dangerous drug with addictive properties; to others still it is a legal anomaly and should be decriminalized. Whatever the viewpoint, and by whatever name it is known, cannabis--or marijuana, hashish, dope, pot, weed, grass, ganja--incites debate at every level, and the effect it has on the cultures and economics of every corner of the globe is undeniable. In this definitive study, Martin Booth crafts a tale of medical advance, religious enlightenment, political subterfuge and human rights; of law enforcement and custom officers, cunning smugglers, street pushers, gang warfare, writers, artists, musicians, and happy-go-lucky hippies and potheads. Booth chronicles the fascinating and often mystifying process through which cannabis, a relatively harmless substance, became outlawed throughout the Western world, and the devastating effect such legislation has on the global economy. Above all, he demonstrates how the case for decriminalization remains one of the twenty-first century's hottest topics.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312322208
• ISBN13: 9780312322205
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 6.4"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive & Complete

Phenomenal. I used this book for academic research. I loved the layout -- it was incredibly easy to find what I was looking for and quickly. The text is also full of citations to additional reputable sources where a scholar would find more information. I did not read the book cover to cover, but when I have the time it is on my list to go back and consume properly. This was incredibly thoroughly researched and covers not just the history in the USA but globally, which seemed to be pretty rare throughout the course of my own research. There are not many texts out there outlining the history of cannabis to begin with-- it has only been recently accepted as a topic of conversation in academia therefore the body of published and accessible knowledge surrounding it is quite small, however, this text adds a wealth of knowledge to the base and is a great text for anyone mildly interested in cannabis. 11/10 highly recommend. You won't be sorry.

roberts review

Awesome book to continue your knowledge of the plant. It is for anyone who is interested in the remarkable journey of the cannabis plant and how far it has come.

An Eyeopener....

Whether you are pro or anti legalization of marijuana use for adults or for medical use, it matters not. At least make an educated decision. Booth provides a well researched and engaging narrative on the history of cannabis and the foibles of those raging against the dangers of The Devil Weed, including hashish. Included are ancient times and maritime; prohibitions solely based on racism (Chinese, Africans and Mexicans); "lumping" mary jane in with opium, heroin and cocaine as if they all are the same thing, and the fear mongering of politicos and the press, most often with little or no personal experience or scientific fact. Economics of weed and hemp are also discussed. Easy to read and enlightening - a real eye-opener to the long and bumpy history and use of marijuana for medicinal, religious and recreational purposes over the centuries. Highly recommended.

The Revealing History of a Misunderstood Plant

There is a certain refreshing relinquishment from all too-common ignorance to be found in Martin Booth's `Cannabis: A History'. Admittedly, Booth does not approach the subject from an `objective' perspective, and nor does he pretend to, in the manner commonly exhibited by blatantly agenda-driven prohibitionists, but is squarely set out to dispel the hysteria and nonsense that surrounds the cannabis plant by regaling its interesting, and often surprising, saga. That noted, `Cannabis: A History' is no stoner drug tract. Booth's account is detailed and lucid, showing the gradual development of a favoured weed by Sunni mystics, into opium as regarded by colonial Britain, and finally, into a drug which would drive one into a psychotic frenzy of disorder and crime, as inculcated by the ignorant, and politically lazy, leaders of the USA. Drastic grassroot changes may have occurred in the 60's, but as Booth shows, little has changed in terms of political attitudes. Booth manages, without adopting the justifiable bitterness and impatience of many apologists, to challenge and defeat many of the misconceptions that remain as a remnant of one of humanities oldest forbidden loves. Being informative and amusing, anyone who is inclined to oppose injustice and misguided fanaticism, or who is merely fascinated by the reaction of various cultures to demonized greenery, would do well to read it.

An invaluable historical resource concerning cannabis.

Cannabis: a History is an invaluable and concise history of cannabis as a drug, and as a literary and historical entity. The book is very well documented; it's notes form a valuable road map to a wealth of historical material. This is truly a job well done.

smoking!!!!!

Pot? Ganja? Marijuana ? The difference...??? Read on... The author covers the historical development of a very controversial plant delicately.... Cannabis is traced back to ancient times where its usage was (and still is in some parts of the world)more medicinal and related to religious rites as opposed to recreational... The books also delves into the components of the plant itself,optimal growing conditions,growing locations... the active ingredient that gives consumers the BANG!!! come to the middle of the book we are enlighten with how the move against cannabis was first born.... and later explain the stand of governments on cannabis.... the book covers cannabis from a historical and cultural point of view!!! I enjoyed it!!! a superb history!!!!