Cannabis: A History - Hardcover

Booth, Martin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312322208 ISBN 13: 9780312322205

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books, 2004

Synopsis

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.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

An in-depth study of the most widely-used and controversial drug in the world today.

To some it?s anathema, to others it provides relief from crippling pain; 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, kif, weed, dagga, grass, ganga -- incites debate at every level. Its impact on the world?s cultures and economies is undeniable. Dating back to the Neolithic period, the history of cannabis is a tale of medical advance, religious enlightenment, political subterfuge and human rights; of law enforcement and customs officers, cunning smugglers, street pushers, gang warfare, writers, artists, musicians and happy-go-lucky hippies and potheads.

The author has used his links to drug law-enforcement agencies throughout the world in this impeccably researched social and cultural history of the most popular and controversial drug in the world.

About the Author:

Martin Booth is an internationally known, Booker-prize shortlisted novelist and writer. He is considered an authority on everything from the history of Chinese organized crime syndicates to the conservation of the African rhino. His Opium: A History is regarded as the definitive book on the subject. He lives in Devon, England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0312322208
• ISBN 13: 9780312322205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368