Demons, Discrimination and Dollars: A Brief History of the Origins of American Drug Policy

This monograph is an effort to explain why, as a people, as a government, we in the United States did not follow the road of the Shamans, or for that matter of pre 1875 Americans, or conclude, as Andrew Weil and Norman Taylor have, that altered states are important to mental health. I apologize up front for not having all the anthropological tools necessary for a detailed examination of the topic. This book is a good synopsis and starting point. I leave it to the scholars to flesh out my observations. My ideas come from reading, conversation, experience and rumination.
I examine why we have chosen the route that has repeatedly proven unsuccessful, that has stood in the way of expanding our understanding of the human mind and that not only has not worked, but has been counterproductive. Even discussion of an alternative which downplays a criminal justice approach of substance abuse in favor of treatment and prevention, cannot be tolerated in present-day America. The acceptance of even drug use, as opposed to drug abuse, of demonized drugs has been condemned by politicians of both major parties. There has been some support from Green Libertarians, the occasional Libertarian leaning Republican and an occasional or minority Democrat for a medical and/or non-governmental approach.
Why have we overlooked the obvious solution? Raising a child who feels loved in a loving, nurturing, safe home environment. Numerous studies bear this out. Dr. Ira Chesnoff's work in Chicago with mother's with a history of cocaine abuse during pregnancy and their children did well when the family was provided a comprehensive program of drug abuse treatment, Head start, parenting skills, counseling and good nutrition. Chesnoff notes that these kids of former cocaine-abusing mothers who had experienced this intervention had an IQ that was higher than children of non-cocaine using moms. Until we spend more money on promoting family values, teaching acceptable parenting techniques, create an economy that allows parents and children quality time, address anger management, have early intervention to prevent family violence and recognizing the role of genetics and dysfunctional families contribution to ADHD, we will continue on what has become a more and more destructive, ineffectual and racist path.

Dr. Bearman answers the questions we each have rolling around unanswered in our minds as we watch the news. Almost daily we witness the ongoing polarities and entanglements of medical cannabis. We have to ask the big question, What is the big deal about medical cannabis or any cannabis for that matter? Doctor Bearman guides us quickly and safely through the evolution of how this pretty plant became demonized. How did the huge dis-information campaign that leaves society today with a distorted if not perverted view pf marijuana get such a head of steam?
Bearman says, "The AMA testified at the Marijuana Tax Act hearings in 1937. They complained that over its two-year preparation period no one ever told them that the legislation was being discussed, much less asked for their input in drafting it. Furthermore, the AMA opposed the Act. They saw no need for it. There were 28 patients medicines containing cannabis on the market in 1937 and no problems with cannabis were known to the AMA."
The text includes the how's and why's which determined the current medical cannabis legal and social reality. The laws affect each and every patient, advocate, caretaker and all of the future patients. It is said that knowledge is power and in regards to the current legal situation of medical cannabis, nothing could be truer. Bearman's book empowers patients with knowledge about the consistent legal perversion of cannabis.
Bearman's fact-driven text with chapter names like, Hey, Let's Punish Low Income College Students, and Will Sanity Prevail? makes the text enticing before a word is read. The information is solid while the style is easy in tone imbued with the subtle-flare of a natural born storyteller. It is excellent for that bedtime read. Bearman's casual, yet authentic voice is more like a delightful narrative than a history lesson.
He has a knack of leading the reader through a rather adventurous saga that does know his subject with over 40 years experience in the drug abuse treatment and prevention field, Bearman was the co-director of the Height-Ashbury Drug Treatment Program, a member of Governor Reagan's Task Force on Drug Abuse and the list goes on. This is one of those books that creeps into one's thoughts during the day. Little revelations of a deeper understanding, unlike the usual historic rhetoric. It is the book to be kept, reviewed and is thought provoking time and again. --Melrose Sanchez