Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine [Paperback]

Dr. Lester Grinspoon M.D. (Author), Dr. James B. Bakalar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 1997

In this important and timely book, two eminent researchers describe the medical benefits of marihuana, explain why its use has been forbidden, and argue for its full legalization to make it available to all patients who need it. Highly praised when it was first published in 1993, the book has been expanded to include new examples of the ways that marihuana alleviates symptoms of cancer chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, glaucoma, AIDS, and depression, as well as symptoms of such less common disorders as Crohn's disease, diabetic gastroparesis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Praise for the first edition:

"Grinspoon and Bakalar have provided a valuable compendium of marihuana's beneficial properties .... This book is valuable for its breadth of first-person accounts of beneficial effects of marihuana smoking in physically and emotionally distressed individuals." -- Rick J. Strassman, M.D., Journal of the American Medical Association

"Cogent and convincing arguments for the legalization of marihuana and its pharmacologically active components. ... This book provides an excellent overview of the subject from a medical perspective." -- Robert M. Swift, M.D., Ph.D., New England Journal of Medicine

"A very important book .... It is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in the history,, biomedical science, and public policy surrounding these most amazing plants." -- David E. Presti and Richard Evans Schultes, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Grinspoon and Bakalar have compiled testimonials on the medicinal uses of marihuana for a variety of medical problems, including glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. These accounts dramatically illustrate marihuana's potential to alleviate suffering when traditionally prescribed medications have proved ineffective, but they also illustrate the great stress placed on these individuals and their families by using an illegal substance. Many people don't know how to obtain marihuana, can't afford it, and are fearful and resentful of being considered criminal for using it. The authors discuss social attitudes towards marihuana and the reasons why the drug was outlawed. They argue that making marihuana available on a prescription basis is unworkable and that its legalization is necessary to make it available to those who need it. Recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Kathleen McQuiston, Philadelphia Coll. of Pharmacy and Science
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; Revised edition (August 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300070861
• ISBN-13: 978-0300070866
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Whether you smoke or not, know the facts and myths. January 13, 1999

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

During a Drugs and Society class at Northeastern University, my professor recommended this book as extra reading. The book ends all myths and disputes in regards to marijuana, and raises some serious questions about America's drug policies. Why would a substance that has been around before the age of men be illegal? It is because the synthetic drug manufactures cannot make any money off of it. What happened in 1937 that caused the U.S to condemn use of marijuana and prohibit it? Read the book, and then truly ask yourself how democratic the U.S really is.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Most knowledgable literature on the subject ever. August 19, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I bought the book 6 days ago in Amherst and I'm already finished it as it is brilliantly written as it taught me alot of things I needed to know. It wakes you up to the real facts of marijuana for medicine and as a medical marijuana user,I realized that everything in the book is facts and truth.The doctor who wrote it is pure genius and I hope he follows up with another book as he has made the most positive changes in my life. Thank You Dr.Lester Grinspoon

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I truly appreciate the heartfelt and July 24, 1999

By Hopeful Mover

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I truly appreciate the heartfelt anecdotal cases that he presents. He does not say anything that I can disagree with, it is not that kind of a book. His scholarly approch to what cases it has been found useful is helpful to me because I practice in a state where it is legal for medical use, and I knew almost nothing. Robert P. Doughton MD.