Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base [Hardcover]

Institute of Medicine (Author), Janet E. Joy (Editor), Stanley J., Jr. Watson (Editor), John A., Jr. Benson (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0309071550 | ISBN-13: 978-0309071550 | Publication Date: July 15, 1999 | Edition: 1

The medical use of marijuana is surrounded by a cloud of social, political, and religious controversy, which obscures the facts that should be considered in the debate. This book summarizes what we know about marijuana from evidence-based medicine - the harm it may do and the relief it may bring to patients. The book helps the reader understand not only what science has to say about medical marijuana but also the logic behind the scientific conclusions. "Marijuana and Medicine" addresses the science base and the therapeutic effects of marijuana use for medical conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It covers marijuana's mechanism of action, acute and chronic effects on health and behavior, potential adverse effects, efficacy of different delivery systems, analysis of the data about marijuana as a gateway drug, and the prospects for developing cannabinoid drugs. The book evaluates how well marijuana meets accepted standards for medicine and considers the conclusions of other blue-ribbon panels. Full of useful facts, this volume will be important to anyone interested in informed debate about the medical use of marijuana: advocates and opponents as well as policymakers, regulators, and health care providers.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

The medical use of marijuana is surrounded by a cloud of social, political, and religious controversy, which obscures the facts that should be considered in the debate.

This book summarizes what we know about marijuana from evidence-based medicine--the harm it may do and the relief it may bring to patients. The book helps the reader understand not only what science has to say about medical marijuana but also the logic behind the scientific conclusions.

Marijuana and Medicine addresses the science base and the therapeutic effects of marijuana use for medical conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It covers marijuana's mechanism of action, acute and chronic effects on health and behavior, potential adverse effects, efficacy of different delivery systems, analysis of the data about marijuana as a gateway drug, and the prospects for developing cannabinoid drugs. The book evaluates how well marijuana meets accepted standards for medicine and considers the conclusions of other blue-ribbon panels.

Full of useful facts, this volume will be important to anyone interested in informed debate about the medical use of marijuana: advocates and opponents as well as policymakers, regulators, and health care providers.

About the Author

Janet E. Joy, Stanley J. Watson, Jr., and John A. Benson, Jr., Editors; Institute of Medicine

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: National Academies Press; 1 edition (July 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0309071550
• ISBN-13: 978-0309071550
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,214,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful reference about the facts on marijuana, September 23, 2000

By 

Joe Wein (Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base (Hardcover)

This book is the result of a $900,000 two year study of the known facts on marijuana, including a review of recent literature and interviews with patients. It was requested by "Drug Czar" McCaffrey after medical marijuana had become legal in California. No doubt McCaffrey was hoping the Institute of Medicine would come out against it. However, when finally released in March 1999, the Institute of Medicine report not only confirmed that marijuana has legitimate medical uses and is remarkably safe, it also demolished the myths that marijuana leads to harder drugs or that it causes "amotivational syndrome".

Did you know that 32% of all nicotine users develop a psychological dependency on their drug, as do 15% of all alcohol users versus only 9% of marijuana users? The book is full of useful facts like these.

If you want to get involved in the debate about what drug policy will serve us best you should read this book. Thank you, Mr McCaffrey :-)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd give it more stars!, January 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base (Hardcover)

A must have if you want to arm yourself with scientifically proven facts on this very controversially subject. I was so excited to find out what the Institute of Medicine had to say about cannabis, that I went out and told everyone I know. A true gem. Let's get this information out to everyone! And to all of those who helped put this book on the shelf, thank you! so much.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars National Institute of Sciences-Institute of Medicine Review-, January 12, 2000

By 

Scott D. [e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base (Hardcover)

I ordered this book and tell ya what. It has the best information I've seen yet that indicates, through scientific research that THC helps stop or reduce pain...something the herb consumers have known for a long time. Interested in medicine such as Marinol for pain? Get this book, then give it to your doctor. THC Delta-9, is now schedule III, prescribable by doctors for "other than approved label use"....