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Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know® 1st Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

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Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know®
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Should marijuana be legalized? The latest Gallup poll reports that exactly half of Americans say "yes"; opinion couldn't be more evenly divided.

Marijuana is forbidden by international treaties and by national and local laws across the globe. But those laws are under challenge in several countries. In the U.S., there is no short-term prospect for changes in federal law, but sixteen states allow medical use and recent initiatives to legalize production and non-medical use garnered more than 40% support in four states. California's Proposition 19 nearly passed in 2010, and multiple states are expected to consider similar measures in the years to come.

The debate and media coverage surrounding Proposition 19 reflected profound confusion, both about the current state of the world and about the likely effects of changes in the law. In addition, not all supporters of "legalization" agree on what it is they want to legalize: Just using marijuana? Growing it? Selling it? Advertising it? If sales are to be legal, what regulations and taxes should apply? Different forms of legalization might have very different results.

Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know® will provide readers with a non-partisan primer about the topic, covering everything from the risks and benefits of using marijuana, to describing the current laws around the drug in the U.S. and abroad. The authors discuss the likely costs and benefits of legalization at the state and national levels and walk readers through the "middle ground" of policy options between prohibition and commercialized production. The authors also consider how marijuana legalization could personally impact parents, heavy users, medical users, drug traffickers, and employers.

What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW About This Series

Who it's for:

Busy people with diverse interests, ranging from college students to professionals, who wish to inform themselves in a succinct yet authoritative manner about a particular topic.

What's inside:

An incisive approach to a complex and timely issue, laid out in a straight-forward, question-and-answer format.

Meet Our Authors

Top experts in their given fields, ranging from an Economist correspondent to a director at the Council on Foreign Relations, you can trust our authors’ expertise and guidance.

Popular Topics in the "What Everyone Needs to Know" Series

  • International Politics
  • Environmental Policies
  • World History
  • Sciences & Math
  • Religion & Spirituality

From Booklist

In this nonpartisan book (the authors themselves, all public-policy academics, don’t even personally hold the same viewpoints), readers will learn about the risks and benefits of marijuana legalization. The work outlines marijuana basics in a Q&A format—such as “Has marijuana been getting more potent?” and “Is marijuana really the nation’s leading cash crop?”—and considers legal and personal ramifications, from distribution to taxation to addiction. A valuable primer for anyone interested in the current debate about the war on drugs. --Rebecca Vnuk

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press; 1st edition (July 13, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0199913730
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0199913732
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.2 x 0.6 x 5.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

About the author

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Mark Kleiman
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Mark A. R. Kleiman

Mark A.R. Kleiman is Professor of Public Policy at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. His teaching and research cover drug policy, crime control policy, and methods of policy analysis. His books include *Marijuana: Costs of Abuse, Costs of Control* and *Against Excess: Drug Policy for Results*, and *When Brute Force Fails: How to Have Less Crime and Less Punishment* (one of The Economist's "Books of the Year" for 2009).

Most recently, he has joined Jonathan Caulkins, Angela, Hawken, and Beau Kilmer in writing two books in Oxford's "What Everyone Needs to Know" series, one on *Drug Policy* and, most recently, one on *Marijuana Legalization*. He edits the Journal of Drug Policy Analysis and blogs at The Reality-Based Community (http://www.samefacts.com). His essay in Foreign Affairs, "Surgical Strikes in the Drug Wars: Smarter Strategies for Both Sides of the Border," presents an innovative approach to reducing drug-trafficking violence.

Mr. Kleiman studied political science, philosophy, and economics at Haverford College and received his Master of Public Policy degree and his Ph.D. from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, where he also taught before coming to UCLA. His governmental experience includes stints on Capitol Hill (working for Les Aspin), in Boston City Hall, and at the Justice Department. His firm, BOTEC Analysis Corporation, advises local, state, and national governments on drug policy and crime control.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
93 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book excellent for scholarly and straightforward information on cannabis policy. They describe the writing as lucid, easy to read, and well-documented. Readers also find the economics fascinating. Additionally, they say the presentation is balanced and objective.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

23 customers mention "Information value"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent and interesting. They say it's a thorough summary of knowledge in the area of cannabis policy. Readers also mention it's honest and helps readers understand the different types of plans.

"...Jonathan P. Caulkins, Mark A.R. Leiman and Angela Hawken is a thoroughly excellent, non-partisan discussion of marijuana legalization...." Read more

"...It is thorough and a more scholarly writing than most books on marijuana...." Read more

"...It is balanced and will help readers understand the different types of plans that one could use when legalizing marijuana...." Read more

"...The revenue potential is not as cut and dry. The book also covers the middle ground well and shows most of the benefits that support legalization..." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book lucidly written, thorough, and easy to read. They also say it's more scholarly than most books on marijuana.

"...It is thorough and a more scholarly writing than most books on marijuana...." Read more

"...The authors give a ton of factual information in the book. The book is easy to read...." Read more

"...It provides a comprehensive, yet very readable review, of available scientific evidence on the many facets of marijuana, as well as providing..." Read more

"This is one of the most lucidly written books discussing an important issue that could affect all of us...." Read more

6 customers mention "Thought provoking"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and annoying. They say it provides extensive information on the economics of legalization. Readers also mention it's a breath of fresh air on the subject and an excellent, non-partisan discussion of marijuana legalization.

"...and Angela Hawken is a thoroughly excellent, non-partisan discussion of marijuana legalization...." Read more

"...It will.The economics were fascinating to work through as well. The revenue potential is not as cut and dry...." Read more

"...that promotes legalization of cannabis, this book was a breath of fresh air on the subject...." Read more

"...the many facets of marijuana, as well as providing extensive information on the economics of legalization...." Read more

5 customers mention "Balance"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book balanced and objective in tone. They say it provides a good overview.

"...It is balanced and will help readers understand the different types of plans that one could use when legalizing marijuana...." Read more

"...In contrast to most other volumes on the subject, it is balanced and even-handed...." Read more

"...Provides a good overview and strives to be objective in tone." Read more

"...It is a very balanced presentation and I highly recommend it no what side of the issue you are on. You will learn something new!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2012
"Marijuana Legalization" by Beau Kilmer, Jonathan P. Caulkins, Mark A.R. Leiman and Angela Hawken is a thoroughly excellent, non-partisan discussion of marijuana legalization. The authors collaboratively address all of the major issues, coolly weighing the pros and cons while demonstrating respect for the reader's intelligence. This well-written book should be read by everyone who favors a more enlightened, caring and tolerant society.

The book is divided into two sections: 'Marijana and Prohibition Today' and 'Legalization and its Consequences'. The chapters pose questions such as, 'How is marijuana produced and distributed today?', 'What is known about the nonmedical benefits of using marijuana?', 'What if marijuana was treated like alcohol?' and so on. Importantly, the authors do not dumb down the issues, resort to polemics or cajole us to join any one side of the argument. Although we might come to understand that reasonable people can disagree on specific points, the plain facts of the failed prohibition policies and the relative benign characteristics of marijuana consumption inexorably move us forward to a place where we can imagine real reform.

I believe the book offers a number of valuable takeaways. As can be seen in the case of California's medical marijuana laws, the authors argue that referendums do not always produce the best policies; they believe it would be far preferable to legislate policy through open, deliberative processes. The authors suggest that we should avoid a marketplace dominated by a few large, profit-maximizing corporations who would probably encourage user dependency through insidious marketing practices; instead, it might be far more preferable to empower community-based coops or perhaps local government monopolies on production and trade to ensure greater product quality, consistency and reasonable end user prices. In any case, the authors provide evidence that legalization might best be achieved if the federal government backs away and allows individual states to experiment with their various reforms; whereupon the most successful ones could be subsequently adapted by other states.

Interestingly, we learn that perhaps the biggest wildcard pertaining to legalized weed is alcohol. Although the authors largely debunk the inflated cost savings to the criminal justice system that might be achieved through the relaxation of marijuana laws, they stress that we can not know with certainty if the inevitable increase in marijuana use that will come about through legalization will encourage greater use of alcohol (or for that matter, other illegal drugs), or not. Recognizing of course that alcohol is the far more destructive drug (see also Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink?), the authors caution that any potential benefits gained through legalizing marijuana could be more than offset if alcohol consumption increases in tandem.

In the final chapter, the four authors offer their opinions on what might be done. It should be noted that none are in favor of the status quo; the individual authors simply differ on the degree of legalization they recommend implementing at this point in time. As noted, the authors stress that legalization should be a closely-monitored process where the unforeseen consequences that might ensue from poorly-written policies can be corrected. With hundreds of pages of thoughtful discussion and analysis, it is difficult not to agree with the author's thoroughly reasonable conclusions; especially on the many specific points where a general consensus has been reached.

I highly recommend this outstanding book to everyone.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2014
This is a good book written by people who write for the RAND corporation, a well known think tank, often employed by the government and other large organizations. It is thorough and a more scholarly writing than most books on marijuana. The authors point out many of the pros and cons that may be associated with marijuana legalization. In most cases they note that much of what is stated today by proponents as well as opponents of legalization is currently not able to be verified scientifically. They frequently use the phrase "unintended consequences" when talking about legalization. In one of the later chapters the four authors each summarize their own position. Only one would not legalize or make many changes to current laws the other three all would like to see changes made but each has concerns and each vary in his/her approach to legalization. I had previously read Marijuana is Safer: So Why Are We Driving People to Drink (2nd edition) and this book, along with additional research tempered my views. I now would like to see the Federal government turn this question over to the states, and have the DEA reduce marijuana from its current Schedule 1 status to a Schedule 3, 4 or 5.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2018
I have just read the book. I am very knowledgeable about the scientific research on the effects of marijuana.

The authors give a ton of factual information in the book. The book is easy to read.

The authors give their opinions at the end of the book. All 3 differ. They also jointly give parameters at the end of the book regarding what controls they believe there should be with legalization. They believe that there should be significantly more control with legalization than there currently has been in any of the states that have legalized with the exception of Vermont.

I would highly recommend the book. It is written by public policy experts who do not have a particular dog in the marijuana legalization fight. It is balanced and will help readers understand the different types of plans that one could use when legalizing marijuana. So far, in all states except Vermont, it has been one size fits all. But there are other ways to do this and the authors do a good job at describing these other ways.

Unless you already know a good amount about this topic, you will come away knowing a lot more.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014
I started the book PRO legalization and am now more concerned about legalization despite seeing the benefits. This book does a great job of opening your eyes to all the issues. The most compelling argument to me is the social pressure argument. The more smoking pot becomes socially acceptable, the more likely people who abstain today will try it. This argument alone is not a good one but it flew in the face of my previous thinking that use would not increase much. It will.

The economics were fascinating to work through as well. The revenue potential is not as cut and dry. The book also covers the middle ground well and shows most of the benefits that support legalization can be had with fewer risks.

Some form of legalization will occur and Colorado will help work through the laws for the rest of the United States. As for now, we need to decriminalize use nationally.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2012
I am from the camp that thinks cannabis should legalized, taxed, and regulated like alcohol. While I love reading anything that promotes legalization of cannabis, this book was a breath of fresh air on the subject. It is written in a perspective that looks at all sides of the subject, not just pounding out a message that cannabis should be legal because of this and that reason. Throughout the book it speaks on on a points that promote legalization, and then immediately counters on the same point with what might be drawbacks if cannabis were legal. This was an excellent read in my opinion if one is interested in learning more about the subject.
14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Alvaro A. F. Mendes Jr.
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Brazil on August 11, 2015
Ive enjoyed a lot. Theyre not radical prolegalization scholars. So their look about marijuana is very interesting. After Kevin sabet book about cannabis policy, i would recommend This.
Derek Albert
1.0 out of 5 stars Lazy Research and Incredible Sources
Reviewed in Canada on May 4, 2013
I bought this book for a presentation I was doing at school thinking that it was a different book by the same title that had been inconveniently taken out from the library when I needed it. Among a number of previously written, non-academic reviews that may have used academic sources to support their arguments, the authors used Erowid, the online drug forum, as a source. I think that pretty much sums up the quality of this book. While not everyone interested in this book will be using it in an academic setting, I think that most will at least expect credible research to be underlying the claims being made. Instead, the authors simply take a number of similarly themed secondary sources and amalgamate them into something masquerading as an updated survey of the topic. Not only is this lazy investigating, but it's misleading in that a less thorough reader will assume that because it was published in 2012, it is an up-to-date presentation of the facts, but in reality, it's just a rehashing of old evidence...and less than credible evidence at that.
B. Gábor
5.0 out of 5 stars Good summary on the subject
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2013
The book presents it's arguments pro/contra in the forms of questions and answers. It was written before the Colorado and Washington legalisation, but it is all still relevant. No cons as far as I can see.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2016
Very useful ! Good flow