A New Leaf: The End of Cannabis Prohibition Paperback – February 4, 2014

“A New Leaf” by Alyson Martin and Nushin Rashidian is a timely narrative and analysis about America’s rapidly changing relationship with cannabis. Martin and Rashidian are award-winning journalists who succeed at bringing this fascinating, dramatic and important story to life. This well-written book helps readers understand why the American people have declared an end to the war on weed including what the future may hold.

Martin and Rashidian believe that cannabis criminalization bears a resemblance to the failures of alcohol Prohibition. The authors briefly discuss the use of cannabis through the centuries, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, and the science of how cannabis provides a number of therapeutic benefits to humans. Of course, the authors critique the U.S. government’s regressive and inhumane cannabis policies from the use of misinformation and propaganda in the 1930s to criminalization in the 1970s and militarization from the 1980s to today. The weight of the author’s evidence suggests that the so-called War on Drugs has largely been about empowering the police state while repressing millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens; especially minorities and the poor.

Martin and Rashidian tell the story of how courageous Americans have pushed back against institutionalized injustice. We learn how sick patients in San Francisco inspired a medical marijuana movement that has subsequently spread across the country through dozens of state referendums and legislations. However, the authors discuss how contradictions in the patchwork of state and local laws have created myriad problems for entrepreneurs and consumers.

Martin and Rashidian contend that the Great Recession has prompted a ‘green rush’ to create jobs and tax revenues from cannabis. We see how some legislators are keen to implement proven laws and regulations while some reactionaries have dug in their heels to push back against the will of the people. Not the least of these has been the Obama administration which is severely criticized here for its IRS intimidation tactics and paramilitary-style busts of dozens of lawful dispensaries. The authors write that the Proposition 19 campaign in California, while unsuccessful, demonstrated that the nation was ready for a mature conversation about cannabis. Fortunately, the triumph of the Colorado and Washington state legalization campaigns seems to have finally turned a new leaf on history as millions of people have definitively spoken truth to power. The authors conclude with their thoughts on how things might evolve from here, including the likely path forward for the medical and recreational cannabis industries, state and federal regulation, foreign policy, and related issues.

I highly recommend this outstanding book to everyone.

A comprehensive synopsis of the history of cannabis legislation in America, "A New Leaf" provides an enlightening look into the systematic and flawed approach the federal government has taken to outright ban a substance more and more Americans agree can, and should be used, legally and hassle free.

Using the 2012 landmark victories for legalization in Colorado and Washington as a framework, authors Alyson Martin and Nushin Rashidian expertly narrate their trek across America, documenting the experiences and viewpoints of different legislators, experts, patients prescribed marijuana, distributors and everyone in between on the topic of decriminalizing pot.

Among other interesting avenues explored by Martin and Rashidian, is the similarity between the prohibitions of alcohol and cannabis. While one limit was swiftly rescinded, the other, through a series of dark, baseless and at times, racist motivations has been upheld as a political tactic, even in the face of increasingly documented medical productivity. Starting with a drug war initiated by Richard Nixon, and later championed by Ronald Reagan, that has cost more than $1 trillion, the authors patch together expert opinions, scientific explanations of human interaction with marijuana and testimonies from countless patients who depend on it to live a more pain free life, to illuminate the societal shift the country has witnessed in the past two decades. Moreover, when discussing the particularly brutal battles waged by drug traffickers to smuggle narcotics across the Mexican border into the United States, Martin and Rashidian estimate full legalization would take away billions of dollars from an international trade that has claimed the lives of more than 60,000 people.

Indeed an ugly topic, the disheartening cause for this deadly, expensive embargo has been, and continues to be, a political battle for influence.

Locally, "A New Leaf" examines policy effects at multiple levels in several states. From a startling tie-in between 'stop-and-frisk' protocols in New York and an alarmingly high (and unnecessary) number of arrests of minorities for mere possession, to the rise of "certification mills" as a product of federal restrictions, the consequences of outlawing a drug that some states in the union allow for may be higher than the price of outright permitting its usage.

In their travels, Martin and Rashidian already speak with several farms and outlets that allow for use and distribution, while maintaining order and helping people learn more about the potential health benefits of cannabis. Citing a Pew poll from 2013, the authors mention the country's growing approval of marijuana, where 77 percent of those questioned support its medicinal use, while 52 percent back it for recreational employ. From the comfortable environment at the World Famous Cannabis Cafe in Portland, Oregon, to the heavily scrutinized products offered at Ms. LaForce's Farmacies in West Hollywood, more Americans are opening themselves up to new theories and research, and abandoning old cliches and unfounded rumors. For those looking for a way to catch up, "A New Leaf" is a good start.

The authors provide an incisive examination of the history, politics, and implications of legalization, which is particularly important at a time when the country's drug and regulatory landscape is rapidly changing. Through investigative journalism and clear-eyed analysis, this book diligently documents recent developments through a mix of memorable interviews with pertinent stakeholders as well as considerable research. Martin and Rashidian manage to provide a comprehensive take on recent milestones in a way that gives the reader an easy understanding of what’s at stake when it comes to such a complex issue. “A New Leaf” is a must-read for any citizen who wants to be informed about the past, present, and future of cannabis prohibition…

This is great book that talks about the movement and the legalization of Cannabis in the U.S. I would really recommend this to people finding more about this topic, the history of the movement, and the legalization.

definitely a good read--much more of a journalistic/editorial/scholar read rather than simple dry academic writing.

All you want to know of the history of Cannabis. The good, the bad and the ugly!

This is a great help with my investing ideas in the medical marijauna industry. In fact iwasexcited to see one of the company's I've invested in well before reading this book...that company is now a 5x payout !!!! The info on was and states involved now and in the future will help in future stock investment ideas. The author covers everything from the very beginning of cannibas to the amazing future possibilitys of this huge market !