Marijuana, Gateway to Health could be useful to health professionals in research, prevention, oncology, pain management, Alzheimer's prevention, and mental health professionals in general. Overall, the book discusses the social perceptions and scientific data from the growing body of evidence on cannabis, but it also acknowledges that more research in this field is needed.
The author, Clint Werner, begins by describing how cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. Certain cannabinoids inhibit in flam mation and the growth of some types of cancer and can even kill some cancer cells. He also describes how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) inhibits the growth of plaques around neurons that are associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to preliminary research.
The first part of the book details the various components of cannabis but discusses in more detail the effects of and research on THC and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD does not have the same psychotropic phytocannabinoids as THC but it does seem to contain many of the other desirable effects of cannabis, such as relief of nausea and pain as well as cancer protection. One of the benefits of the increasing number of states adopting medical marijuana regulation in the United States is the corresponding increase in investigation of how to cultivate plants that have more CBD than THC. Many users don't want the psychedelic effects of THC and are seeking effects of the CBD.
In the second part of the book, Werner discusses the history of the marijuana reform movement and the barriers it has faced. He also details the personal stories of people whose illnesses or conditions were helped by cannabis, but were not allowed to use it, such as people with HIV/AIDS. The book also mentions the negative effects of cannabis, acknowledging it is not for everyone and discouraging some populations, such as teens and couples who are trying to conceive, from using the drug.
The book would have been strengthened by the inclusion of more information on current and planned studies on the various components of the cannabis plant. It also would have been interesting to know more about what experts in the field think the future of cannabis research looks like.
Marijuana, Gateway to Health shows the context that surrounds legalization attempts over several decades and incorporates the sway in public opinion. It also includes information on the intricate and well-funded regulating bodies that have been fighting marijuana legalization. Related books that might provide more context and that are highly rated on Amazon.com are Marihuana Reconsidered by Lester Grinspoon and the The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Hunter Riley is a senior studying psychology and Spanish at the University of New Mexico. She writes for the New Mexico Business Weekly and is a sex educator at Self Serve Sexuality Resource Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.