Weed: Cannabis Culture in the Americas

by Caitlin Donohue

Humans have used cannabis for thousands of years, since Neolithic peoples sought out its medicinal benefits. But for the past century, its use has been largely criminalized. Stigma around cannabis has made it difficult for people of all ages to get straightforward answers about how to minimize health risks related to cannabis consumption or to understand how the plant has shaped and continues to shape society today. In Cannabis Culture in the Americas , culture writer Caitlin Donohue crafts a comprehensive and thought-provoking review of cannabis in the Western Hemisphere. Donohue’s investigation spans from Vancouver, Canada, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, interviewing medical researchers, educators, activists, artists, business leaders, and other experts to explore the long relationship between cannabis and the human race, its almost universal prohibition in the twentieth century, and modern efforts to legalize the much-maligned plant in all its forms.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious what a science-based book trying to educate teens on cannabis might look like, and I was not disappointed by Caitlin Donohue's work. She presents the facts on weed in an easily digestible and consistently intersectional way, particularly through a reliance on interviews. The focus on historical injustice and the need for equity is given the attention it deserves, particularly regarding race, ethnicity, and nationality. As with most things, we can't talk about cannabis without talking about colonialism and white supremacy. This is a fantastic primer both for teens and any adults who grew up in a DARE/Just Say No culture, whether they use (weed or anything else) or not. Harm reduction, baby!

[Hannah Casey]

Reading more non-fiction for 2025!! Had to start with young adult non-fiction to ease into it

[Kiwi! · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so rare to find a book that not only explores the complex aspects of substances/ substance use but to also find a book that is created for young people. Donohue takes cannabis education to a place that grounds the reader in inspiring and thought provoking stories.
I loved learning more about cannabis culture and politics across the America’s and learned new aspects to drug policy that I never new before. Definitely check out the chapter on Uruguayan cannabis politics*** I will continue going back to this book and have been sharing it with my friends and other young ppl in my life!

[Hannah Rouley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Objectively one of the most comprehensive and simultaneously unbiased reports on the history and impact of cannabis and its culture globally. I wish we could assign this to high school students and college students as part of a history curriculum. Incredibly interesting, scientific, historical, and all-encompassing.

[Stephanie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a series of interviews and articles, this book attempts to educate teens on a different view of cannabis.

This book was definitely interesting. I learned a lot about the 20th century history of cannabis use in the Americas. I really appreciate the message about trying to get rid of prohibition only education. It definitely makes sense and seems like the way we should be moving, however I would argue this book goes a little too far in the opposite direction, talking about only the positives of the plant and making it seem like cannabis alone can change the world. It’s a lovely idea, but I just don’t think I’m quite there yet.

I totally agree with the messaging about prohibition, historic racism, and the massive societal problems that our cultures have perpetrated in our attitudes towards drug use. This kind of book could pave the way for new forms of education, if only the nuances could be pulled off just a little cleaner.

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting and informative book on what weed, marijuana, cannabis, whatever you choose to call it. The author just landed into learning about weed he touches on his journey in the book. No matter what your thoughts are you should read this book with a open mind you just might find weed is really worth looking into. Studies have shown It helps people with all sorts of ailments and pain from children to adults the benefits from Marijuana out way the old way of thinking which made it unlawful in some countries. The author also covers different way to smoke, eat or digest marijuana and ways it is being used by people for their sickness to just for fun. I highly recommend reading this and learning. This plant just might help you with something. Thank You netgalley

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be geared toward teens and educating them on cannabis yet it doesn’t give a whole picture. Telling teens that cannabis has only good effects and benefits and not exposing even possible consequences is not a book i want to recommend. I am all in favor of cannabis for medicinal purposes, I believe there is so much good that can be done!

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was originally looking for something that went deeper into the variety of cultural histories of cannabis. Nonetheless this had some really interesting firsthand accounts, especially in Latin America. And amidst the recent wave of legalizations, it is important to recognize how many people have been hurt by the global prohibition of this plant that was originally influenced by ~The White Man~

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite good and very informative! It is definitely a one-sided book but I really appreciated the emphasis on decriminalization, responsible use, and harm reduction. It wasn't the most engaging book in the world but I learned a lot!

[Megan Eliason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content was written high level, with a nice touch of varying POV. (Point of view) This book easily stems a reader to pursue a topic in the book and read/research a cannabis topic that interests them. Cannabis in sports, history, medicine, or your own garden.

[Teresa Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a series of conversations than a research resource.

[Katrina Haffner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the different topics Donahue delved into.

-1 star for the audiobook for not quite making it to 4:20. J/K.

[Jess Cerchiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Educational!

Lots of fun information with increasingly educational topics. It’s essentially a compilation of interviews but each were interesting in their own right.