The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana

by Rebecca Siegel

From the Amen Clinics, America's frontline resource for brain health and treatment of brain injury, comes the most comprehensive and myth-busting guide yet on marijuana use and its effects on the brain--including how to effectively talk to young people about recreational marijuana use.

For more than 25 years, the renowned Amen Clinics has been
a frontline resource for brain health

...NOW theY TACKLE all your questions about how marijuana affects your brain--and the brain of your child.

Since marijuana became legal in many states, people of all ages are using it for pain relief and treatment of a variety of illnesses and ailments. But is it safe? In this comprehensive book, renowned psychiatrist and licensed prescriber of medical marijuana Dr. Rebecca Siegel delivers the most complete guide yet about the benefits and risks of using marijuana today. Based on the latest scientific research, this easy-to-read book busts all the myths and helps you navigate the sometimes confusing and often-changing world of marijuana. Within these pages you'll discover a wealth of invaluable information, including:

Why medical marijuana is vastly different than CBD and recreational marijuana--especially when it comes to children and teenagers

- Why medical marijuana is vastly different than CBD and recreational marijuana--especially when it comes to children and teenagers
- Evidence-based information on how cannabis is being used to treat an array of ailments and conditions
- The difference between various marijuana delivery systems, including edibles
- Why those who may be genetically vulnerable to psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, should exercise caution when using marijuana
- How to talk to teens or young adults about recreational marijuana use in a way that brings you closer
- How marijuana affects mood, productivity, and overall brain health
- Long-term vs. short-term risks for teens, adults, and older adults


With a foreword by renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen, The Brain on Cannabis reveals everything you ever wanted to know about marijuana so you can make informed decisions for yourself--and your loved ones.

Genres: Nonfiction, Drugs, Health, Mental Health

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

Reviews

[Alejandro Limón Portillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings much needed light onto a topic that is globally considered as a taboo. The book is mostly about the risks and benefits of consuming marijuana (through different methods e.g vaping, CBD tinctures, edibles) from a medical perspective, whether it’s being used for medicinal or recreational purposes. MD Rebecca Siegel provides both evidence and her own opinion on some of the most heated arguments for legalising marijuana, including potential effects on mental health, physical addiction, impacts on motivation, pregnant women and teens. Only thing this book missed was a global perspective, as it is largely focused on the US at both the Federal and local level. Would have awesome to get some insights on how other countries around the globe are designing marijuana-related policies.

I was halfway through the book when I was already convinced about reducing my consumption - although I mostly use it to deal with my restless leg syndrome. However I’m also convinced about the need to push for further R&D for medicinal purposes, as there’s plenty of evidence on its positive impacts.

Big kudos to this author for stepping up on this much needed discussion!

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the author's way of dealing with the subject, underlining all the information that is not yet known to us and all the interactions that have not yet been explained, also because the use of marijuana in the medical and recreational field is really a hot topic at the moment and it is easy to read everything and the opposite of everything. Unfortunately, a lot of information is only related to the legislation of some American states and not applicable, for example, to the states of the European Union, for which the legislation is still in the high seas. Nevertheless, it remains an extremely interesting and well-written essay, which can provide anyone with the basic information to then decide to go deeper into the subject.

Ho apprezzato molto il modo dell'autrice di trattare l'argomento, sottolineando cioé tutte le informazioni che ancora non ci sono note e tutte le interazioni che non sono ancora state spiegate, anche perché l'uso della marjuana in ambito medico e ricreazionale é veramente un hot topic in questo momento ed é facile leggere tutto ed il contrario di tutto. Purtroppo peró, molte informazioni sono collegate soltanto alla legislazione di alcuni stati americani e non applicabili, per esempio, agli stati dell'Unione Europea, per i quali la legislazione é ancora in alto mare. Resta comunque un saggio estremamente interessante e ben scritto, che puó fornire a chiunque le informazioni base per poi decidere di approfondire l'argomento.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Marcus Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredible insight into the use of cannabis for medical purposes, with a somewhat condescending view into the use of recreational cannabis. Listening to this, it is understandable that so much more research needs to be done into the effects of turpenes, CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and I think decriminalisation is important at the very least to ensure such research prevails and those with substance abuse problems are looked after appropriately. This particular piece comes across a little too anecdotal for my liking, especially when the person writing it is a trained medical professional, but I think it can be good to challenge one's views nonetheless

[Alex Leeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found so much of this book to be reciprocating on knowledge I had accumulated before reading it. However, the best information was found at the very last chapters, which dealt face-to-face with the assumptions cannabis has over motivation and mental health. To have the facts as well as speculation and worry easily categorized here, was a treat to indulge in. I have to say too that it has helped me realize some of the ways my own use can be altered to best help myself. However the amount of knowledge in the first 90% was largely consensus with evidence I had seen already.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to our country's history concerning the regulation of cannabis, varying laws state to state, strict restrictions at the federal level, and, as a result, limited access to research, the medical and recreational use of cannabis is a topic that is "clear as mud" to most people. Dr. Siegel tackles this topic by taking myths from both sides of the spectrum: the myth that cannabis is completely harmless and the myth that cannabis is always harmful. She thoughtfully tackles several difficult questions regarding the medical and recreational use of cannabis, despite the fact that limited research is available. Overall, this book is upfront and honest about what we do know about cannabis use and what that could mean for you or for a loved one who could benefit from medical marijuana (or not). Reading this book is a great starting point and could help you have an informed discussion with a physician who certifies patients for medical marijuana in order to see if it is a good fit for you.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is a really basic, introductory look at marijuana, best suited for someone who has no prior experience with it and has done basically no research on their own. That’s not a bad thing—I’d rather someone went with this book for their research than start with Tumblr or something. It is filled with decent of-the-moment facts and as it’s written by a doctor it’s got a fairly clinical perspective. BUT there is also a fair amount of moralizing and lecturing in here, so it something to be aware of.

[Edwina Howard]

An eye opener. Easy to read. Lots of information and backup to verify what she writes. There are lots of myths surrounding the harmfulness and harmlessness of marijuana. She states that more research and education is needed. This book is a good start. It is neither for or against marijuana. But it is educational. It is cautionary. There is much unknown and contradictory. If you are considering marijuana use, read this first.

[Marsalene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told me what I already knew but also seemed a little biased. Maybe it was due to the lack of research but I found that medical use was seen as good and recreational use was seen as bad. There wasn't enough good outcomes for recreational use but it is understandable considering the lack of research. Overall, it was an ok read and I learned a lot about the potential effects of frequent use.

[Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is misleading: There is little to no neuroscience in this book. The bulk of its content deals with Marihuana regulations and laws in the US, an overview of approved uses and common misuses, and anecdotes from the author's praxis. The author does cite some interesting studies linking cannabis to mental illnesses, but overall I found it disappointing.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative on the good and bad impacts of cannabis use.

[Sydney Cain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but also not a lot of information that I hadn't already learned. A good read if you're curious or haven't heard much on the topic but if you have, there's not much new information.

[Maël · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent read for those with no prior cannabis knowledge interested in pursuing medical cannabis as a treatment option.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Information. A lot of information, Dr. Siegel attempts to present the information objectively.

[Daniella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dr. Amen of Amen Clinics is not who wrote this book.

[Peggy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I thought it would be. I learn nothing new or heplfull. Sorry I try to find something good to say but who knows I may reread it some day and I will feel different.

[Callie · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the beginning I was intrigued, but the farther and farther I got into this book, I got bored. I couldn’t keep place of where I was and I would read the same paragraph 2 or 3 times.

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a lot of issues with this book, but I'll keep it brief... She puts a heavy emphasis on "vaping is bad" but she is exclusively talking about cartridge or distillate vapes - not dry herb vaping. Shes ignoring the fact that IF you are going to inhale cannabis, vaping dry herb is the best thing for you. However, its important to recognize that shes practicing in a state where dried cannabis flower isn't/wasn't legal for medical purposes. Its edibles, tincture, or vapes only.

She also referred to it as "marijuana" about 3000 times by the third chapter. I can't take somebody seriously as a cannabis professional if they use a term thats frankly racist. The cannabis industry has been trying to delist this term due to its racial history and here comes Dr. Siegal... if you want to call yourself a cannabis professional, be professional about cannabis. Disappointing.

This book only covers very surface level information and very much covers it with a rather subjective lens. I purchased this book, and several others, as a training tool for my new staff to the industry (cannabis industry) and I recalled this book from our repertoire because the content was NOT the kind of information we should be passing along. Take her opinions with a grain of salt.