Marijuana on My Mind: The Science and Mystique of Cannabis

by Timmen L. Cermak

Marijuana is on everyone's mind. Why do so many people enjoy it? What is it doing in our brains? Is it safe for everyone to use? What should we be telling our children? What are the benefits of medical marijuana? How does CBD live up to its hype? Does marijuana have spiritual power? And with so much conflicting information out there, how do we begin to make up our own minds about cannabis? Marijuana on My Mind is for anyone who has ever experienced the mystique of cannabis or wondered exactly how cannabis works. With over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr Timmen Cermak uses science to make sense of the endless debate between advocates and opponents of cannabis and provides answers to some of the greatest mysteries surrounding marijuana.

Genres: Nonfiction

340 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[April Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly good book that highlights the science behind pretty much everything about marijuana.

The author looks at each major disease/issue and explores what science and anecdotal evidence says about how marijuana treats it. In short, it’s excellent for some conditions, but no so great for others.

It was nice to see everything broken down like this and it was easy to trust the Dr. because he didn’t conclude that marijuana is a miracle, nor is it evil. Instead, it’s a tool that can be used to help many things, but it won’t magically cure someone.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Brad Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a counselor who sees many young people struggle with the use of this substance, I was pleased how the author unravelled the many effects both positive and negative. The author presented the newest cutting edge neuroscience of cannabis in clear easy to understand language. The science was not overly technical, but quite accessible to most readers. Marijuana will continue to have a huge impact on our society. This book presents facts that professionals, parents and users can aid in their understanding of the powerful nature of this substance.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, very well explained, a little more than i bargained for. the most interesting/relevant parts for me were the explanation of the mechanism binding of THC and the endocannabinoid receptors, the varied illnesses that cannabis has been shown to aid, and the authors personal insights of years of being a therapist and working with addiction.

the repetition of concepts that the formatting and structure of the book allowed for better retention of said concepts.

i did skip through the chapter on american politics on cannabis, i may come back to read it as im sure it has interesting insights and one can always learn from and should learn from other's mistakes.
although the book was quite dense in information, the theory was very well explained.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fair and extremely informative. The author builds trust (ie being generally pro-cannabis) and gives solid scientific info throughout (both the good and bad of usage). He tells it like it is and breaks down the extreme talking points from both sides of the issue. Essential reading for anyone in or around Cannabis Culture.

[Kelly Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balanced and well researched

The book was so well written that I was able to read it entirely in a single day. It answered questions and provided perspective on the benefits we should desire from this medication while treating it with care as it could be misused. Hopefully our government and people will move forward slowly towards a better future.

[Erin Indra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The section about how marijuana affects the developing brain was well done.

[Alec DenBraber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It accomplished and gave me what I was looking for, but it wasn’t overly entertaining