Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine

by Lester Grinspoon, James B. Bakalar

In this important and timely book, two eminent researchers describe the medical benefits of marihuana, explain why its use has been forbidden, and argue for its full legalization to make it available to all patients who need it. Highly praised when it was first published in 1993, the book has been expanded to include new examples of the ways that marihuana alleviates symptoms of cancer chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, glaucoma, AIDS, and depression, as well as symptoms of such less common disorders as Crohn’s disease, diabetic gastroparesis, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Praise for the first
“Grinspoon and Bakalar have provided a valuable compendium of marihuana’s beneficial properties. . . . This book is valuable for its breadth of first-person accounts of beneficial effects of marihuana smoking in physically and emotionally distressed individuals.”―Rick J. Strassman, m.d., Journal of the American Medical Association
“Cogent and convincing arguments for the legalization of marihuana and its pharmacologically active components. . . . This book provides an excellent overview of the subject from a medical perspective.”―Robert M. Swift, m.d., ph.d., New England Journal of Medicine
“A very important book. . . . It is highly recommended reading for anyone interested in the history, biomedical science, and public policy surrounding these most amazing plants.”―David E. Presti and Richard Evans Schultes, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Lester Grinspoon, M.D. (Harvard Medical School, 1955) was a psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard University. He was known for his groundbreaking work on the science and social policy of cannabis, psychedelics and other drugs, and his related commitment to the reformation of harmful drug policies.

He concurrently served as a senior psychiatrist at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center for 40 years and was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Psychiatric Association. He was founding editor of The American Psychiatric Association Annual Review and Harvard Mental Health Letter, holding the latter position for fifteen years.

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main theme of this book is that thousands of Americans are suffering needlessly as the result of unjust laws and regulations. Medical marijuana is a miracle cure for those suffering nausea from painful chemotherapy treatments, or those diagnosed with MS, or even those who have common psychological disorders. Many patients are being forced to turn to dangerous pharmaceuticals that have devastating side effects, and those that choose not too are often thrown in jail.

But, as we all know, lobbyists run capital hill. And it is much easier and more efficient for a drug company to synthesize an Oxycontin tablet than to grow a marijuana plant. The Wu Tang Clan is famous for saying, "Cash Rules Everything Around Me", and apparently that is true even when dealing with the health care of millions of people.

America fucking disgusts me.

[Robert]

ok

[Érica Marques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro que aconselho a qualquer pessoa ler. O Dr. Lester Grinspoon faz com que nós abramos a nossa mente em relação a esta planta e a sua exploração para uso medicinal. É um estudo bastante extenso e responde a muitas dúvidas que temos em relação aos possíveis tratamentos com esta planta.

[Ron Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it a long time ago in the 90 s very good read

[Philippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stuff.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to everyone.