Handbook of Cannabis

I had no idea how extensive this book would be. It begins with the history of cannabis, and its use in ancient medicine up to the present day. According to this book, physicians worldwide were discovering healthy uses for cannabis, treating menstrual headaches, arthritis, back pain, and urinary burning, thanks to this inexpensive plant. The next chapters discuss the chemical composition, the laws of cannabis, international regulations,

The Handbook Of Cannabis does, however, list the hazards. In all chapters, whether they discuss legal or natural issues, they go heavily into the dangers. In the chapters on international control and the chapter on dispensaries, we learn that the laws are often unclear. Firstly, the famous Netherlands marijuana cafes are not entirely legal. There are regulations on how much can be sold and to whom, and where they can open. In the USA, cities can make their own laws regarding where marijuana dispensaries or stores can open, and the cities can charge huge annual license fees to open. Another major issue is the source of the drug. Though it may be legal to sell marijuana in the Netherlands, it isn’t legal to import it, so the importation is in the hands of organized crime. In the USA, shipping marijuana from a grower state to one that legalizes the sale creates a Federal issue. If a truck carrying marijuana crosses through a state where it’s not legal, the driver could be charged with a crime. Sending it through US Mail might not be legal either, unless the Federal government comes to an agreement over “peaceable journey,” as it did for interstate transport of firearm.

I recommend this book for anyone who’s considering using marijuana, treating an illness with it, or planning to go into business selling it. The book covers all the issues of US and international laws, and the benefits of cannabis. The only thing missing is the agricultural issue of cannabis. Only a small section is devoted to growing, and that has to do with horticulture. The book doesn’t go into the aspects of mass cannabis farming, so if you want to know what kind of fertilizer to use, and what kind of grow lights to use, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

For anyone researching the medical, legal, and economic aspects of marijuana, this book is perfect.