In this book the author, an Investigative journalist traces the social history of marijuana from its origins to its emergence in the 1960s as a defining force in an ongoing culture war. He describes how the illicit marijuana subculture overcame government opposition and morphed into a multibillion-dollar industry. In 1996, Californians voted to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Similar laws have followed in several other states, but not without antagonistic responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement. The author draws attention to underreported scientific breakthroughs that are reshaping the therapeutic landscape: medical researchers have developed promising treatments for cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, chronic pain, and many other conditions that are beyond the reach of conventional cures.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [407]-488) and index.

Herblore. Black and blue New world hemp Elixirs and tinctures High on hash Sex, drugs, and the occult. Prohibition. The Mexican connection The mighty Mezz Voodoo pharmacology A truth drug Cold war cannabis Writing the reality script. Reefer Rebellion. Seeds of change The riddle of THC Grass and acid A tipping point Legalize it! Flower power High spies. The Big Chill. This means war Dr. Mikuriya's medicine The euphoria of secrecy Seeing is believing Rasta vibration In your face. Just Say Never. Reefer sadness The laughing cure Home grown Going Dutch

Drug-war doublespeak The hemperor. From Blunts to Ballots. Bush v. weed The brain and marijuana Hip-hop hemp To live and die in San Francisco The pot club Crossing the rubicon. Fire in the Belly. Counterattack Unchartered waters Southern exposure Falling dominos The stake-out Veterans for drug-war peace. Ground Zero. Narcs gone wild! Show trials Physicians in the crosshairs The Supreme Court punts The long arm of the DEA Ten years after. Mellow Mayhem. Senior stoners An industry emerges Healing without the high Booze or bud? The green rush Suffer the children.