
- 448 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
"Along with Eric Schlosser's Reefer Madness , this could become a staple at neighborhood head shops . . . the only hash book you'll ever need." ā Kirkus Reviews
To some it's the classic "gateway drug," to others it is a harmless way to relax, or provide relief from crippling pain. Some fear it is a dangerous drug with addictive properties; to others still it is a legal anomaly and should be decriminalized. Whatever the viewpoint, and by whatever name it is known, cannabisāor marijuana, hashish, dope, pot, weed, grass, ganjaāincites debate at every level, and the effect it has on the cultures and economics of every corner of the globe is undeniable.
In this definitive study, Martin Booth crafts a tale of medical advance, religious enlightenment, political subterfuge and human rights; of law enforcement and custom officers, cunning smugglers, street pushers, gang warfare, writers, artists, musicians, and happy-go-lucky hippies and potheads.
Booth chronicles the fascinating and often mystifying process through which cannabis, a relatively harmless substance, became outlawed throughout the Western world, and the devastating effect such legislation has on the global economy. Above all, he demonstrates how the case for decriminalization remains one of the twenty-first century's hottest topics.
"Amazingly informative and riveting . . . quite intoxicating." ā
Financial Times
Ā (UK)
"Even-handed, adult and good-humoured . . . original and thought-provoking." ā
The Sunday TelegraphĀ
(UK)
"Fascinating . . . a clear-headed and sustained case." ā
The Sunday Times
Ā (UK)
"Well-researched." ā
The Seattle Times
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Notice
- Dedication
- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
- PREFACE
- 1. THE FRAGRANT CANE
- 2. OUT OF THE LAND OF MULBERRY AND HEMP
- 3. A FIBRE FOR ALL SEASONS
- 4. THE SHRUB OF EMOTION, THE MORSEL OF THOUGHT
- 5. MYTHS AND MURDERERS
- 6. THE HERB PANTAGRUELION
- 7. A LA MODE DU HACHISCH
- 8. THE PASTORāS SON FROM POUGHKEEPSIE
- 9. CANNABIS Rx
- 10. LOOSENING THE GIRDERS OF THE SOUL
- 11. CONVENTIONS, COMMISSIONS AND CONTRABAND
- 12. MARY JANE, COCKROACHES AND THE BLUES
- 13. WHEN THE LEGEND BECOMES FACT, PRINT THE LEGEND
- 14. NEW YORK, NEW YORK
- 15. STAR-BUSTERS
- 16. DORA, BEBOP AND THE VIPERS OF LONDON
- 17. THE BEATS
- 18. TURNING ON, TUNING IN AND RIDING THE BUS
- 19. ASHRAMS AND THE AGENTS OF CHANGE
- 20. THE TIMES THEY WERE ADJUSTING
- 21. ISLAND IN THE SUN
- 22. SWINGING IN LONDON, STONED IN AMSTERDAM
- 23. THE UNIVERSAL FRIEND
- 24. THE BALM OF HOPE
- 25. THE INDUSTRY OF DREAMS AND DOLLARS
- 26. FUDGE, COUNTER-FUDGE AND THE FUTURE
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- INDEX
- Also by Martin Booth
- Newsletter Sign-up
- CONTENTS
- Copyright