Books on Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Marihuana: The Forbidden Medicine, by Lester Grinspoon -

Grinspoon and Bakalar have compiled testimonials on the medicinal uses of marijuana for a variety of medical problems, including glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. These accounts dramatically illustrate marijuana's potential to alleviate suffering when traditionally prescribed medications have proved ineffective, but they also illustrate the great stress placed on these individuals and their families by using an illegal substance. Many people don't know how to obtain marijuana, can't afford it, and are fearful and resentful of being considered criminal for using it. The authors discuss social attitudes towards marijuana and the reasons why the drug was outlawed. They argue that making marijuana available on a prescription basis is unworkable and that its legalization is necessary to make it available to those who need it. Recommended for public and academic libraries. - Kathleen McQuiston, Philadelphia Coll. of Pharmacy and Science - Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Benefits Of Marijuana: Physical, Phychological and Spiritual, by Joan Bello -

Updated edition of the holistic understanding of the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of marijuana which bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science. Includes 100 testimonials and new scientific information concerning the benefits of marijuana for PTSD, as well as the definition of marijuana therapy for psychological problems. (Amazon description)

Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis, by the British Medical Association -

At the last Annual Representative Meeting of the British Medical Association a motion was passed that "certain additional cannabinoids should be legalized for wider medicinal use" . This report supports this landmark statement by reviewing the scientific evidence for the therapeutic use of cannabinoids and sets the agenda for change. It will be welcomed by those who believe that cannabinoids can be used in medical treatment. The report discusses in a clear and readable form the use and adverse effects of the drug for nausea, multiple sclerosis, pain, epilepsy, glaucoma, and asthma. This volume was prepared under the auspices of the Board of Science and Education of the British Medical Association (BMA), which is the professional organization representing the medical profession in the UK. (Amazon description)

The Blessed Herb: Medicinal Cannabis Users in their Own Words, by Hendrick Geels -

In this book, patients suffering from a wide range of illnesses share their experiences with using cannabis as a medicine. Recipes and guidelines on the medicinal use of cannabis are also included.

Understanding Marijuana: A New Look at the Scientific Evidence, by Mitchell Earleywine -

"a valuable and instructive resource for anyone interested in cannabis and/or the reform of marijuana laws. The book achieves its objective of providing a balanced and definitive primer on the most widely used illicit substance in the United States...[and] convincingly debunks many widely held myths."- Jon Gettman, High Times

Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base - Institute of Medicine - Joy, Watson, Benson, editors -

(commissioned by the U.S. government) Marijuana and Medicineaddresses the science base and the therapeutic effects of marijuana use for medical conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It covers marijuana's mechanism of action, acute and chronic effects on health and behavior, potential adverse effects, efficacy of different delivery systems, analysis of the data about marijuana as a gateway drug, and the prospects for developing cannabinoid drugs. The book evaluates how well marijuana meets accepted standards for medicine and considers the conclusions of other blue-ribbon panels. Full of useful facts, this volume will be important to anyone interested in informed debate about the medical use of marijuana: advocates and opponents as well as policymakers, regulators, and health care providers. (Amazon description)

Marijuana Medicine: A World Tour of the Healing and Visonary Powers of Cannabis - Christian Rätsch -

"The historical, medicinal, cultural, and visionary uses of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) in Africa, Asia, India, Europe, and the Americas is discussed in this visual tribute to a versatile plant. The dialog is clear and engaging, yet maintains a scientific approach. Complete with very good photography, this has to be the most complete pictorial and informative presentation of Cannabis." - American Herb Association

Medical Marijuana Handbook: Practical Guide to the Therapeutic Uses of Marijuana, by Gieringer; Rosenthal; Carter, MD (adapter) -

An estimated 40 million Americans have medical symptoms that marijuana can relieve. Marijuana Medical Handbook is a one-stop resource that gives candid, objective advice on using marijuana for healing, understanding its effects on the body, safe administration, targeting illnesses, side effects, and the various delivery methods from edibles and tinctures to smokeless vaporizer pipes. The book also details supply issues, cultivation solutions (in a chapter by renowned expert Ed Rosenthal), and legal consequences. This thoroughly revised edition incorporates the most up-to-date information on the ever-changing politics of marijuana, the plant's usage, and medical research on it. (Amazon Description)

Cannabinoids (Neuroscience Intelligence Unit) - Vincenzo Di Marzo -

The 21st century will witness the unprecedented marketing of therapeutic drugs developed from cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids is a timely volume, which represents a comprehensive review of the most important issues in cannabinoid research as well as those of most likely therapeutic relevance. For the first time, the multi-faceted aspects of cannabinoid chemistry, biology and medicine are presented in one volume.
Key topics of discussion: major families of phytocannabinoids; pharmacological activity of phytocannabinoids; interactions of phytocannabinoids with their proposed molecular target; components of the endocannabinoid system; molecular mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system; Physiological and pathological role of endocannabinoids; industrial applications of studies on the cannabinoids; therapeutic uses of agonists and antagonists of cannabinoids receptors. This book is a must for graduate and pre- and post-doctoral students in disciplines ranging from organic and natural product chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry and medicine. (Amazon description)