Smoke Signals

A Social History of Marijuana - Medical, Recreational, and Scientific

By: Martin A. Lee

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 21 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Martin A. Lee traces the dramatic social history of marijuana, from its origins to its emergence in the 1960s as a defining force in a culture war that has never ceased. Lee describes how the illicit marijuana subculture overcame government opposition and morphed into a dynamic, multibillion-dollar industry.

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. Similar laws have followed in more than a dozen other states, but not without antagonistic responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement. Lee, an award-winning investigative journalist, draws attention to underreported scientific breakthroughs that are reshaping the therapeutic landscape. By mining the plant’s rich pharmacopoeia, 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. Colorful, illuminating, and at times irreverent, this is a fascinating listen for recreational users and patients, students and doctors, musicians and accountants, Baby Boomers and their kids, and anyone who has ever wondered about the secret life of this ubiquitous herb.

©2012 Martin A. Lee (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Excellent amd fair review of history.

The author brings up the facts and evidence without distortion. This is a must read, not so much because of the marajuana, but moreso because of the historical failings on the war on drugs.

incredibly insightful

a must read for anyone ignorant to the amazing benefits of cannabis. a detailed overview of the history of pot and everything else good about it

Should be required reading

Infmative history and valuable & applicable knowledge. A definite must read. I can't say enough!

History Humor and Hemp

Inspiring intellectual information that the world need to know. thought I had some knowledge about cannabis what I learned in this book took that to a whole new level. thanks for your dedicated contribution to the world

Must Read

Absolutely, hands down, no question, holy sheep shit, the most well written and told story about marijuana. If you're looking at the cannabis industry and see opportunity, read or listen to this book. -Cheers

The True history everyone should hear

This book was a plethora of historical and intriguing information. It offered validation and sources. It has sent me on multiple paths to acquire more sources and has aided in my efforts to inform others about a medicinal plant that may be the worlds most medicinal plant.

The single greatest book I have ever read

I'm about to buy the hardcover and at least three paperbacks to share with friends and family on Christmas.

Exquisitely researched

This is a no holds barred slap of realism after so many years of lies and racist overtones. This book will tell you everything you wanted to know about cannabis, the endo-cannabinoid system, THC, CBD and assholes who didn’t want you to know. I especially like when the author point out the contradictory position of most federal and police officers as well as the ineptitude of our leaders to use facts while make decisions. It’s amazing we even got as far as we have fighting against the drug war. You will also learn about all the people who struggled, were jailed and even died to let the rest of us use our favorite herb to spice up life.

brought me to tears

I am passionate about my medicine. This book will expand your knowledge of Cannabis Culture beyond your wildest imagination. Be prepared to travel through time all over the World as you learn of the rich and fascinating history of this miracle plant.

Who ya gonna believe?

This book has a lot of useful information about cannabis. About 75% of the books details the jihad against cannabis by the US government for almost 70 years now and the concomitant resistance movement. This is interspersed with helpful information about the medicinal properties of the plant.

The well documented duplicity of and disinformation spread by government officials against cannabis during the jihad is so voluminous and detailed, that it can be overwhelming at times. However, if this was the only case of such official malfeasance, it might not be quite so disheartening to read.

The bright side of the book is the amazing properties of cannabis that make it an effective medicine for so many illnesses, which are all also well documented in this book. I originally believed the DEA disinformation that there was no medicinal value in cannabis, but like so many other DEA alt facts, this turns out not to be true either. A medicine that has been used successfully for several thousand years without one death due to use is a record that cannot be matched by any modern medication.

The results from the use of cannabis are so positive and the value of hemp so great, that there doesn’t seem to be a logical explanation for the incessant 70 year jihad by the US government against this plant. Unfortunately, that issue isn’t explored in any detail and no conjectures are supported with documentation.