Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )

On the whole, I think I like Box Brown's biographies better. While I realize this was an overview of the criminalization of weed, I find the most compelling stories to be surrounding its history since the 70s/80s with the targeting of minorities and its use during the AIDS crisis (I did not know that that was how the concept of medical marijuana really took off!), and I kinda wish this book looked mostly at that. ( )

Quick impressions: A book I wanted to like more. Narrative not very good nor consistent. That segment with Aslinger took way too look, and the end was rushed.

(Full review later on our blog) ( )

Pedestrian art, lightly researched. I agree with the sentiment but find it meh. ( )

I'll be upfront and admit to being a total square: I've never done illegal drugs, had eight alcoholic drinks over four years in college and decided that was enough of that, and have never felt the need to redeem the pain pill prescriptions given to me after root canals. My family has a history of alcohol abuse, so I went the sugar addiction route instead (which is, of course, not without its own problems).

That said, I support drug legalization because I believe that prohibition acts as more as multiplier of the pain and suffering related to their use rather than a means of preventing it. It should be a regulated and taxed industry with the revenues used to fund research of its positive and negative effects, substance abuse programs and drug awareness campaigns.

So I went into this book expecting to agree with a lot of it. Brown effectively exposes the lies and rumors and racism that have intertwined with marijuana's demonization.

While the first part is a bit irreverent and fun, reaching back into Hindu mythology, the historical narrative gets bogged down in the 1930s as we spend too long on the federal bureaucrat who criminalized cannabis for his own personal advancement. The back end of the book feels a bit rushed as it summarizes the start of the medical marijuana and legalization movements.

My main criticism is Brown goes overboard in proclaiming how wonderful cannabis is, not acknowledging recent studies that show links to schizophrenia and negative impact on cognitive development in teens or touching on the consequences of driving while under the influence. If you recognize his biases and blindspots, the book is enjoyable and informative. ( )