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.

A must read!

I will recommend this book to everyone I know including my friends on Facebook. I look forward to reading further information on this subject.

Absolutely amazing! The best non-fiction book I've read ever.

This book is definitely an eye-opener. It's a must read for everyone, especially the ones who thinks it's the root of all evil. For the record, I never tried it myself, but was never really against it either, always thought it should be allowed for medicinal use to anyone who claims it helps.

Loved it

Really fantastic read. I learned so much about cannabis and it’s magic. Though the political and legal journeys were a bit hard to get through I still found it still to be interesting. This is a great book for anyone who supports cannabis decriminalization and legalization.

incredibly informative

this book goes through the history of cannabis in more detail than any book I've read on the same topic

I might recommend, but barely

Any additional comments?

Thanks to Blake from Portland OR a couple in front of me for doing my review. I seldom review books, however, this particular topic is one I'm quite familiar with and most aspects of it interest me. To say I'm "Pro Pot" would be quite the understatement.That said, as Blake notes so well, this book is one sided as to be uncomfortable, even to readers "on the same page" as it were. The petty name calling starts early but is overlooked in anticipation of a balance that never appears. I was distracted by the "Neener Neener" kindergarten feel after a while.There are some interesting facts and anecdotes to be sure. I learned quite a bit in reading this book. Still, I'm not sure I'd recommend it, which is a shame.....avoidable.

The Shame of Marijuana Persecution

What made the experience of listening to Smoke Signals the most enjoyable?

The meticulous rendering of historical (legal) details. I learned so much about the history of marijuana's use and the lengths to which uninformed fanatics have gone to persecute non-criminals.

What other book might you compare Smoke Signals to and why?

None compare favorably with this excellent book.

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Clear enunciation; varied rhythm.

If you could give Smoke Signals a new subtitle, what would it be?

Marijuana: Truth versus Fiction

Any additional comments?

I have read several books on this subject but none nearly as thorough as this treatment.

mind blown

I'm amazed with how much I learned. I've been lied to my whole life. My eyes have been opened! I don't smoke pot, but will never judge another for it. I'm 100% pro-medical marijuana.

Motivation

A great lesson on history. If you want a lot of information to use in your discussions of why pot should be legalized then consume this book however you consume books. Studies and quotes are cited for further research as well. Now, consume and go change the world.

A must read

I truly amazing story of prejudice and politics. I wish I had known this years ago. Proof that we have a lot to learn in this country. Thank you so much for such a good writing.

Amazing informative and sad...

I was amazed at the information in this book well formulated and documented.
I was sadden to find the very politicians I loved, were waging a war on some of the best and brightest as well as the hurt and sick, in our country. It is time for a change and this book can educate the way.!