Exploring the role of cannabis in medicine, politics, history and society, THE POT BOOK offers a compendium of the most up-to-date information and scientific research on marijuana from leading experts, including Lester Grinspoon, Rick Doblin, Paul Armentano (NORML) and Raphael Mechoulam. Also included are interviews with Michael Pollan, Andrew Weil and Tommy Chong as well as a pot dealer and a farmer who grows cannabis for the U.S. Government. Encompassing the broad spectrum of marijuana knowledge from stoner customs to scientific research, this book investigates the top ten myths of marijuana; its physiological and psychological effects; its risks; why joints are better than water pipes and other harm-reduction tips for users; how humanity and cannabis have co-evolved for millennia; the brain's cannabis-based neurochemistry; the complex politics of cannabis law; its potential medicinal uses for cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses; its role in creativity, business and spirituality and the complicated world of pot and parenting. As legalisation becomes a reality, this book candidly offers necessary facts and authoritative opinions in a society full of marijuana myths, misconceptions and stereotypes. • With contributions by Andrew Weil, Michael Pollan, Lester Grinspoon, Paul Armentano, Tommy Chong and others • Covers marijuana's physiological and psychological effects, its medicinal uses, the complex politics of cannabis law, pot and parenting, its role in creativity, business and spirituality and much more