Smoke Signals MP3 CD – Audiobook, December 1, 2016

One of my brothers told me about this book. I took me some time to read it completely. Funny thing is the law where I lived has changed and now cannabis is totally legal. Still a great read and informative. Gives a very interesting perspective on propaganda and the government.

Very good history of the American government's continual propaganda war against cannabis. Their actions have been shameful. I am now PRO CANNABIS all the way. The War on Drugs has decimated millions of families in the US. The cost of the "war" has been immense. I got more livid with every turn of the page. This book will open your eyes.

"Smoke Signals" by Martin A. Lee is an excellent social history of cannabis in America. Mr. Lee's experience reporting on marijuana science and therapeutics serves him well as he writes with great insight about the many contradictions between the plant, culture and drug policy. Published prior to the historic 2012 vote for legalization, this well-rounded book might be the best single source into understanding America's confounding relationship with marijuana.Mr. Lee recalls how the herb was used by the working classes including innovative musicians such as Louis Armstrong until racial anxiety led to a wave of anti-marijuana laws in the 1930s. We learn how Harry Anslinger poisoned the minds of an entire generation with his government-approved anti-weed propaganda. The author does a great job describing how the Beats opened the door to the rebellious 1960s when marijuana use and antiwar activism were inseparably linked in a movement that challenged the legitimacy of Cold War authority.Mr. Lee discusses the conservative backlash and the unjust puritanical war that was waged against the American people while the government looked the other way as it engaged in illicit wars in Central America and Afghanistan. We see how every credible government study intended to justify marijuana's illegality has instead demonstrated its efficacy as a therapeutic. The author talks about how progressive-thinking people like Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Dr. Tod Mikuriya and Dr. Andrew Weil dedicated considerable time and effort to the cause of reason, sanity and humanity.Mr. Lee documents how the just say never 1980s gave way to the medical marijuana activism of the 1990s. As people progressed from blunts to ballots, state laws were changed but federal policy remained the same. Educating us about the science of cannabis, Mr. Lee is perhaps at his best when he writes about dozens of specific cases where patients benefited from weed after Big Pharma solutions had failed. However, it seems an entrenched military and law enforcement complex has done its worst to thwart the democratic process and deprive needy people of their medicine.Mr. Lee goes on to discuss the growth of the home-grown industry and the political struggles that have continued in the face of legalistic limbo. As he thoroughly shreds the few remaining justifications that stand in the way of legalization (such as the old canard that marijuana is bad for kids), the author explains how science can point the way towards a healthier future for people and society.I highly recommend this great book to everyone.

On the cover it says..."Every American should read this landmark book!"----- Douglas Brinkley. I agree! It is a every powerful book. To prove the point; I recently presented a copy to the local AAA CEO in response to an article he penned about "buzzed" driving....a zero-tolerance diatribe. (However, they're willing to "tolerate" the most abused "drug" on the planet, alcohol! Which is much more of a problem to society on or off the road.) He refused to read it and responded by commenting that..." public policy is way ahead of the research and data which is counter-productive"! Yeah, counter-productive to their agenda! That is repugnant in this Information Age! The suppression of science has always been the modus operandi of the government ganja gestapo since the time of Harry Anslinger! Zero-tolerance is sanctioned bigotry! America was not founded on zero-tolerance! I think the leaf on the cover intimidated him. "Hippie-phobia or cognitive dissonance or both.The tide IS turning thanks to groups like Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Check their web-site and READ this book. Like the saying goes...Knowledge is Power. The so-called "war on drugs" is an abject failure and we need to put the nails in the coffin once and for all! The rest of the world is going to harm-reduction policies.....America is only beginning to see the light. The emperor has no clothes and no science! Remember what the "Walrus" said?.."turn-on, stay-in and change-it". [Paul McCartney]I spent the three days at Woodstock, I remember the plight of John Sinclair.......almost 50 years later and "the John Sinclair's" are still in prison. Right-on ABBIE! ( I witnessed that affair). Driving among "buzzed" drivers has also been going on for the last 50 years or more and now all of a sudden it is an issue. Driving "stoned" is nothing like driving drunk. There are those out there on the road that are "impaired" even though they are not on drugs or alcohol! And most of them have "smart"phones in their hands!Make Love not war, baby!

I believe this is the most comprehensive book regarding cannabis (marijuana) I have ever read on the history, recent "culture", the reasons for prohibition, the reasons some want prohibition to end, medical uses and recent research about this controversial subject. I believe that this excellent book should be required reading for every public official that is involved in writing, or enforcing any regulations concerning cannabis. Personally, I am waiting for the release of the paperback version so I can buy numerous copies send them to a few public officials that represent me in government.

This is a valuable contribution to the field of understanding the role of cannabis in the American society. There is a presentation of a specific agenda, dating back a hundred years or so, to criminalize cannabis and to present lies, deceptions and inaccuracies about many aspects of cannabis (cultivating, medical use, criminalization, mental illness) and I worked in the substance abuse / addiction field for 25+ years along with along with this book giving me the opportunity and responsibility to re-think much of what I had learned over the years.

Amazing book. Extremely well written and easy to read with LOTS of context provided in each and every section of the book. I've just started reading it and feel already extremely well informed. I believe EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK before making any assumptions about marijuana or being judgmental of the plant.

Arrived on time in good condition. Haven't read it yet, but it looks like a good, if heavy, read.

All what you need to know about marijuana.

Great read, especially for brain washed law enforcers and medical practitioners. Documentation was bombproof. Highlights the political corruption behind prohibition

Hugely entertaining! Highly recommended!