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How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High
“A humorous and informative trip through the drug’s various medicinal compounds, a timeline of the its history, and recipes that take you beyond the standard pot brownie—with pro tips from cannabis-friendly celebrities sprinkled throughout.”—Vanity Fair
Once literally demonized as “the Devil's lettuce,” and linked to all manner of deviant behavior by the establishment's shameless anti-marijuana propaganda campaigns, cannabis sativa has lately been enjoying a long-overdue Renaissance. So now that the squares at long last seem ready to rethink pot's place in polite society, how, exactly, can members of this vibrant, innovative, life-affirming culture proudly and properly emerge from the underground—without forgetting our roots, or losing our cool?
In How to Smoke Pot (Properly) , VICE weed columnist and former High Times editor David Bienenstock charts the course for this bold, new, post-prohibition world. With plenty of stops along the way for "pro tips" from friends in high places, including cannabis celebrities and thought leaders of the marijuana movement, readers will learn everything from the basics of blazing, to how Mary Jane makes humans more creative and collaborative, nurtures empathy, catalyzes epiphanies, enhances life's pleasures, promotes meaningful social bonds, facilitates cross-cultural understanding, and offers a far safer alternative to both alcohol and many pharmaceutical drugs.
You'll follow the herb's natural lifecycle from farm to pipe, explore cannabis customs, culture and travel, and discover how to best utilize and appreciate a plant that's at once a lifesaving medicine, an incredibly nutritious food, an amazingly useful industrial crop, and a truly renewable energy source. You'll even get funny and informative answers to burning questions ranging How can I land a legal pot job? to Should I eat a weed cookie before boarding the plane?
In two-color, with charts and illustrations throughout, How to Smoke Pot (Properly) is truly a modern guide to this most revered herb.
Once literally demonized as “the Devil's lettuce,” and linked to all manner of deviant behavior by the establishment's shameless anti-marijuana propaganda campaigns, cannabis sativa has lately been enjoying a long-overdue Renaissance. So now that the squares at long last seem ready to rethink pot's place in polite society, how, exactly, can members of this vibrant, innovative, life-affirming culture proudly and properly emerge from the underground—without forgetting our roots, or losing our cool?
In How to Smoke Pot (Properly) , VICE weed columnist and former High Times editor David Bienenstock charts the course for this bold, new, post-prohibition world. With plenty of stops along the way for "pro tips" from friends in high places, including cannabis celebrities and thought leaders of the marijuana movement, readers will learn everything from the basics of blazing, to how Mary Jane makes humans more creative and collaborative, nurtures empathy, catalyzes epiphanies, enhances life's pleasures, promotes meaningful social bonds, facilitates cross-cultural understanding, and offers a far safer alternative to both alcohol and many pharmaceutical drugs.
You'll follow the herb's natural lifecycle from farm to pipe, explore cannabis customs, culture and travel, and discover how to best utilize and appreciate a plant that's at once a lifesaving medicine, an incredibly nutritious food, an amazingly useful industrial crop, and a truly renewable energy source. You'll even get funny and informative answers to burning questions ranging How can I land a legal pot job? to Should I eat a weed cookie before boarding the plane?
In two-color, with charts and illustrations throughout, How to Smoke Pot (Properly) is truly a modern guide to this most revered herb.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2016
58 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 9, 2017
An anecdotal but comprehensive introduction to cannabis - both as a plant, a medicine, and a culture. As a reporter researching cannabis for the last 20+ years, Bienenstock has a lot to share, both experiences of his own and others, and research on the science and politics of this plant.
As another Goodreads reviewer noted:
4.5 stars
As another Goodreads reviewer noted:
Read it to understand the state of modern use, both medicinal and recreational, whether you ever intend to toke or not.
4.5 stars
June 1, 2019
This is an easy and enjoyable read that will give you a small look into the history, science, activism, and culture of cannabis. If you're an expert on these things, this book might not be in-depth enough to tempt you, but I will say that even as a person who knew more about the history and a little bit of the science, I learned plenty to keep me interested. I also enjoyed David Bienenstock's personal experiences in the book, and the quotes he included from famous tokers of the past and present. Overall, a fun weekend read.
September 6, 2018
Curious about cannabis but only have the patience of 1 fun-read book to spare?
This is your book!
A great intro for newbs or squares, and a cozy greatest-hits nostalgia read for fellow enthusiasts.
This is your book!
A great intro for newbs or squares, and a cozy greatest-hits nostalgia read for fellow enthusiasts.
August 24, 2020
This was a very interesting read. A lot of history and information I’d never dug into before. Occasionally strikes on anger and frustration - how can this not be an eternally frustrating fight against prohibition?
April 20, 2018
Here is an easy to read introduction to many things pot, by the former editor of High Times magazine.
It reads more like a love letter to pot, or just an exclamation of joy at the most recent cultural shifts toward its acceptance, than any kind of rigorous history or helpful guide. There is at least as much anecdotal evidence in these pages than any kind of research. But this isn't a surprise, considering the lifetime of anecdotes accumulated by this icon and hero of pot advocacy.
Readers coming in green to the world of pot will find the book an easy to open first door into this culture and community. Some of the very basics are covered, including how to find good product at home or away, judging a product's quality, different forms of the product and how they are used, how to prepare raw product for smoking or eating, different methods of ingesting and how they compare as far as physical impact and efficient use (for example, bongs are terribly inefficient, and edibles are the opposite), how to roll a joint, recipes, pot etiquette, safety and storage, and hints on how and when to use most effectively for one's desired result. In all of these things, the book is most useful, and probably could have been the total of its contents and still been enough to make the book worth reading. Bienenstock also has a passion for pot's history, and some analysis of the politics around its use in history, and contributes a good overview to readers new to these stories.
The book is weakest, however, in its introduction to marijuana's potential medical uses, and the potential for marijuana in the open market. Both of these subjects - business and medicine - really need their own thorough, heavily researched, and detailed books to really do them justice. As an introductory book, the medicinal section doesn't go much further than listing ingredients, giving some definitions, and listing conditions for which pot could have potential benefits. As medical advice, it falls far short. And in the realm of health and medication, too little information can sometimes be worse than none at all. I believe this book is a case in that point. Besides being woefully lacking in citations and sources, a book that is otherwise written from the centre of the writer's knowledge and experience dips to the level of hearsay and rumour on these subjects. I do not doubt that pot does have medical benefits (based on my own research outside of this book, as well as personal experience). But this book does not make this case well. As for business, we are at a time in history where anything said concerning it can really only be conjecture and prediction. Without serious research or cited sources, this section also mostly exists as a list of potential jobs available in a future pot economy, with some speculation as to how someone might enter the field. With so much of the book criticizing the mainstream pot business rush, and more warning of the potential harm this can do, this chapter simply does not feel like it even fits in with the rest of the content at all.
In short, this is probably a good place for someone who is new to pot to start reading if that is how they want to be introduced to all the weird and wonderful things potheads have come to already know about its use, alone and with others. For veterans to the world of weed, this book's joyful enthusiasm will be easy to appreciate, the book a very dated reminder of the contemporary climate when it comes to their beloved plant, and probably a fun conversation piece for the coffee table next to the bong and the rolling tray.
☠
Trade Paperback, First
Plume (Penguin), 2016
Three Stars
April 2-20, 2018
☠
It reads more like a love letter to pot, or just an exclamation of joy at the most recent cultural shifts toward its acceptance, than any kind of rigorous history or helpful guide. There is at least as much anecdotal evidence in these pages than any kind of research. But this isn't a surprise, considering the lifetime of anecdotes accumulated by this icon and hero of pot advocacy.
Readers coming in green to the world of pot will find the book an easy to open first door into this culture and community. Some of the very basics are covered, including how to find good product at home or away, judging a product's quality, different forms of the product and how they are used, how to prepare raw product for smoking or eating, different methods of ingesting and how they compare as far as physical impact and efficient use (for example, bongs are terribly inefficient, and edibles are the opposite), how to roll a joint, recipes, pot etiquette, safety and storage, and hints on how and when to use most effectively for one's desired result. In all of these things, the book is most useful, and probably could have been the total of its contents and still been enough to make the book worth reading. Bienenstock also has a passion for pot's history, and some analysis of the politics around its use in history, and contributes a good overview to readers new to these stories.
The book is weakest, however, in its introduction to marijuana's potential medical uses, and the potential for marijuana in the open market. Both of these subjects - business and medicine - really need their own thorough, heavily researched, and detailed books to really do them justice. As an introductory book, the medicinal section doesn't go much further than listing ingredients, giving some definitions, and listing conditions for which pot could have potential benefits. As medical advice, it falls far short. And in the realm of health and medication, too little information can sometimes be worse than none at all. I believe this book is a case in that point. Besides being woefully lacking in citations and sources, a book that is otherwise written from the centre of the writer's knowledge and experience dips to the level of hearsay and rumour on these subjects. I do not doubt that pot does have medical benefits (based on my own research outside of this book, as well as personal experience). But this book does not make this case well. As for business, we are at a time in history where anything said concerning it can really only be conjecture and prediction. Without serious research or cited sources, this section also mostly exists as a list of potential jobs available in a future pot economy, with some speculation as to how someone might enter the field. With so much of the book criticizing the mainstream pot business rush, and more warning of the potential harm this can do, this chapter simply does not feel like it even fits in with the rest of the content at all.
In short, this is probably a good place for someone who is new to pot to start reading if that is how they want to be introduced to all the weird and wonderful things potheads have come to already know about its use, alone and with others. For veterans to the world of weed, this book's joyful enthusiasm will be easy to appreciate, the book a very dated reminder of the contemporary climate when it comes to their beloved plant, and probably a fun conversation piece for the coffee table next to the bong and the rolling tray.
☠
Trade Paperback, First
Plume (Penguin), 2016
Three Stars
April 2-20, 2018
☠
April 1, 2016
FIRST: I can’t believe Plume missed out on publishing on 4/20! I received a free copy of the book from Penguin’s First to Read program.
The novel begins with a succinct history of cannabis and goes on to discuss everything from humanity’s use of the plant in spiritual rituals, medicine, and daily life to the entrepreneurial efforts and scientific research of cannabis taking place today.
Bienenstock provides a fantastic and fascinating overview of the possibilities of cannabis–relieving patients who are suffering, community growth, and rapidly growing business opportunities. A plethora of careers–from budtenders (serving customers at a weed dispensary) to tourist endeavors (hotels and entertainment)–become possible with ending cannabis prohibition. It’s brilliantly argued that tourists (of states like Colorado) buying weed with no legal recourse to take the plant out of state would be more than happy to stimulate the local economy by seeing shows, eating at local restaurants, and staying in a hotel during their trip. The discussion on the history of legislation and stigma surrounding cannabis is a little indignant, but also quite accurate.
As the previous editor for High Times, Bienenstock turns his insider knowledge into a travel guide featuring states and countries where pot is decriminalized. Basically, this book has everything for someone who is interested in learning the risks and benefits of cannabis; how to find, buy, and use cannabis; and how to spread and promote knowledge of the plant.
I find Bienenstock’s goal–ensuring cannabis culture influences business and government instead of the other way around–both refreshing and necessary. This book is smart and fun (tons of pot puns, obviously) and is great for both beginners interested in learning key points in the legalization debate and for experts looking for little-known travel spots to enjoy on a cannabis vacation.
It was eye opening to read an account from someone who has traveled the world in order to document the quickly progressing recent history of cannabis, which has transformed from a little-known, misunderstood, and hard-to-acquire illegal drug to “the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States” and something that is vitally important to many people.
I loved every minute of this novel, and would recommend it to both those who preach for the herb and those who naysay against it. How to Smoke Pot is a crucial addition to the discussion on cannabis. It was educational and entertaining and an all around rewarding read.
The novel begins with a succinct history of cannabis and goes on to discuss everything from humanity’s use of the plant in spiritual rituals, medicine, and daily life to the entrepreneurial efforts and scientific research of cannabis taking place today.
Bienenstock provides a fantastic and fascinating overview of the possibilities of cannabis–relieving patients who are suffering, community growth, and rapidly growing business opportunities. A plethora of careers–from budtenders (serving customers at a weed dispensary) to tourist endeavors (hotels and entertainment)–become possible with ending cannabis prohibition. It’s brilliantly argued that tourists (of states like Colorado) buying weed with no legal recourse to take the plant out of state would be more than happy to stimulate the local economy by seeing shows, eating at local restaurants, and staying in a hotel during their trip. The discussion on the history of legislation and stigma surrounding cannabis is a little indignant, but also quite accurate.
As the previous editor for High Times, Bienenstock turns his insider knowledge into a travel guide featuring states and countries where pot is decriminalized. Basically, this book has everything for someone who is interested in learning the risks and benefits of cannabis; how to find, buy, and use cannabis; and how to spread and promote knowledge of the plant.
I find Bienenstock’s goal–ensuring cannabis culture influences business and government instead of the other way around–both refreshing and necessary. This book is smart and fun (tons of pot puns, obviously) and is great for both beginners interested in learning key points in the legalization debate and for experts looking for little-known travel spots to enjoy on a cannabis vacation.
It was eye opening to read an account from someone who has traveled the world in order to document the quickly progressing recent history of cannabis, which has transformed from a little-known, misunderstood, and hard-to-acquire illegal drug to “the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States” and something that is vitally important to many people.
I loved every minute of this novel, and would recommend it to both those who preach for the herb and those who naysay against it. How to Smoke Pot is a crucial addition to the discussion on cannabis. It was educational and entertaining and an all around rewarding read.
January 24, 2017
Persuasive, insightful history-and-primer from a VICE columnist and High Times ex-editor; besides dispelling fairy tales and making strides toward legitimizing pot use, this book also covers procuring and using herb. With his base of extensive knowledge, Bienenstock can’t help but editorialize the hell out of this, and it’s interesting. For example, the War on Weed stems from the desire to “suppress its benefits—an insidious plot to protect the pharmaceutical industry, Big Tobacco, the booze barons…from unwanted competition.” There is much bemoaning the lack of accountability for needlessly suffering cancer patients, not to mention ruined lives from bullshit busts. And while historical tidbits are a cornucopia of “who knew?” (hemp is “the world’s oldest cultivated crop,” and in the 1600s it was a “key factor in the rise of the colonies as an economic power”), often Bienenstock’s tongue is firmly in cheek: “as long as any one of us is oppressed none truly blaze free” and the alliterative writing often seems stereotypically stoner-esque (e.g., “beneficial botanical” and “reefer revolution”). How-to sections deal with smoking, making the rounds of pro-pot communities such as Denver, and even “how to throw a weed-themed dinner party” seem geared toward those who already do. The book emphasizes peaceful lifestyle changes for readers (e.g., “utilize your high, even when you’re not high”). VERDICT Even thoughtful folks who oppose weed should find this a valuable addition to the growing discourse on marijuana legalization—or distinguishing “illicit” from “illegal.” Read it on the assumption that “it’s not marijuana that’s changing but society’s understanding of marijuana.”
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
September 28, 2017
You know pot? Have you tried it? Are you familiar with it? If yes, this book is pretty much useless to you. Here and there you may find some factoid you’ve missed, maybe a thing or two about the how trendy cannabis is becoming, and how the general perception of this plant and its effects is slowly, but steadily, changing for the better. Overall, if you fit this case, maybe you can skip this book altogether without any loss. However...
If you’re new to pot, if you never tried it, or if you have no familiarity with it, this book can come pretty handy. You’ll learn a lot about the history of the plant, how it has gone from a indispensable natural remedy throughout most of human history to become one of the major vilains of the 20th century. You’ll also learn the many uses cannabis has, the possible health benefits its use provides and how it can help you boost your life’s experiences overall. You’ll get to learn some of minuciae of the underground cannabis culture, the different ways you can consume cannabis, and, as the title indicates, maybe you’ll learn “How to Smoke Pot (Properly)”. Overall, if you want to get deeper into your newly found passion for cannabis, this book is probably a good starting point.
If you’re new to pot, if you never tried it, or if you have no familiarity with it, this book can come pretty handy. You’ll learn a lot about the history of the plant, how it has gone from a indispensable natural remedy throughout most of human history to become one of the major vilains of the 20th century. You’ll also learn the many uses cannabis has, the possible health benefits its use provides and how it can help you boost your life’s experiences overall. You’ll get to learn some of minuciae of the underground cannabis culture, the different ways you can consume cannabis, and, as the title indicates, maybe you’ll learn “How to Smoke Pot (Properly)”. Overall, if you want to get deeper into your newly found passion for cannabis, this book is probably a good starting point.
May 22, 2016
I got this for free and needed an easy read. I didn't expect to change my mind on the pot debate. tobacco is addictive and kills 5M people per year. there is no lethal dose of pot. there is a form of marijuana (cannabinol CBD) that doesn't get the user high but is over 95% effective in stopping grand mal seizures plus other treatments that can't be used while illegal. there's a $20B black market and we spend $10B in law enforcement. crime, unemployment and traffic fatalities are all down in Colorado since legalization.
June 15, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I think this book is a nice "Basics to Pot" book. I am not very political, but this book makes good political points about the uses of and laws for this plant. It also covers the basic info you should know about the plant if you are interested in the ingestion of it for medical or recreational purposes, or in my opinion if you wish to discuss it for these purposes.
I will be recommending this book to anyone that chooses to discuss the topic with me.
I think this book is a nice "Basics to Pot" book. I am not very political, but this book makes good political points about the uses of and laws for this plant. It also covers the basic info you should know about the plant if you are interested in the ingestion of it for medical or recreational purposes, or in my opinion if you wish to discuss it for these purposes.
I will be recommending this book to anyone that chooses to discuss the topic with me.
August 11, 2021
Overall this book was a great crash course for someone new to the topic. There were definitely some gimmicky sections, particularly the bits in the description of the book (How to roll a joint in a windstorm was about as simple as you could imagine and explained in a single page), however I understand that you have to make the description interesting. The writers love for the plant is apparent and contagious; I knew very little about the subject but often times felt outraged by the way people have been treated for using it, even in a medicinal manner. I particularly loved how he went through the history of its use. This is probably more of a fun read for someone that has already done their research, but for someone new to the topic, this book taught me a lot in an extremely palatable manner. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a fun read on pot, or a “marijuana 101” guide whether you are looking at it for historical reasons, medicinally, or recreationally.
June 21, 2020
If you're into marijuana, trying marijuana, or just hemp in general, this is the book for you. He explains the history of the marijuana movement and what you can do to help. It was very informative and I know a lot more about the plant now. I actually want to get involved in the business and in the Marijuana Movement. This is book is one of the best nonfictions I've ever read. It's very interesting and he's so casual in his writing style. It makes you feel like he's talking directly to you. It definitely made it seem not so much like a text book, but like you're having a conversation with the author. There's a lot of neat tips and tricks about your favorite plant in here. On top of that, it has a lot of deeply hidden life advice, too. If you enjoy pot, then you'd love this read.
October 5, 2019
This reads exactly as you would expect a VICE journalist, formerly the east coast editor for High Times. The copy editor was probably stoned, but I was actually surprised to learn some stuff from this. Wanting a more academic understanding of the endocannabanoid system will probably lead me towards some more books on the subject, so I imagine this book is probably excellent for those looking for an introduction to pot culture.
November 8, 2019
The book talks about the political movements behind legalizing cannabis in the US, the medical, social and personal benefits of consuming it, and of course as the title promises, a how to starting guide for those interested.
I believe the arguments herein are one-sided. The author often exaggerates and doesn't give proper references for fact checking. Still, worth reading.
I believe the arguments herein are one-sided. The author often exaggerates and doesn't give proper references for fact checking. Still, worth reading.
September 17, 2019
Good primer for those who want to know more about the history, botany, and consumption of cannabis. Lots of great stories you will repeat to friends. Serves as a wake up call to cannabis users who want to end the "stoner" stigma and bring cannabis to the cultural table, where it belongs.
March 5, 2023
An informative guide to cannabis
This is an excellent book for those looking to learn more about cannabis history and culture. As well as resonating anecdotal evidence and insight on how to make the most of this herb.
This is an excellent book for those looking to learn more about cannabis history and culture. As well as resonating anecdotal evidence and insight on how to make the most of this herb.
November 13, 2021
Brilliant read and coffee table addition.
December 29, 2023
Kinda rambling and a bit too in the weeds (pun intended) but goo info, somewhat biased overall
April 12, 2016
The author David Bienenstock is a long time veteran of High Times Magazine, and a video host and producer at VICE Media. So David Bienenstock has plenty of experience in being able to write a guide on how to smoke pot. And I want to say what a perfect job David Bienenstock has, as I am sitting here intensely jealous. This book is a basic guide on pot, which discusses all the how-to's, the history of pot, pot's uses, medicinal marijuana and the path to legalization.
Overall I rated this book three stars out of five. It was a decent book for those wanting a light, and humorous beginner's introduction to marijuana. It touched on many central and obscure topics around marijuana. I did love the pot humor, it did make the book very entertaining to read. This book gave good advice and tips on locations to visit if you are interested in touring the pot communities. I did learn some random facts about marijuana. I will say the random and obscure parts of this book were the best part and what made this book worth reading.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it was more focused and went into more detail. It did feel at times as if the book covered too much. That it glossed over and rushed through many topics. There were topics that I wish the book would have expanded on and covered in more detail and I was left feeling disappointed.
This is a good book for anyone who does not have a basic knowledge base on marijuana and would like to learn more.
I would like to thank Netgalley, David Bienenstock, and Penguin Group Blue Rider Press for giving me an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Come and read my blog at http://turnthepagereviewsbyjill.blogs...
Overall I rated this book three stars out of five. It was a decent book for those wanting a light, and humorous beginner's introduction to marijuana. It touched on many central and obscure topics around marijuana. I did love the pot humor, it did make the book very entertaining to read. This book gave good advice and tips on locations to visit if you are interested in touring the pot communities. I did learn some random facts about marijuana. I will say the random and obscure parts of this book were the best part and what made this book worth reading.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it was more focused and went into more detail. It did feel at times as if the book covered too much. That it glossed over and rushed through many topics. There were topics that I wish the book would have expanded on and covered in more detail and I was left feeling disappointed.
This is a good book for anyone who does not have a basic knowledge base on marijuana and would like to learn more.
I would like to thank Netgalley, David Bienenstock, and Penguin Group Blue Rider Press for giving me an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Come and read my blog at http://turnthepagereviewsbyjill.blogs...
March 2, 2016
Interesting reading, though the praise the author lavishes on pot may be a bit exaggerated. But obviously, there is no health reason to ban the product the way it has been in the past hundred years.
The whole problem is to know if one should get high and if yes, how frequently.
For that, we don't get too much information. The author gives a few caveat to the reader, mostly "don't try anything for the first time in circumstances where it could have bad consequences for you" and that is the voice of wisdom.
Still, the illegality of pot will last a long time before the stigma is lifted. If you smoke, you are not reliable, think most employers. And depending when, where and what for, you don't always want to see your friends when you or they are high, do you?
The whole problem is to know if one should get high and if yes, how frequently.
For that, we don't get too much information. The author gives a few caveat to the reader, mostly "don't try anything for the first time in circumstances where it could have bad consequences for you" and that is the voice of wisdom.
Still, the illegality of pot will last a long time before the stigma is lifted. If you smoke, you are not reliable, think most employers. And depending when, where and what for, you don't always want to see your friends when you or they are high, do you?
May 30, 2024
In Colorado's first year of recreational marijuana sales, the state brought in more than $60 million in tax revenue for the state. The schools netted 13.6 million.
The most common terpenes found in cannabis are:
Alpha-pinene positively affects asthma and fatigue.
Limonene improves mood, relieves heartburn, gastrointestinal reflux and lowers cholesterol.
Myrcene provides anti inflammatory benefits and works as a sedative.
Linalool helps regulate serotonin, eases anxiety and counters insomnia.
Beta-caryophyllene protects stomach lining and treats ulcers and irritable bowel. Marijuana can help in the treatment of cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, stroke, PTSD and diabetes.
The most common terpenes found in cannabis are:
Alpha-pinene positively affects asthma and fatigue.
Limonene improves mood, relieves heartburn, gastrointestinal reflux and lowers cholesterol.
Myrcene provides anti inflammatory benefits and works as a sedative.
Linalool helps regulate serotonin, eases anxiety and counters insomnia.
Beta-caryophyllene protects stomach lining and treats ulcers and irritable bowel. Marijuana can help in the treatment of cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, stroke, PTSD and diabetes.
April 18, 2016
I received this as an ARC from Penguin First to Read program.
I enjoyed the factual aspects of this book but found the voice of the writer during the anecdotal parts very casual which created too much of a dissonance for me between the voices.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, especially for the history and science that it details.
I enjoyed the factual aspects of this book but found the voice of the writer during the anecdotal parts very casual which created too much of a dissonance for me between the voices.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, especially for the history and science that it details.
May 24, 2016
Of the cannabis books I've read so far that weren't encyclopedias or cookbooks, this has been the best one. It's a breezy explanation of what cannabis is, what it was, who uses it, why they use it, when stuff should happen, and where you can find more.
It was such a high-brow book that I shipped it to my conservative mother, who's pro legalization but not a cannabis user at all.
Well, so far...
It was such a high-brow book that I shipped it to my conservative mother, who's pro legalization but not a cannabis user at all.
Well, so far...
July 10, 2016
Mr. Bienenstock certainly loves his weed! Idolizes it, in fact. But his over-enthusiastic soliloquies do little to distract from his hardcore information. There's good stuff in here and it's presented with a lot of fun and history. Read it to understand the state of modern pot use, both medicinal and recreational, whether you ever intend to toke on a fat juicy doobie or not.
May 29, 2016
Received this for free from Penguin's First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
Highly informative, detailed book about the particularities and history of marijuana and how to smoke it, but I personally didn't find it interesting enough to peruse it thoroughly.
Highly informative, detailed book about the particularities and history of marijuana and how to smoke it, but I personally didn't find it interesting enough to peruse it thoroughly.
June 16, 2016
This is one of the many steps needed to free society from the christian imposed concepts of guilt and penitence.
October 31, 2016
pretty interesting
Read
December 31, 2017review to come
March 30, 2017
This is not so much of an instructional book as it is a wide-ranging celebration of everything good about marijuana and an exploration of how embracing it could help human beings to live more fully. It was a joy to read. Bienenstock's weed knowledge is impressive, his enthusiasm is infectious, and his own pot-fueled optimism and compassion might just present the most compelling argument for his position. Great stuff.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews