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Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana
The most comprehensive and approachable book available on understanding and using medical marijuana. Revised and updated with the latest information on varietals, delivery, dosing, and treatable conditions, Cannabis Pharmacy is "a well-designed and -illustrated and easy-to-use resource"(Booklist) for those considering medical marijuana as a treatment option.
In Cannabis Pharmacy, expert Michael Backes offers evidence-based information on using cannabis to treat an array of ailments and conditions. He provides information on how cannabis works with the body's own system, how best to prepare and administer it, and how to modify and control dosage. This newly revised edition is now completely up-to-date with the latest information on the body's endocannabinoid system, which is understood to control emotion, appetite, and memory. Delivery methods including e-cigarette and vape designs are also covered here, along with information on additional varietals and a new system for classification. Cannabis Pharmacy covers more than 50 ailments and conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Gastrointestinal disorders, Insomnia, Menopause, Migraine, Pain, PTSD, and more, that can be alleviated with marijuana.
In Cannabis Pharmacy, expert Michael Backes offers evidence-based information on using cannabis to treat an array of ailments and conditions. He provides information on how cannabis works with the body's own system, how best to prepare and administer it, and how to modify and control dosage. This newly revised edition is now completely up-to-date with the latest information on the body's endocannabinoid system, which is understood to control emotion, appetite, and memory. Delivery methods including e-cigarette and vape designs are also covered here, along with information on additional varietals and a new system for classification. Cannabis Pharmacy covers more than 50 ailments and conditions, including anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Gastrointestinal disorders, Insomnia, Menopause, Migraine, Pain, PTSD, and more, that can be alleviated with marijuana.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2013
459 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 25, 2014
I received Cannabis Pharmacy by Michael Backes in a Goodreads giveaway.
If you are looking for a book with answers to your questions about marijuana, this is the book. A quick look at the index on Part 4, shows the many medical uses. If you are a skeptic then your will probably think that it is ridiculous that it could cure all these diseases, but you should take the time to read this section.
The first section I turned to was diabetes since I have diabetes. I was happy to read that they think it will help with the insulin problem and metabolic syndrome, which is good. Studies show that ‘users had significantly healthier levels of insulin, as well as less insulin resistance than nonusers of cannabis.’
I like how the author gave information on the different ways it could be used, vapor was interesting. My sister has asthma so I found it interesting that the author noted that some people would have problems with the smoke which would make matters worse, so a sublingual dose would be most effective to give quicker results.
Oh my, imagine my surprise when I found ‘migraine headaches’ listed because I have migraines. Nothing on sleep apnea, bummer dude.
I do have a bad knee and page 103 talks about a topical application that you can rub on the painful area and on page 106 gives the instructions on how to make the infused oil.
After a quick look at everything that interested me, I finally started from the beginning, with the foreword by Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. I found that the very last paragraph says a lot, that use of cannabis should not be anyone’s “political agenda that has made it difficult for patients to access the benefits of this useful plant, and guide the medical community to use it intelligently.” Well said.
I found that his research very well written and the ordinary person could understand what is written in this book. From the brief history, to the many ways to consume or use for the different disorders, his explanation of the many different varieties, and the disorders that cannabis helps, this book covered it all. He even did a great job explaining how the body utilized cannabis and how cannabis affects the body.
I am sorry to say that before I read this book, my position on medical marijuana was neither pro nor con. My thinking has completely changed since reading this book. My opinion now is that we all should have decent, reliable health care available to us and if the needed medicine is not available then we have a responsibility to ourselves to find the relief we need, relief from pain, from the side effects of cancer treatments, and the many other diseases that plagues us all. We have a right to effective health care and this should not be a political agenda of anyone, and it should not be against the law to seek relief from unrelenting pain.
It is sad that this plant has been demonized and outlawed when there is plenty of evidence that it is actually a very good alternative to ‘traditional’ medicine. This book was not one-sided, completely all pro cannabis, but an honest examination of its uses on many different conditions, (smoking marijuana is not good for asthma).
If our elected leaders would open their eyes and have the courage to acknowledge that none of us are immune to illnesses, that we have something available to us that actually helps and treats conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more. Someday our elected leaders might need medical access to marijuana. I hope and pray that access to it will be as simple as a doctor's prescription.
If you are looking for a book with answers to your questions about marijuana, this is the book. A quick look at the index on Part 4, shows the many medical uses. If you are a skeptic then your will probably think that it is ridiculous that it could cure all these diseases, but you should take the time to read this section.
The first section I turned to was diabetes since I have diabetes. I was happy to read that they think it will help with the insulin problem and metabolic syndrome, which is good. Studies show that ‘users had significantly healthier levels of insulin, as well as less insulin resistance than nonusers of cannabis.’
I like how the author gave information on the different ways it could be used, vapor was interesting. My sister has asthma so I found it interesting that the author noted that some people would have problems with the smoke which would make matters worse, so a sublingual dose would be most effective to give quicker results.
Oh my, imagine my surprise when I found ‘migraine headaches’ listed because I have migraines. Nothing on sleep apnea, bummer dude.
I do have a bad knee and page 103 talks about a topical application that you can rub on the painful area and on page 106 gives the instructions on how to make the infused oil.
After a quick look at everything that interested me, I finally started from the beginning, with the foreword by Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. I found that the very last paragraph says a lot, that use of cannabis should not be anyone’s “political agenda that has made it difficult for patients to access the benefits of this useful plant, and guide the medical community to use it intelligently.” Well said.
I found that his research very well written and the ordinary person could understand what is written in this book. From the brief history, to the many ways to consume or use for the different disorders, his explanation of the many different varieties, and the disorders that cannabis helps, this book covered it all. He even did a great job explaining how the body utilized cannabis and how cannabis affects the body.
I am sorry to say that before I read this book, my position on medical marijuana was neither pro nor con. My thinking has completely changed since reading this book. My opinion now is that we all should have decent, reliable health care available to us and if the needed medicine is not available then we have a responsibility to ourselves to find the relief we need, relief from pain, from the side effects of cancer treatments, and the many other diseases that plagues us all. We have a right to effective health care and this should not be a political agenda of anyone, and it should not be against the law to seek relief from unrelenting pain.
It is sad that this plant has been demonized and outlawed when there is plenty of evidence that it is actually a very good alternative to ‘traditional’ medicine. This book was not one-sided, completely all pro cannabis, but an honest examination of its uses on many different conditions, (smoking marijuana is not good for asthma).
If our elected leaders would open their eyes and have the courage to acknowledge that none of us are immune to illnesses, that we have something available to us that actually helps and treats conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more. Someday our elected leaders might need medical access to marijuana. I hope and pray that access to it will be as simple as a doctor's prescription.
June 29, 2020
A really helpful and informative guide for using cannabis to help treat a variety of medical conditions, including specific strain information as it relates to particular medical and mental health disorders. This reads very much like a reference textbook but is packed with scientific information, ranging from what cannabis can and cannot do, to our body's own Endocannabinoid system. If you use cannabis, this is a must-read!
August 31, 2021
This was an interesting book. As I'm involved in the Medical Cannabis industry I had some constraints going into this book. One of the things that worried me was how the author would 'regulate' him self in writing about such a hard topic.
I believe - even though some of the research has been updated - that this book gives a good, clean and sober understanding of where the world of the Cannabis Pharmacy is.
I am very conscious with my use of Cannabis Pharmacy vs. Medical Cannabis. The book is about Cannabis Pharmacy which is the legal and illegal use of cannabis as a treatment method. I'm working with the Medical Cannabis system which is the legal and doctoral use of cannabis as a treatment.
The book has a good section on the differences without naming the difference 'Cannabis Pharmacy' and 'Medical Cannabis'. The biggest difference is quality and quality management. When using 'Cannabis Pharmacy' you'll take some risk. Both in terms of quality of cannabis (what is the actual amount of cannabinoids, terpene and THC and in terms of administrating the right dosis). When using 'Medical Cannabis' the risk will be limited as the knowledge of the products ingredients is high and administrating it is easier.
Besides a good read through of different ways of administrating cannabis to patients the book also contains a great fourth part on various diseases and the knowledge of cannabis effects on these.
Cannabis isn't a treatment for all illness. On the contrary. But it could be helpful for a lot of patients and those patients need more knowledge. So does the doctors and FDA and EMAs of the world.
I believe - even though some of the research has been updated - that this book gives a good, clean and sober understanding of where the world of the Cannabis Pharmacy is.
I am very conscious with my use of Cannabis Pharmacy vs. Medical Cannabis. The book is about Cannabis Pharmacy which is the legal and illegal use of cannabis as a treatment method. I'm working with the Medical Cannabis system which is the legal and doctoral use of cannabis as a treatment.
The book has a good section on the differences without naming the difference 'Cannabis Pharmacy' and 'Medical Cannabis'. The biggest difference is quality and quality management. When using 'Cannabis Pharmacy' you'll take some risk. Both in terms of quality of cannabis (what is the actual amount of cannabinoids, terpene and THC and in terms of administrating the right dosis). When using 'Medical Cannabis' the risk will be limited as the knowledge of the products ingredients is high and administrating it is easier.
Besides a good read through of different ways of administrating cannabis to patients the book also contains a great fourth part on various diseases and the knowledge of cannabis effects on these.
Cannabis isn't a treatment for all illness. On the contrary. But it could be helpful for a lot of patients and those patients need more knowledge. So does the doctors and FDA and EMAs of the world.
July 20, 2014
I received a free ARC from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. As an individual with a chronic illness/ autoimmune disease who lives with everyday pain, I found this book extremely informative. You can look up your specific condition and learn about what type is best for you and the most effective way of ingesting it. There are also sections on each of the specific types of marijuana so you can see why it might benefit you specifically. Overall a very informative read!
August 26, 2019
One of the better guides for lay people. It covers the ECS in more depth than others but it still doesn't go too deep.
March 18, 2023
Though this book is a few years old, and would benefit from some updates, this is a good resource that answered a lot of questions I had. I have arthritis, and state has just made MJ legal, and I was wanting to try for pain relief. There are other sections that might appeal to those who wish to grow their own, but the information I needed was well formatted, and well executed.
December 15, 2018
Excellent, sound book with solid information explaining marijuana and the medicinal benefits. This book details the way various strains work, the types of strains, CBD vs THC, the differences between Indicas vs. hybrids vs. Sativas, the conditions they can treat, and details the benefits and downsides of certain strands and how they can be used (some smoked, some vaped, some topicals, some edible, flower vs. oil, etc). It clearly explains the way marijuana can heal and be used for medicinal purposes in many forms. It is an excellent resource for people new to MMJ, those considering MMJ, or anyone just interested in learning more about this great plant and the many uses it has to heal or treat all kinds of conditions.
February 6, 2020
I like how this reference is separated by ailment/diagnosis, so you know right where to go for the treatment suggestions for what ails you. Very knowledgable reading, with some good insight into what makes it work, and even negative side effects to watch for. Great reference for those looking to use more natural ways to be healthy without pharmaceuticals.
January 4, 2020
I've read many books and this is by far the most comprehensive and most readable I have read on medical cannabis. It contains a list of conditions (50 ) if treatable w cannabis, possible deliveries, and dosing. He discusses the history of its use in the past, what we understand about how it works with the body's own endocannabinoid system and the best delivery method. Also the varieties and classification of different types and cautions about who can use and what we don't yet know.
Backes specializes in cannabis science and policy issues at a southern California consultancy, which maintains clients throughout the United States. He previously founded the first evidence-based medical cannabis dispensary. Backes is active with Project CBD, a non-profit educational service dedicated to promoting research into the medical utility of cannabidiol (a non-psychoactive cannabis molecule), the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines, and is a member of the American Herbal Products Association's Cannabis Committee.
Backes specializes in cannabis science and policy issues at a southern California consultancy, which maintains clients throughout the United States. He previously founded the first evidence-based medical cannabis dispensary. Backes is active with Project CBD, a non-profit educational service dedicated to promoting research into the medical utility of cannabidiol (a non-psychoactive cannabis molecule), the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines, and is a member of the American Herbal Products Association's Cannabis Committee.
April 14, 2021
Very informative book written in such a way that you don't have to be a doctor to understand. Various medical conditions are discussed along with the ways that MMJ can or cannot help. I appreciated the honesty and lack of miraculous claims. My primary interest in reading this book was to learn exactly what chemicals are in MMJ and how they work to alleviate symptoms of various illnesses. Terpenes? THC-A? High CBD? It's all in here. I subtracted a star because certain brand names of MMJ are listed in conjunction with certain diseases, and those brands aren't available nationwide, at least from what I can discern.
February 21, 2021
My favourites parts of Backes book were "Part 1: Cannabis as a Medicine" and "Part 3: Varieties of Medical Cannabis." I really enjoyed how he included a brief history of cannabis, described the endocannabinoid system, and provided information about terpenes and strains. I gave his book 4 stars instead of 5 because in 2021 some of the information about cannabis in relation to medical conditions has changed --due to this I think it is important that people consult a medical professional rather than this book.
March 10, 2021
Very recommendable book for anyone that wants to broaden their knowledge about medicinal cannabis. The book uses many legitimate scientific resources to back up the information given in the books. Something that is severely lacking in the modern-day cannabis industry. The book covers evolution theories of medicinal cannabis, the secondary metabolites of interest (cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids), the endocannabinoid system, and the chemical profiles of notorious cultivars. Definitely a must-have for anyone working in the medicinal/pharmacological industry.
September 3, 2025
3 ⭐️
Well, this wasn’t exactly the book I was expecting it to be although it was interesting. I listened to it and wouldn’t recommend doing the same & reading it from cover to cover. I found that this read more like a reference with an index. It was highly specific if you wanted info on strains/medical conditions, but I was looking for something more of an overview. Lots and lots of repetition with many concepts with some relevant facts throughout.
Well, this wasn’t exactly the book I was expecting it to be although it was interesting. I listened to it and wouldn’t recommend doing the same & reading it from cover to cover. I found that this read more like a reference with an index. It was highly specific if you wanted info on strains/medical conditions, but I was looking for something more of an overview. Lots and lots of repetition with many concepts with some relevant facts throughout.
July 30, 2021
Truly a great resource for anyone yearning to know more about Cannabis from a medical standpoint. This book approaches the subject in a no-nonsense manner that is evidence based and very well researched. I don’t have any experience with the medicine aspect of cannabis and this book was very accessible.
March 4, 2022
Anything by Michael Backes is going to be coming in from an angle that you've probably never considered. This is a very good example. If you're looking for a stoner book, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you're looking for a credible resource that rises above the hype and hyperbole, this book is time well spent.
November 27, 2018
This was the most research driven but also interesting book teaching readers of ways to use marijuana as well as how each strain affects the body. The book also went into detailed information on how cannabis can help diseases.
February 25, 2020
One of the best resources on explanations of all the how and whys as far as using cannabis to treat illness/disease.
Written 2014, some facts may be outdated - but his explanation of the varying cultivars is helpful for future use -
Written 2014, some facts may be outdated - but his explanation of the varying cultivars is helpful for future use -
February 22, 2022
There is a lot of information in this book, but it felt like I was coming in in the middle of the semester. This is apparently not the right book for someone with no background in the subject looking for how to use cannabis for pain relief. There are just too many variables!
November 3, 2022
I’ve referenced this book several times. It’s laid out in a way that I can understand it. It’s science-based but easy to get the information you need. It has ailments, dosages, and strains, but also edibles.
March 2, 2024
On of the better books on cannabis I have read. Breaks down the different strains and what the origins are for those strains. The other sections break down the medical uses individually with the best and worse reasons when it comes to use plus dosages, effects, etc.
July 17, 2017
Całkiem ok, dość szczegółowa, nie za dużo błędów i bez wybielania marihuany.
July 27, 2018
A great, simple to read and understand guide for those who have a medical condition which warrants exploration of MM as a treatment option.
April 15, 2019
Very informative.
July 25, 2019
Excellent. Well researched, unbiased, informative and interesting. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for information on cannibis for medicinal purposes.
July 31, 2019
A great book. A great business. Fascinating detailed strain guide with in depth analysis of medicinal attributes of this herb.
August 27, 2019
A great beginners guide to medical use. Very easy to read, unlike others.
November 14, 2019
Good informative book. As a non-user, this was enlightening. Hopefully medical cannabis actually gets the scientific studies it actually deserves.
June 19, 2022
Very informative on the aspects of medical marijuana, with its variety of uses.
August 14, 2014
To be honest my father saw a special on T.V. on medical marijuana and it compelled me to try to win this book so I could find out more. He is against all kinds of drugs but thinks this would be a better alternative to all the pills people take. Sometimes I take pills that causes me to take other pills because of side effects that causes me to have other issues. It's a crazy cycle. It is not legal here yet but I have found several doctors that would support this type of treatment. The book lists many aliments this "drug" can help with. My brother has MS which started us to look into the benefits and side effects described in this textbook/reference guide (it seems like the proper way to address how to categorize this book.) I had been unaware how long this has been studied as medical use. We learn about the long history of cannabis medicine as well as its components. There are so many different types of ways to administer cannabis. I also had no idea how many different types there are in the world. I was happy to see so many illustrations to help explain the text. It had not crossed my mind on how many different illnesses it can help. I always told it was street drug - "Say No to Drugs." I counted sixteen of the many ailments that would help me with this kind of treatment. The side effects and dangers are much lower than most pills in my opinion. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge of an alternative form of relief. This book is very helpful and a great source of valuable information.
June 26, 2014
** Received free ARC from GoodReads First Reads **
This book is well put together. The book is broken into sections with a table of contents. This makes for easy access to whatever information one may be looking for. The book is also well written and easy to understand. The information contained in the book is not one-sided but contains positive and negative information on the subject of medical marijuana. I like the fact that book includes a section for specific uses and is not just a general "weed is good" book.
This book is informative. It includes easy to understand information and some more technical information. This book is good for those with no knowledge on the subject of medical marijuana and even for those who may be regular users.
This book is well put together. The book is broken into sections with a table of contents. This makes for easy access to whatever information one may be looking for. The book is also well written and easy to understand. The information contained in the book is not one-sided but contains positive and negative information on the subject of medical marijuana. I like the fact that book includes a section for specific uses and is not just a general "weed is good" book.
This book is informative. It includes easy to understand information and some more technical information. This book is good for those with no knowledge on the subject of medical marijuana and even for those who may be regular users.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews