Author Caitlin Donohue’s book, Weed: Cannabis Culture in the Americas, deals with the impact of cannabis on the lives of people from various periods of time and diverse countries in using the personal experiences of people from many walks of life. The book aims to sort through the many different roles that cannabis plays in the Americas from Canada to Argentina in the belief that an open conversation about cannabis is the best way to deal with this complex subject so that readers can understand the risks and benefits of its use and make informed decisions. Donohue does not encourage readers to use cannabis, but urges readers learn more about it in the name of safety.
Donohue blends historical accounts with 17 interviews to highlight the ways cannabis has impacted lives over time. Her interviewees include a registered nurse, musician, NBA player, native American, fashion designer, construction contractor, magazine editor, politician, and cannabis grower. Some live in countries where the plant is illegal, other where it is is considered a gourmet item or essential medicine. Each interviewee has their own special story and provides a unique perspective to the cannabis story. We learn about the reverence of native Americans for the plant long before the arrival of European settlers and that cannabis is used for clothing and and building houses. Likewise we are made aware of the social justice issues surround the criminalization of the drug and the efforts being made to correct the situation.
Weed: Cannabis Culture in the Americas provides a good background on the subject with plenty of anecdotes to add interest. Written in an engaging conversational style, the author blends academic rigor with personal narratives to make to topics understandable as well as provoke thought. The book is aimed at young adults in high school, ages 14-18 and the reading level seems appropriate. My one concern is, however, that the target audience might not be sufficiently motivated to read it.
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