Marijuana and the Cannabinoids

Although primarily used today as one of the most prevalent illicit leisure drugs, the use of Cannabis sativa L., commonly referred to as marijuana, for medicinal purposes has been reported for more than 5000 years. Marijuana use has been shown to create numerous health problems, and, consequently, the expanding use beyond medical purposes into recreational use (abuse) resulted in control of the drug through international treaties. Much research has been carried out over the past few decades following the identification of the chemical structure of THC in 1964. The purpose of Marijuana and the Cannabinoids is to present in a single volume the comprehensive knowledge and experience of renowned researchers and scientists. Each chapter is written independently by an expert in his/her field of endeavor, ranging from the botany, the constituents, the chemistry and pharmacokinetics, the effects and consequences of illicit use on the human body, to the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoids.

From the reviews: "This book is an excellent reference and essential reading for all toxicologists, drug chemists, and researchers working in the field of marijuana: medical doctors who are prescribing or thinking of prescribing cannabinoids; and police officers who are giving expert testimony on marijuana in court." -Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal "This book summarizes the information available from research … on the chemical constituents of cannabis. Both physiological effects of illicit drug use and medical aspects are covered in 14 chapters by different authors. … The technical aspects are addressed to individuals pursuing research in these areas. … Each chapter is well referenced. … chapters are well written and organized and the book fulfills the purpose of bringing the reader up to date on current research on cannabis and the uses of marijuana as a drug." (Stata Norton, Doody’s Review Service, March, 2007)