Marijuana in America: Cultural, Political, and Medical Controversies

(Hardback)

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This AZ encyclopedia provides a broad and evenhanded overview of America's complex relationship with marijuana, examining political, recreational, cultural, medical, and economic aspects of marijuana use both historically and in the present day. Marijuana in America is an accessible and comprehensive exploration of the many changes in medical, legal, and cultural issues surrounding cannabis in the United States. This multidisciplinary volume features contributions from several different fields to explain all facets of marijuana, including its chemical composition, evolving depictions in popular culture, and historical, legal, and social settings in which marijuana use occurs. A mix of coverage provides readers with a full and accurate understanding of the spectrum of issues and controversies swirling around marijuana today, including: the changing legal landscape pertaining to the sale, possession, and use of marijuana, both at the state and federal levels; the factual basis for arguments for and against so-called "medical marijuana"; claims that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder drugs; changing cultural attitudes about marijuana and "potheads"; economic arguments for and against marijuana legalization; and the impact of marijuana on families, communities, the economy, and the criminal justice system.

Author Bio

James Hawdon, PhD, is professor of sociology and director of the Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention at Virginia Tech. Bryan Lee Miller, PhD, is associate professor at Clemson University, Fulbright Scholar at Tampere University, and chair of the Division of Drug and Alcohol Research Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Matthew Costello, PhD, is assistant professor of sociology at Clemson University.