Marijuana on My Mind

'This is a fascinating account, or rather series of accounts, of cannabis - both medical and recreational - written from the perspective of a doctor with extensive clinical experience. The various effects of cannabis, both good and bad are covered in a uniquely personal narrative that is both enjoyable and educational at the same time.' David Nutt FMedSci, author of Cannabis (Seeing Through the Smoke): The New Science of Cannabis and Your Health. Psychiatrist and Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London. 'Beautifully written and cogently argued, Marijuana on My Mind interweaves the science and spirituality of cannabis in a book I would recommend to patients, scientists, students, religious leaders, and anyone wanting to learn more about the science of cannabis, its impact on the human body, and its ramifications for the body politic. A fascinating read from a world expert.' Anna Lembke, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. 'We needed a good, balanced, sensible and accessible book about cannabis and the brain, and here we have it. This book will help people understand the promise of cannabis as medicine, but also be aware of the potential dangers, particularly for the developing brain and for people with a predisposition to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Readers will also appreciate that the hype about cannabis is not always backed up by the science, and that there is never a panacea for maladies of the mind.' David Castle, author of Marijuana and Madness, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada 'In Timmen Cermak's Marijuana on My Mind, the descriptor 'the science and mystique of cannabis' is aptly added to the title. To attempt to explain both the science of cannabinoids and touch upon the magic this important plant would dissuade most from trying but Dr. Cermak skillfully overcomes these challenges. This book is both enjoyable to read and yet filled with information and interesting anecdotes that the lay public and the mental health clinician urgently need to understand. The first six chapters brilliantly lay the necessary scientific foundation to understand the cannabinoid systems that is largely unknown to most. The next three chapters then tackle the important but frequently misunderstood topic of medical cannabis. Readers will especially appreciate Dr. Cermak organizing the scientific evidence into strong and preliminary categories and spending time to visit the important topic of CBD. The final chapter introduces timely topics of interest and controversy rarely discussed so clearly for anyone interested in the science and public health implications of the uses of cannabis.' Steven James, Pharmaceutical Physician Executive 'Cermak has long been a student of cannabis and cannabinoids and has translated what he has learned into very readable texts. He is an excellent, clear writer - a wonderful teacher. He has also been a colleague of mine within professional societies, helping the California Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine develop evidence-based policy positions on cannabis. In Marijuana on My Mind: The Science and Mystique of Cannabis, he uses his usual comfortable style of writing to share scientific detail as well as personal impressions from years of work as a psychiatrist, treating patients with addiction and others, and treating patients who have offered him their self-reports of their own use of cannabis and cannabinoids. His chapters on CBD are some of the most balanced and informative I have read. I have recommended Tim's previous books and I highly recommend this one.' Michael M. Miller, MD, DFASAM, DLFAPA, Past President, Amer Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 'Marijuana on My Mind by Dr. Tim Cermak provides an honest, realistic, and personable account of cannabis. Dr. Cermak skillfully and artfully combines history, society, science, and storytelling to explain how and why cannabis affects the mind, brain, and body. He provides a balanced perspective devoid of scare tactics, explaining the health effects of cannabis while also explaining the beneficial role that medical marijuana may have on some people struggling with various medical conditions. He also gives a wonderful explanation of addiction, and addresses the stigma of addiction. This book is perfect for adolescents, families, educators, healthcare clinicians, and anyone else interested in truly understand how and why cannabis affects the human body.' Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics/Adolescent Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Founder and Executive Director, Cannabis Awareness and Prevention Toolkit 'Marijuana on My Mind provides an authoritative yet entertaining and readable guide to understanding cannabis, the most controversial plant of modern times … Cermak dives deep into explicating how cannabis works on the brain, both how it produces the experience of being “high” and sets the stage for the consequences of over-use, including addiction. The culture and mystique surrounding cannabis use are addressed, as are its established and potential medical uses, with a constant eye on separating fact from fiction. Particular attention is paid to the problem of the misuse or overuse of cannabis, including how to spot it…and the long term consequences of use, as well as recovery from dependence on cannabis … This book is now the most definitive one on cannabis available to the general population, and is highly recommended …' Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D., Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Professor of Occupational Therapy and Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University 'I enjoyed reading this book given the way it presents a vast, complicated topic in a practical, balanced way.' Aaron John Plattner, Doody's Notes