Humana Marihuana and Medicine

Leading physicians and scientists from around the world critically examine the pharmacological and molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of marihuana and its active ingredient, THC. They detail the broad array of marihuana's effects on brain function, the immune system, male and female reproductive functions, and cardiac and pulmonary functions, as well as evaluate its clinical applications in psychiatry, glaucoma, pain management, cancer chemotherapy, and AIDS treatment. Their studies indicate that marihuana persistently impairs the brain and reproductive function, and that marihuana smoke is more toxic and damaging to the lung than tobacco smoke. Marihuana and Medicine's reports of the latest findings on the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of marihuana and of its clinical manifestations will be essential reading for physicians, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, health-care professionals, policy makers, public health officials, and attorneys. Review "This is a comprehensive new book covering the pharmacological, metabolic, and therapeutic properties of marijuana. Written and edited by researchers in the field, this is a valuable contribution to the field. . .Topics covered include an historical review, chemistry and pharmacokinetics, biochemistry and molecular mechanisms, pharmacology and physiopathology, reproductive function, treatment of pain, glaucoma, effects on the nervous system, marijuana and psychiatry, AIDS management, marijuana and medicine, public health, and public policy. . .This is a valuable book with a focus on the molecular and clinical aspects of marijuana."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "...the information is well presented, as one would expect from information provided in a formal presentation, and much of the information remains relevant to any reader regardless of initial knowledge base...extremely well written and attempt to present information about the use and effects of cannabis without involving emotion in the debate..."-Drug and Alcohol Review From the Back Cover In Marihuana and Medicine, leading physicians and scientists from around the world critically review the pharmacological and molecular basis of the therapeutic properties of marihuana and its active ingredient, THC. They detail the broad array of marihuana's effects on brain function, the immune system, male and female reproductive function, and cardiac and pulmonary function, as well as evaluate its clinical applications in psychiatry, glaucoma, pain management, cancer chemotherapy, and AIDS treatment. Their work indicates that marihuana impairs brain and reproductive function, is harmful to the immune system, is more damaging when smoked to the lung than tobacco smoke, and is not an effective, medically acceptable therapeutic vehicle for THC. The editors have also included key historical material tracing the controversial history of marihuana in science and medicine over the centuries. Marihuana and Medicine's report of the latest findings on the pharmacological, pharmacodynamic, and molecular mechanisms of marihuana will be essential reading for clinicians, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, policy makers, health-care workers, and attorneys.