The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy

Although some of the historical data can be called into question, the essential claims of this book remain unrefuted by the disinformation campaigns of the anti-marijuana lobby. Herer shatters cannabis myths; he shows, with hard data that: pot has absolutely no toxicity to human tissues; pot has anti-carcinogenic properties; the tar, although greater in proportion than tobacco, is completely water-soluble; smoking marijuana shortly after having a stroke prevents the swelling of the brain -- and consequently much of the brain damage and loss of function associated with strokes.

This is the only reference book you'll need for the myriad uses of cannabis (fuel, varnish, food, medicine, recreation, soap, and more). Every environmentalist, patient, doctor, lawmaker, and citizen concerned with freedom and access to accurate information should read this book. True, Herer is not a historian, but possible inaccuracies about hemp's use in medieval and ancient religious history do not negate the central premise of this book, which is that it's ludicrous to jail people for the sale and use of this plant. Herer draws information from clinical studies of smokers that include thousands of people in several countries (U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Holland, Jamaica, Greece, etc.) over three decades. These studies, from 1969 to 2000, were conducted by MDs, PhDs, and medical anthropologists. Much of these studies were commissioned by the federal government for the purpose of FINDING harmful effects of cannabis. At the same time, Herer shows that many of the cell culture and animal studies either cannot be extrapolated to humans or are outright distortions. He also exposes the political ties and dubious research methods of the most noted anti-cannabis scientists, Heath and Nahas. (For example, Columbia University disassociated themselves from Nahas and he had to recant many of his metabolite studies.) The proceedings from 1930's congressional hearings to criminalize marijuana are transcribed here--they'll make you laugh, but they'll also make you mad. Finally, this is not just a reference book but a call to action, as Herer lists several hemp businesses you can support. People, how does it make you feel that politicians are deciding what medicine, fiber, fuel, food, and pleasure we should have access to? Whether you're a smoker or not, buy this book, spread the word, and make a real difference.

This huge collection of generously illustrated historical material is a lot of fun; with the humorous tone of the narration that runs throughout, you almost forget the magnitude of the harm this long-running Drug War has caused to society. But it is all documented here: the many-thousand-year history of hemp; its recent fall from grace due to racism, puritanism, and business-government corruption; the enormous damage from Prohibition; the numerous potential benefits; and the support for legalization from many, many respected public figures. Oversized and colorful, this comprehensive book makes an excellent present and introduction to hemp re-legalization.

Jack Herer's book contains xeroxes of many original documents and newspaper articles which together with his commentary make this book invaluable to hempsters. From ancient times right up until the present day, hemp's history and man's use of the plant are documentented in detail. This book is freqently revised and updated as it sells fast.