Synopses & Reviews
Roger Roffman first discovered marijuana while serving as a US Army officer in Vietnam. From these seemingly innocuous beginnings, Roffman has been fascinated by marijuana, as a researcher, scholar, therapist, activist, and user. Ever since America's youth first marched in opposition to the war in Vietnam, pot's popularity has periodically ebbed and surged. Calls for greater, fewer, or no marijuana penalties also have swung on their own pendulum. From lobbying in Washington, to talking to doctors and nurses in oncology wards, and watching his brother struggle with addiction, Roffman has experienced the layered and complex relationship Americans have with marijuana first-hand. With one foot on each side of the fence, at times feeling at odds with both camps, Roffman is on a quest to challenge those who insist we think of marijuana as a weapon of mass destruction, as well as those who would have us see it as a harmless source of pleasure and relief.
Review
"Debates about marijuana rarely involve opponents acknowledging that those on the other side have some good points. Those for legalization rarely admit marijuana use can be harmful, and those against it rarely concede that prohibition has failed. A retired professor who has studied marijuana for decades, Roffman has also had the personal experience of struggling with his own compulsive use. " Charles Mandigo, former Special Agent in Charge, Seattle Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Review
"An astounding first person account of the modern history of America's love-hate relationship with cannabis from four knowing perspectives. Firstly, as a young consumer, then an activist, abstinent researcher and not-so-tacit university professor.
Review
"A terrific book that provides great insights into the complex issue that is cannabis. Professor Roffman's unique experiences with this drug are given voice with his usual thoughtful and engaging style.
Review
"Anyone wishing to understand the conflicting value judgments, political quagmire, and social upheaval that the marijuana reform effort has been steeped in for decades would benefit from reading . While Roffman's work may deliver more questions than answers, his introspection and self-effacing style carve a path for the discerning mind to come to its own well informed decisions on what clearly is the subject of the day for both the social scientist and the casual reader." Vivian McPeak, Executive Director, Seattle Hempfest
Review
" -- the destructive impacts of our drug war on exploring young lives, the political struggles over policy changes, his own experimentation and dependency, and his research on marijuana addiction. for all seeking a saner approach to recreational drug use." Robert W. Wood, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Washington
Review
"Roger writes a compelling story. No matter what side of the marijuana debate you land on, you can appreciate how he arrived at his opinion on the matter. This is more than an argument for or against the legalization of marijuana, it's a detailed map of his personal journey and evolution on the topic. I have long respected Roger's willingingness to tell the whole story in his work. Reading this book helps me understand the thoughts, tears, steps and intention behind his position." Frank Couch, LMFTA, CDP, NCACI, Executive Director, The Science And Management of Addictions
Review
"The honesty with which Roger Roffman tells his own story of a journey with marijuana would be enough to enthusiastically recommend this book.
Review
" was a totally engaging read! It vastly broadened my understanding of the history of marijuana within our culture. I especially appreciated the candidness with which Dr. Roffman described his personal experiences and opinions around marijuana. As a mother who grew up in the 60's and 70's and is now frantic about my teen son's heavy marijuana use, this book has given me a better perspective and knowledge that is helping me deal with his dependence." Julie Campbell, youth substance abuse prevention activist, Seattle
Review
"When it comes to the war on marijuana, it's easy to be passionately pro or con. . For 40 years he's been passionate about actually understanding America's fascinating and painful relationship with this drug and what policy is best for our society when it comes to pot. " Rick Steves, host of public television's Rick Steves' Europe
Synopsis
For Roger Roffman, a retired university professor, there s nothing academic in the stories told in his memoir.
It was personal when Roffman struggled with his own compulsive pot use and when he lost his younger brother to a drug overdose. It s personal when he challenges those who say marijuana is harmless.
It s personal when he asks: If criminal penalties have been ineffective in protecting young people and the public s health and safety, might a well-designed and well-regulated legal market do better?
"
Synopsis
As public attitudes about pot undergo rapid change, Roger Roffman's portrait of marijuana in America rises above punditry and rhetoric.
Roger Roffman first discovered marijuana while serving as a US Army officer in Vietnam. From these seemingly innocuous beginnings, Roffman has been fascinated by marijuana, as a researcher, scholar, therapist, activist, and user. Ever since America's youth first marched in opposition to the war in Vietnam, pot's popularity has periodically ebbed and surged. Calls for greater, fewer, or no marijuana penalties also have swung on their own pendulum. From lobbying in Washington, to talking to doctors and nurses in oncology wards, and watching his brother struggle with addiction, Roffman has experienced the layered and complex relationship Americans have with marijuana first-hand. With one foot on each side of the fence, at times feeling at odds with both camps, Roffman is on a quest to challenge those who insist we think of marijuana as a weapon of mass destruction, as well as those who would have us see it as a harmless source of pleasure and relief.
Synopsis
As public attitudes about pot undergo rapid change, Roger Roffman's portrait of marijuana in America rises above punditry and rhetoric
Synopsis
In the midst of a “war on drugs” with half-truths, billions of misspent dollars, and futile incarcerations, Roger Roffman’s portrait of marijuana in America rises above punditry and rhetoric.
About the Author
Roger Roffman is a Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University of Washington and has been part of a federally-funded, twenty-five year study/counseling initiative for marijuana dependent teens and adults.