An esteemed medical practitioner and a pioneer of integrative medicine, Dr. Stephen Holt addresses a plethora of pros and cons on the use of marijuana in The Cannabis Revolution. While the book was originally intended to be a resource material for health advocates whose goal it is to be certified cannabis counselors, it is an excellent reference book for students and individuals who want to know more about the plant. As an ethical adherent of scientific inquiry, Dr. Holt wrote the book to update readers and concerned individuals about the developments in the study of cannabis, dismissing archaic views and unscientific judgment. He aims for the book to be read with an open mind. Dr. Holt conducted his studies with the least bias possible. As the book progresses, more valuable research findings on the benefits of using marijuana are presented and also more misconceptions are corrected, like the alleged cancer-curing properties of cannabis. Dr. Holt makes it clear that marijuana does not cure cancer. According to Holt, it has “valuable adjunctive cancer-treatment properties,” making it a helpful tool in treatment and alleviation of some symptoms, but not exactly an antidote to the multifaceted lifestyle disease. Dr. Holt also discussed the effects of marijuana on other medical condition like mental illnesses, HIV, cardiorespiratory disorders, neurological disorders, and even pregnancy. The various conditions are discussed in every chapter, detailing both the advantages and limitations of cannabis with regards to every disease. The potential backlash of writing a book about this controversial plant considered, it is proper to acknowledge the bold step taken by Dr. Holt. While the book does not lean on any side of the controversy, it does, however, champion an impartial medium between the two. Such is necessary since marijuana, like any other known herbal and synthetic drug, has good and bad effects. A balanced outlook of the popular and sometimes glorified plant promotes responsible usage, keeping in mind that too much of anything can also be harmful. Verbatim statements are variably used in the book in an intentional manner to maintain fidelity of the work.

Stephen Holt MD. DSc is a pioneer of Integrative Medicine, best-selling author and medical practitioner in New York State.

This book is the sequel to the industry best selling book the Soy Revolution 1989 published originally by M. Evans Company, New York and subsequently transitioned into paperback by Dell Publishing, Random House in the year 2000. On the one hand, the revolution of the increasing incorporation of soy into Western diets continues but we have seen a clear and established role for soy in the diet. Thus, The Soy Revolution II is a transition to the Soy Renaissance.
The reader will learn about the health values of soy incorporated into the diet which has been overshadowed somewhat by the use of the genetically modified soybean. This and other controversies are discussed with a certain degree of rebuttal. Soy remains a treasure chest of vital components with far reaching health benefits and it makes ecological sense as recommendation move towards plant protein for health.

Stephen Holt MD. DSc is a pioneer of Integrative Medicine, best-selling author and medical practitioner in New York State.