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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.