The Complete Guide to the Commercial, Medicinal and Psychotropic Uses of the World's Most Extraordinary Plant

by Rowan Robinson & Robert A. Nelson

Cannabis sativa has been called the world's most versatile plant. Materials made from hemp fiber have been discovered in tombs dating back to before 7000 BC. During the Middle Ages hemp was used to treat fevers, insomnia, and malaria.

Columbus's ships had sails of hemp, and during colonial times it was universally grown because its strong fibers made superior ropes, sails, hardcover, and paperback. In fact, hemp was used for money in most of the Americas from 1631 until the early 1800s, and the original drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written on hemp paperback.

As a food, the oil from hemp seeds has the highest percentage of essential fatty acids and the lowest percentage of saturated fats. This illustrated, easy-to-read guide covers all aspects of hemp:
The history of its cultivation worldwide; Its role as a source of renewable energy and as an alternative for paperback manufacturing and fossil fuels; Its versatility as a fiber; Its many nutritional and medicinal uses; Examines the physiological and psychological effects of marijuana use in recreation and therapy.

A comprehensive resource section includes information on organizations involved in legalizing hemp, product suppliers, and an annotated bibliography.

'The Great Book of Hemp brings together a vast amount of information on all aspects of this remarkable plant in an illustrated, entertaining, easily accessible format. Readers will learn the history of hemp cultivation worldwide and its role as a source of renewable energy and as a raw material for paperback manufacturing. Lost in the political discussions about marijuana usage is hemp's versatility as a fiber and its many nutritional and medicinal uses. The Great Book of Hemp provides a comprehensive resource section with information on organizations involved in legalizing hemp, product suppliers, and an annotated bibliography.' Wisconsin Bookwatch

256 pages, 8x10", 96 b&w illus