This single-volume resource provides sound, up-to-date information and authoritative resources for research on the controversial topics of the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes and the effects of marijuana use on society.\\Provides readers with an in-depth understanding of the way in which marijuana has been treated in the nation's long-running "war on drugs"\\Presents arguments both for and against the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes\\Offers a variety of resources that readers can use for further study of the subject\\Contains a chapter with selections from important documents in the history of marijuana use, including laws and court cases that deal with the substance and its use and abuse.

Background and history -- Problems, issues, and solutions -- Perspectives -- Profiles -- Data and documents -- Annotated bibliography -- Chronology.