Otherwise Law-Abiding Citizens

A Scientific and Moral Assessment of Cannabis Use

By (author) Matt Stolick

Publication date:

16 December 2008

Length of book:

410 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

Dimensions:

239x162mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780739127452

Matthew Stolick presents a detailed social and scientific exploration of the social history of cannabis, chemical make-up of the cannabis plant, and effects of cannabis use. By offering a truly interdisciplinary look at this highly political issue, he clearly articulates the reasoning behind the categorical rejection of legal cannabis use by the United States and other nations. Approaching the discussion of cannabis use from perspectives embedded within philosophy, political science, psychology, and neurobiology, Stolick provides an even-handed account of the scientific realities and social practicalities surrounding the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes.

Drawing on the moral thought of Aristotle, Kant, Mill, and Christianity, the book demonstrates the amoral nature of cannabis use. Grounding discussion of cannabis use in both moral theory and scientific fact, this book gives readers a thorough understanding of the social and political issues that continue to dictate cannabis law.
Matthew Stolick reviews the science and medicine but goes further in explicating the folly and futility of using the law to punish users of this drug by carefully exploring how the fields of philosophy, religion and ethics further inform the issue. His powerful treatment of the subject leaves little doubt that the long-standing prohibition of marijuana is an anachronistic and harmful absurdity.