As of December 2014, medicinal cannabis is legal in 23 states where news and medical journals report success stories of people recovering from diverse medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer and chronic pain.

In states where cannabis remains illegal, users and providers risk arrest and imprisonment. While the United States government has restricted cannabis medical research, advances have been made in Israel, Spain and Italy. One such breakthrough was the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the brain and immune system. Endogenous cannabinoids are mimicked by THC and cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, thus accounting for its medicinal effects. Focusing on the biochemical properties, medical benefits and psychological effects of cannabinoids, this book provides an overview of anecdotal case reports, animal studies and clinical trials proposing cannabis for seizure disorder, cancer, chronic pain and other medical conditions.

“Policy makers in states considering legalizing marijuana for medical purposes should read this well-researched book...recommended”—Choice; “For students, academics, researchers, medical professionals and general interest readers...presents an examination of the potential medicinal uses of cannabis extracts.”—Reference & Research Book News.

Jeffrey Dach, M.D., is a practicing physician in Davie, Florida. He serves on the editorial board of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. His website is www.jeffreydachmd.com. Elaine A. Moore has worked in hospital laboratories for more than 30 years, primarily in immunohematology and toxicology. She is a freelance medical writer and laboratory consultant. For more information, visit her website at www.elaine-moore.com. She lives in Sedalia, Colorado. Justin Kander is the research and development coordinator for Aunt Zelda’s, a provider of medicinal cannabis in California. Kander has presented at cannabis conferences in Australia, Florida and Costa Rica. He lives in Bodega Bay, California.