18 Principles For Safe Cannabis Use: All About Harvard's Dr. Peter Grinspoon's New Book

In an era where cannabis culture is flourishing, with one in seven Americans using some form of CBD product and overwhelming public support for legalization, misconceptions and myths about this millennia-old leaf persist. People are swayed by the remnants of fear-spun tales from the War on Drugs, or are too caught up in the fantasies of long-time stoners and cannabis enthusiasts to fully comprehend the truth about marijuana.

Enter Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an esteemed Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School for the past quarter-century. The son of the late Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a fearless Harvard psychiatrist who challenged societal norms and laws surrounding marijuana long before it was in vogue, Peter Grinspoon is stepping up to illuminate the world with the truth about cannabis.

His latest offering, "SEEING THROUGH THE SMOKE: A CANNABIS SPECIALIST UNTANGLES THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA" (Prometheus Books, April 20, 2023), equips readers with 18 insightful principles for safer cannabis use, addressing several pressing concerns.

One principle advises keeping THC dosages as low as possible. It's a common misconception to equate high THC with the medicinal components of cannabis. Grinspoon suggests periodic tolerance breaks to ensure low and effective dosage.

Smoking, despite being popular, should be avoided, especially for frequent users. The combustion process of smoking cannabis introduces harmful byproducts, such as tar, benzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Instead, Grinspoon encourages exploring other consumption methods like dry herb vaporizers, edibles, tinctures, inhalers, oils, suppositories, patches, and lotions.

Grinspoon also provides cautionary advice to people with a history of addiction or mental illnesses, particularly psychosis or schizophrenia, as well as those with coronary disease or an arrhythmia. He advises against usage during pregnancy or breastfeeding until further research confirms its safety. Additionally, he stresses the importance of understanding potential reactions between THC, CBD, and any other medications one might be taking, as well as being aware of the relevant laws in one's area.

As an acclaimed expert on the therapeutic uses, the science, and the social history of cannabis, as well as on addiction, psychedelics, and drug policy, Grinspoon is well-versed in cannabis regulation. He has spent two decades providing medical cannabis care to patients and continues to shed light on cannabis science on various national media platforms, from The Daily Show to Good Morning America, and in renowned publications such as The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Grinspoon’s book has already garnered significant praise. Carl Hart, Columbia University Professor and author of "Drug Use for Grown-ups," says, "Seeing through the Smoke is packed with accessible, engaging, and useful information delivered with the heart of a humanitarian and the commonsense of a sensible scientist." Rick Doblin, PhD, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), also lauds Grinspoon's book as a "delightfully readable, informative, and timely" resource that can help "heal the scars left by the government’s failed war on cannabis."

As marijuana continues its journey into mainstream acceptance, "SEEING THROUGH THE SMOKE" arrives as a beacon of truth, providing a lucid path through a labyrinth of misinformation. Whether you're a novice or an expert in the cannabis world, Grinspoon's book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and safely navigating the evolving landscape of cannabis use.