Tommy Chong, Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Ed Rosenthal Praise New Medical Cannabis Book By Javier Hasse, Nicolás Rodriguez: A Must-Read

Acclaimed cannabis journalists and industry experts Javier Hasse and Nicolás José Rodriguez have partnered with Sheldon Press, an imprint of Hachette Publishing, to release “A Guide to Medical Cannabis: Your Roadmap to Understanding and Using Cannabis and CBD for Health.” Originally published in November of 2024, this essential resource has received widespread acclaim, offering a comprehensive and accessible look at medical cannabis, demystifying its benefits, history and applications.

‘A Guide To Medical Cannabis’: An Essential Resource

Published by Sheldon Press, part of Hachette, one of the “Big Five” global publishing houses, “A Guide to Medical Cannabis” provides an authoritative, evidence-based overview of cannabis as medicine. The book explores the plant's history, chemistry and interaction with the human body's endocannabinoid system, while also offering practical guidance on its medical applications for chronic pain, chemotherapy side effects, neurological disorders and mental health conditions.

Hasse and Rodriguez blend rigorous research with an engaging narrative, making complex medical concepts accessible for readers at all levels. They also emphasize the importance of consulting knowledgeable physicians for safe and effective cannabis use.

The book features a foreword by Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and cannabis specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Grinspoon is a board member of Doctors For Cannabis Regulation and author of Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. His extensive experience in the medical cannabis field provides readers with a credible and insightful introduction to the subject.

Additionally, the introduction is penned by Valeria Salech, president and co-founder of Mamá Cultiva Argentina, a non-profit organization established in 2016 that advocates for the medicinal use of cannabis and supports families seeking alternative treatments. Salech's personal journey and activism have been instrumental in advancing the conversation around cannabis legalization and education in Argentina.

The book has received widespread praise:

Tommy Chong, comedian, actor, musician and activist:

“I am a long-time believer of the medical benefits of Cannabis. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and heard stories from so many different people from all walks of life, of how using cannabis helped heal and reduce their suffering. Sometimes saved their lives! Please read this book! You may be able to help yourself or, better yet, help your loved ones!”

Ed Rosenthal, cultivation expert, author and advocate:

“The right to use and cultivate cannabis should be supported and protected. Chances are, you or someone you care about could benefit from cannabis for a condition. A Guide to Medical Cannabis offers an in-depth look at the plant’s medicinal benefits and addresses many common questions about medical marijuana.”

Joshua D. Kesselman, founder and CEO, RAW:

“This amazing book meaningfully tells you everything you need to know about the human connection to cannabis and how to use it to achieve homeostasis in many different ways. I have never seen such a well-written, thoughtfully put together book on cannabis, our human connection to the plant and the history. All humans experience pain in their lives. Reading this book, it becomes clear that Cannabis can help almost all of us in so many wonderful ways! Thank you for writing this: our community needed it!!”

Steve DeAngelo, cannabis activist, educator and entrepreneur:

“A Guide to Medical Cannabis neatly accomplishes an almost impossible task: how to explain the legal, botanical, and therapeutic complexities of cannabis-one of Mother Nature’s most valuable gifts. It is an excellent guide for beginners, as well as deepening the knowledge of longtime cannabis advocates. The book is notable for the wide range of research sources it presents, incorporating the first-hand experience of cannabis activists and patient collectives as well as the latest peer-reviewed scientific studies. In A Guide to Medical Cannabis you will find crucial information currently unavailable anywhere else. I have studied cannabis my entire life, and still learned new things about the most valuable plant on the planet.”

JM Balbuena, CMO of Prime Harvest and author of “The Successful Canna-preneur”:

“This insightful book traces the journey of cannabis from ancient origins to modern therapeutic use. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the plant’s biology, medical applications, and legal considerations, it offers practical guidance and expert knowledge in an accessible format for all.”

Jeremy Berke, founder and EIC, Cultivated Media:

“Javier and Nicolás have written the book on medical cannabis I've always wanted to read. They expertly weave in personal anecdotes, expert analysis and deep industry expertise to make this book a must for anyone in the cannabis industry or interested in learning more about it.”

Caitlin Janke, GoodReads reviewer:

“Best guide to medical cannabis I've found so far. A guide to medical cannabis is really interesting book and has lots of information for different conditions. As a medical user I know certain strains help certain ailments, so I was glad to see this book is well organized and easy to use. I found it useful enough that I am investing in my own copy.”

Library Journal, reviewed by Barbara M. Bibel:

“Journalists Hasse (CEO, El Planteo; Start Your Own Cannabis Business) and cannabis writer Rodríguez's book offers current, accessible, evidence-based information about medical cannabis. The brief overview of the history of cannabis shows that the plant grows worldwide, and it has been used since ancient times. It was legal in the United States and considered effective by the American Medical Association until 1937, when the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics decided that it was a menace, similar to cocaine and heroin. Hasse and Rodríguez explain the biology and chemistry of cannabis and the body's endocannabinoid system, noting active compounds, such as THC, CBD, and more. They address the importance of the compound, dose, and whether it was smoked, vaped, or eaten. Their book indicates that cannabis has been found useful in treating chronic pain, cancer chemotherapy side effects, some neurological conditions, glaucoma, and some mental health issues. But the book also addresses that it can cause problems too. It's advised to consult a physician knowledgeable about the use of medical cannabis. VERDICT: This brief volume containing up-to-date, objective information about medical cannabis is an excellent addition to collections.”

About The Authors

• Javier Hasse: Javier Hasse is a seasoned reporter with over a decade of experience focusing on cannabis, hemp, CBD and psychedelics. Writing for Forbes since 2019, he currently serves as CEO of the Spanish-language news site El Planteo, which he co-founded, and as an advisor at Benzinga. His work has appeared in major outlets like CNN, Rolling Stone, MarketWatch, Playboy, Chicago Tribune, CNBC, Yahoo Finance and Entrepreneur Magazine.Javier's first book, “Start Your Own Cannabis Business,” became an Amazon #1 bestseller. In December 2024, Javier was honored with the prestigious Cannabis Journalist of the Year award at the Emjays International Cannabis Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to the industry. Named among the High Times 100 most influential people in cannabis, he has appeared on numerous other notable lists and earned multiple accolades for his impactful reporting.
• Nicolás José Rodriguez: A senior writer at El Planteo, industry analyst and advisor, and co-founder of Aura Salta, Nicolás José Rodriguez specializes in cannabis and finance. With a master's degree in International Affairs, he combines academic rigor with deep industry knowledge, advocating for informed cannabis policy and education.

With their latest collaboration, Hasse and Rodriguez have crafted an indispensable guide to understanding medical cannabis. Their work aims to educate readers, break down stigmas and provide an informed perspective on the evolving landscape of cannabis medicine.

“A Guide to Medical Cannabis” is now available through Hachette's Sheldon Press, further cementing its place as a trusted resource for those seeking clarity on the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

Lead image courtesy of Sheldon Press

This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga’s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.