Cannabis

June 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-This graphic narrative traces the role of cannabis in different cultures from the 1500s to the present. The book's overarching theme is marijuana's restriction by governing bodies based on overt racism or political agendas. The story includes examples from other countries but focuses on the fascinating and disturbing history of marijuana in the United States. Cannabis was always connected with black and brown people, so-called "inferior races" whose drug use supposedly drove them to insanity and violence, posing a threat to the safety of white America. Multiple studies over time could not prove negative effects, but those outcomes were either hidden or manipulated to support criminalization. The resulting overpolicing of communities of color (despite similar levels of usage in other communities) continues today. Activism during the AIDS crisis opened the door to medical use and, eventually, legal recreational use. The use of cannabis is still a controversial issue. Local laws conflict with more restrictive federal laws, and there is still a correlation vs. causation debate regarding its safety. However, this volume, backed up by an extensive bibliography, emphasizes the history, not the debate. The clear, spare art packs a lot of information into the book's uncluttered panels. The style effectively explores and illuminates the complex role of cannabis in U.S. society. VERDICT Although disagreement about cannabis remains, this well-researched book takes an unflinching look at how racism and political agendas have influenced perceptions and policy. For readers curious about the history of marijuana in the United States.-Carla Riemer, Claremont Middle School, Oakland

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2019
Grades 10-1 Cannabis has been cultivated across the globe for agricultural use and human consumption for centuries. As a drug, it has well-documented, unique medical benefits, minimal side effects, and no one has ever died from it. So why has marijuana been vilified for nearly a century and classified as one of the most dangerous substances in America? Much of marijuana's reputation as a threat was the result of targeted campaign of misinformation by a handful of government officials that was inextricably bound up with racism. By being linked first with people of Mexican heritage and then African Americans, the drug came to symbolize a threat to dominant white culture by those seen as other. Brown's signature style supports the narrative well, using grayscale panels and simple, uncluttered cartoon style to deliver the facts in an accessible, straightforward manner. While not entirely without bias or fully comprehensive (the narrative ends in the 1980s), this is an illuminating look at a complicated and relevant topic. Teens working on current events assignments will appreciate its inviting approach and critical lens.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)