Motivative and Informative: Smoke Signals by Martin A. Lee

Granting insight into our distorted relationship with this iconic plant.

A well travelled copy of Smoke Signals by Martin A. Lee

Title: Smoke Signals (2012)

Author: Martin A. Lee

This book came into my life when…

I was reading another book by the author (Acid Dreams).

Why is this book high vibrational?

Smoke Signals is a great encyclopaedia for anyone wanting to learn more about cannabis. Emphasis on encyclopaedia because it’s what we would call a “chunk” of a read.

This social history of cannabis takes us on a journey from the plant’s ancient uses to its current role in contemporary society. It weaves in stories of cultural rituals, political campaigns and ground-breaking discoveries which help grow our understanding of this iconic plant.

From ancient “earth-smoking” practices to the building of colonial empires, Smoke Signals details historical contexts in which cannabis has been used as a tool for elevation, as well as oppression.

For anyone curious about understanding more about our distorted relationship with cannabis, Smoke Signals is a helpful resource to help comprehend the depth of its influence and applications.

“We need more research” is a common caveat of policy makers when challenged on relegalization. Yet, Lee provides numerous examples of government studies, researcher papers and case studies demonstrating the positive effects of cannabis consumption.

If we’re sitting on evidence that cannabis is an extremely effective remedy and relief for challenging human experiences such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, endometritis, arthritis, PTSD, insomnia, disordered eating, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer and HIV treatment related side effects, psoriasis, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, vomiting, migraines, OCD, ADHD and much more - with none of the toxicity and other side effects often associated with "normalised" treatments - then, why is it still prohibited in many countries including the UK and Ireland?

The book highlights the very real threat cannabis poses to some of the largest industries, which also hold important influence over government policy. Increased use of cannabis has been linked to decreased use of alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical medication. HEAVEN FORBID. (There's a lot more to this which we're going to address in other articles).

Cannabis was found to be the most effective and least toxic treatment for HIV-associated anorexia and weight loss, also known as "wasting syndrome" and leading cause of death.

While there are many esteemed musicians, actors and politicians mentioned in this account, the true icons are the those who have risked their lives and liberty in their Cannactivism.

We’re introduced us to Brownie Mary, “a grandmotherly figure with curly grey hair and a sweet disposition” who unintentionally started a grassroots movement 1980’s, San Francisco. Mary Rathbun was arrested on several occasions for supplying cannabis infused brownies to patients in AIDs ward of the city hospital.

Having volunteered as a nurse there through the height of the 1980’s epidemic, this herbal hero was baking up to 15,000 cannabis brownies a month in response to seeing the epidemic devastate her city and the world around her.

Cannabis was found to be the most effective and least toxic treatment for HIV-associated anorexia and weight loss, also known as "wasting syndrome" and leading cause of death. Facing of one of the most destructive epidemics in human history, surely policy makers would act to protect patients to ensure all measures were taken to provide effective treatment?

Unfortunately, this was not the case.

Not only was cannabis prohibition maintained throughout this period - it was accelerated in parallel with homophobic narratives; despite the virus impacting people of all genders, ages and sexual orientation.

Yet, another example of cannabis prohibition used in systematic assault.

Although predominantly written through North American lenses, Smoke Signals also sheds light on cultural, social and political contexts across other continents.

Government obsession with “cracking down on cannabis”, a plant which has shown to elevate people’s mood, health and relationships – while marketing drugs which are known to cause severe harm to our mind, body and society, suggests seriously sinister intent.

Smoke Signals helps us piece together the motivations behind modern cannabis prohibitions and those who push to maintain them.

Reader Warnings

Of course, when reviewing any social histories or historical accounts – it’s good to always conduct your own source verification. When revising this book, I noticed the author’s use of derogatory terms which could be seen as harmful certain demographics.

However, when we've been taught to speak through a colonial tongue, this is something which I think we could all observe in our use of language. Only through acknowledging this can we start to change it.

I’d also warn that when reading this book in public, you’re guaranteed to get some raised eyebrows - LOL. But sure, more power to it.

In 3 words?

Informative; jaw-dropping; motivating.

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