The use of marijuana has consistently been a highly controversial, polarizing, and emotional topic, so much so that social, cultural, and religious factors have largely influenced public opinion, legislation, and law enforcement's treatment of marijuana use. At the same time, much of the scientific information about the plant has largely been ignored in the policies and practices of the United States over the past 100 years.

"Marijuana: A Reference Handbook" provides detailed coverage of the history and background of marijuana use in society, with special emphasis on the present day in...

Sex and Gender: A Reference Handbook is a single-volume book that introduces a variety of personal, social, political, and ethical issues of concern to every young adult in the United States today. Written in a style that is accessible and engaging for student readers and researchers, this book examines subjects that are rarely discussed for readers of this age group, providing authoritative information on topics such as gender roles, gender development, and gender inequality; body image; sexual differentiation in humans; the range of human affectional expression; sex education; and...

From the pharmaceuticals advertised on television for various specific medical conditions; to alcohol, which is consumed regularly as a societal norm; to illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine; to marijuana, which is becoming legal in an increasing number of U.S. states, drugs are all around us and are ingrained in our culture. The difficult reality is that any drug is a substance that can be abused. Substance Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides a detailed discussion of the history of substance abuse, covers the classification of drugs, explains how drugs...