Book Review: Smoke Signals by Martin A. Lee

When I first got Smoke Signals to review, I have to admit, I let it sit for a while.  I looked at the cover, the length and breadth of the notes, bibliography and index and prejudged.  As a writer myself, I was intimidated by Mr. Lee’s credentials.  Clearly, he had done his research, and I feared another zealous but dry rundown of the history of marijuana, as has been regurgitated by many before him.

And that is exactly what made Smoke Signals a delightful surprise.  The facts are well-researched and plentiful.  This could be the best single compilation I have seen on our favorite subject.  But, what makes this book impossible to put down is Mr. Lee’s style.  The way he weaves stories of historic people of the time in with his history of cannabis and hemp is lively and sparks the imagination.  He paints pictures for the mind’s eye with his descriptions that put this reader right in the middle of the action.

While he is obviously a fan, Mr. Lee has no problem correcting some of the lore that we have held dear.  For example, much to my dismay, it appears that George Washington was not a cannabis consumer after all.  And, while he does include all the usual suspects, Mr. Lee introduces us to some of the players who may have a little less notoriety – like two of my personal favorites, Howard Wooldridge , who rode his horse across the country to end prohibition, and Dr. Tod Mikuriya, called the father of medical marijuana by many.

Now, I agree with Douglas Brinkley, who is quoted on the cover, “Every American should read this landmark book!”  It is not only a great reference for any cannabis activist, it provides an entertaining platform to reach outside of the cannabis community.  It would be a killer addition to your local book club!

Now, I would like to meet the author, share a bowl and pick his brain.  He has given us a fascinating read that provides a wealth of useful information as cannabis prohibition comes to an end.  Martin A. Lee is undoubtedly one of my new heroes and a weedist extraordinaire!