Under the Influence

This myth-busting anthology cuts through the propaganda to tell the true story of drug use, abuse, and the costly war on friends, families and communities.   Author and regular High Times contributor Preston Peet assembles an all-star cast of writers to shine a harsh light on the misinformation peddled by prohibitionists who profit from the War on Some Drugs and Users. Despite the anti-drug hysteria, drugs have been an integral aspect of human life for thousands of years. They cure diseases, ease pain, enhance intelligence, calm nerves, open the doors of perception and alter consciousness. Yet, even with the easing of marijuana restrictions, the War on Some Drugs and Users continues to persecute huge swaths of the population. The reasons why can be found in Under the Influence.   The decades and trillions of dollars spent waging war on neighbors, friends and families have done nothing to eradicate drug use and abuse, but they have succeeded in overthrowing governments, tearing apart families and communities, and ensured the rise of international criminal cartels. Under the Influence explains how we came to this state of affairs and how we can bring about real reform.   Contributors include Tom Robbins, Paul Krassner, Rick Doblin, Mike Gray, Lonny Shavelson, Daniel Forbes, Steve Wishnia, Cynthia Cotts, Russ Kick, Dr. Stanislav Grof, Daniel Pinchbeck, Paul Armentano, Jacob Sullum, Peter Dale Scott and Robert Anton Wilson.