Dying to Get High

“A thought provoking portrait of a Santa Cruz cannabis collective.” The Chronicle of Higher Education “Dying to Get High: Marijuana as Medicine is an important and accessible book – not heavy on academic jargon, but rather lively and engaging, like a true detective novel – with a broad appeal to those interested in the medical potential of cannabis, an end to the drug war and grass roots activism.” High Times “Emphasis here is on the human experience extensive interviews provide a unique look at the day-to-day issues faced by chronic and terminally ill patients who find relief through the marijuana that is grown and distributed to them at no cost. WAMM’s history, philosophies, and relationship with local officials are also examined.” Library Journal “This is a beautifully written account from the front lines of a struggle between a federal drug war complex determined to keep demonizing marijuana and the growing movement of patients and doctors who have found marijuana to be a valuable medicine. Voters in California and many other states have strongly supported the patients. The moving stories in this book show why.” Craig Reinarman, co-author of Crack in America: Demon Drugs and Social Justice “Chapkis and Webb’s new book provides a human element to the history, pharmacology, psychology, and politics of medical marijuana in a way that no other work has. The book is as riveting as a detective novel, as informative as a textbook, and as moving as a romance. I loved reading it and sure wish I’d written it.” Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D., Author of Understanding Marijuana “Chapkis and Webb have done a masterful job in describing the intricacies of the drug debate and offer brilliant analysis on a complex and controversial subject. Both baby boomers and the current teenage population will find this book important and compelling reading.” Terry Williams, author of Crackhouse: Notes from the End of the Line

Wendy Chapkis is Professor of Sociology and Women and Gender Studies at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME. She is the author of the award-winning book Live Sex Acts: Women Performing Erotic Labor and Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance.

Richard J. Webb is a lecturer in Communication Studies at San Jose State University, San Jose, CA.