Marijuana Law—Second Edition

    Richard Glen Boire
      published by Ronin Publishing, Inc. 1996

        A Review by Jon Hanna

My first thought about a book on marijuana law was, "Man, this has got to be some DRY reading!" Perhaps, on seeing this title, your response was similar. I mean really, who wants to read about laws—that's what lawyers are for! I cannot over-emphasize how misguided my first impression was.
    Marijuana Law, by criminal-defense attorney Richard Glen Boire, is easy to understand, fast paced, and highly entertaining. It is so good that I feel strongly that everyone who has any interest in Cannabis pick up a copy immediately (I've already purchased additional copies as Christmas gifts). Mr. Boire spells out all the laws in every state in the Union. And, he lists the federal laws as well. But far more than a compendium of scary laws, Marijuana Law gives specific real-life examples of legal cases related to particular aspects of the law. With almost every sticky legal situation presented, Mr. Boire gives two examples—a conviction, and a release. More important than merely documenting examples though these scenarios, Mr. Boire provides his expert legal opinion as to why each situation turned out the way that it did. Due to this commentary, it quickly becomes obvious that this book is a valuable defense manual for the layperson. If knowledge is power, then Mr. Boire's book could be the most important text in an American Cannabis user's library. Marijuana Law explicitly describes how to stay out of legal trouble.
    This book went to print just prior to the passing of the recent medical marijuana laws (Prop 215 in CA and 200 in AZ); hence, there isn't any speculation on how these new laws will effect the status quo. The interested reader would be wise to subscribe to Mr. Boire's newsletter, The Entheogen Law Reporter, to keep abreast of the latest developments.
    While Marijuana Law focuses on Cannabis, the legal advice is also relevant to many other plants and drugs which are currently scheduled. Mr. Boire spells out what an individual's constitutional rights are, and he explains how to assert them effectively. He lets the reader know what type of action is appropriate to take when confronted by the police. Covering searches and seizures, gardens, medical necessity, religious defenses, what to do if you're arrested, drug testing advice, and much more, this new expanded edition of Marijuana Law is a must. The most important point that I can make about this book is that the advice presented is easy for any individual to incorporate into his or her life-style. The result being that those who use Cannabis will feel much safer within their chosen life-style.
    Mr. Boire writes, "I have become convinced that the constitutional rights created to protect us against runaway government are being sacrificed in the 'War on Drugs.' The Cannabis plant is not evil; arbitrary government is. It is time to change our way of thinking about drugs. Long after the hysteria has subsided, we will be left not with a drug-free society, but rather with a less-free society." I wholeheartedly agree.
    Published by Ronin Publishing, Inc., Marijuana Law is also available directly from the author for $15.95 plus $3.50 S/H. CA residents add $1.15 for sales tax. Send payment to: Richard Glen Boire, POB 73481 (Dept. PRL), Davis, CA 95617-3481. Credit card (and other) purchases can be made through Ronin Books By Phone at (800) 858-2665.