The Emperor Wears No Clothes: The Authoritative Historical Record of Cannabis and the Conspiracy Against Marijuana

First, let's use the words cannabis or hemp instead of marijuana - as the author suggests - and second, let's get this book out to everyone over the age of 15 or 16. Parents, before you talk with your kids about "marijuana", read this book! Why? This book is not about "sparking a bowl" and getting high: This book uses facts and common sense to explain the history of cannabis and its uses (which are far more than medicinal), what cannabis has done and can do for humanity, and the governmental/commercial conspiracy against cannabis (and its advocates) in the US. The recreational use of hemp is but one facet of this informative book.

"The Emperor Wears No Clothes" changed my life. The lies and propaganda we Americans have been fed about cannabis (particularly in recent generations) is not only astounding but sickening, and Jack Herer necessarily shines a bright light into the dark recesses of our nation's cannabis hypocrisy.


Fun But Serious   August 19, 2000
Stephen B. Cobb (Nashua, New Hampshire, USA)
43 out of 45 found this review helpful

This huge collection of generously illustrated historical material is a lot of fun; with the humorous tone of the narration that runs throughout, you almost forget the magnitude of the harm this long-running Drug War has caused to society. But it is all documented here: the many-thousand-year history of hemp; its recent fall from grace due to racism, puritanism, and business-government corruption; the enormous damage from Prohibition; the numerous potential benefits; and the support for legalization from many, many respected public figures. Oversized and colorful, this comprehensive book makes an excellent present and introduction to hemp re-legalization.


The final word on marijuana and hemp ecology   December 3, 2004
David L. Smith
34 out of 35 found this review helpful

Although some of the historical data can be called into question, the essential claims of this book remain unrefuted by the disinformation campaigns of the anti-marijuana lobby. Herer shatters cannabis myths; he shows, with hard data that: pot has absolutely no toxicity to human tissues; pot has anti-carcinogenic properties; the tar, although greater in proportion than tobacco, is completely water-soluble; smoking marijuana shortly after having a stroke prevents the swelling of the brain -- and consequently much of the brain damage and loss of function associated with strokes.


Prepare to be Outraged   January 14, 2002
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

This is the only reference book you'll need for the myriad uses of cannabis (fuel, varnish, food, medicine, recreation, soap, and more). Every environmentalist, patient, doctor, lawmaker, and citizen concerned with freedom and access to accurate information should read this book. True, Herer is not a historian, but possible inaccuracies about hemp's use in medieval and ancient religious history do not negate the central premise of this book, which is that it's ludicrous to jail people for the sale and use of this plant. Herer draws information from clinical studies of smokers that include thousands of people in several countries (U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Holland, Jamaica, Greece, etc.) over three decades. These studies, from 1969 to 2000, were conducted by MDs, PhDs, and medical anthropologists. Much of these studies were commissioned by the federal government for the purpose of FINDING harmful effects of cannabis. At the same time, Herer shows that many of the cell culture and animal studies either cannot be extrapolated to humans or are outright distortions. He also exposes the political ties and dubious research methods of the most noted anti-cannabis scientists, Heath and Nahas. (For example, Columbia University disassociated themselves from Nahas and he had to recant many of his metabolite studies.) The proceedings from 1930's congressional hearings to criminalize marijuana are transcribed here--they'll make you laugh, but they'll also make you mad. Finally, this is not just a reference book but a call to action, as Herer lists several hemp businesses you can support. People, how does it make you feel that politicians are deciding what medicine, fiber, fuel, food, and pleasure we should have access to? Whether you're a smoker or not, buy this book, spread the word, and make a real difference.


The Hemp Bible   August 5, 2000
Cal Martin (Aptos, CA United States)
20 out of 21 found this review helpful

I wrote 10 Foolish Fortune Hunters not only to tell the true story of a marijuana grower but to present an environmental theme via dramatic action.I started researching hemp in detail after deciding to do my book promotion radio talk shows around the legalization of hemp farming.Now that I have read The Emperor Wears No Clothes, I know it is the only book I need to fuel these talk shows. What I find most interesting in the book is the way William Randolph Hearst manipulated the American public so that we would illegalize the farming of hemp. He had his newspapers print articles on a car accident where a marijuana cigarette was found at the scene. This was one car accident, mind you.He never bothered to print the thousands of alcohol related car accidents. Hearst, you see, was worried that hemp paper would become a standard in the newspaper industry. Rightly so, because it was a better quality paper and cheaper to use. He had millions invested in the timber industry and couldn't afford to let this happen. This is the kind of manipulation occurring more and more by those in power. This is the source of the great hemp lie and this is what we need to convey to the public. Hurrah Jack Herer!