An entertaining look at the historical, legal, political, medicinal, and social aspects of what has been called the world's most versatile plant. This fascinating tour of the marijuana universe is for friend and foe alike. Offbeat Marijuana chronicles the history of the world's most versatile plant. From its use by the Chinese in 3,000 B.C.E. to battle malaria, to the burgeoning American Hemp industry of the 17th and 18th centuries, to the politically-motivated demonization of the 1930s, to the U.S. Government's schizophrenic directive to farmers to grow "Hemp for Victory" during World War II, to its enduring presence in late-20th century popular culture, Offbeat Marijuana dares the reader to judge the true nature of this controversial plant.