In a topic filled with insanity, exaggeration and political debunking, this book provides a sober, well-researched overview of the benefits of hemp. It keeps its subject tightly focused within 160 pages, providing factual arguments for hemp's use as a source of textiles, building materials, food (lots of protein, vitamins and minerals), paper and fuel. It also seems to suggest support for legalizing its sibling, which the ignoramuses of the world mistake for hemp. (I, too, advocate legalizing marijuana.) Otherwise, why would the author include a chapter on growing your own indoors, as well as a list of web sites that overtly cater to the marijuana sub-(counter)-culture. Thankfully, the author handles this topic in a calm, sane manner by weaving it nicely into the main thesis of the book.