The Little Black Book of Marijuana

Handy and to the point, this pocket-sized book gives you ''the dope'' on pot, from possible side effects and risks to medical uses and their efficacy. This concise guide to cannabis delves into pot culture and history, from Herodotus to the hippies and beyond, as well as the essentials of using, cultivating, and cooking with weed; identifying pot varieties; and understanding legal and health issues.

Portable size: 4-1/4'' wide x 5-3/4'' high; fits in your back pocket. Concealed wire-o binding lies flat for easy reading. Durable hardback cover material. Elastic band attached to back cover keeps your place or keeps book closed. 160 pages.

Author Steve Elliott is a journalist and editor of the Village Voice Media blog, ''Toke of the Town: Cannabis Culture News and Views'' (www.tokeofthetown.com).

His specialties are drug policy reform, medical marijuana, and more