Lester Grinspoon

Biography:

• Lester Grinspoon was born on June 24, 1928, in Newton, Massachusetts, to a family of Russian Jewish descent.
• He earned a chemistry degree from Tufts University in 1951 and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School in 1955.
• Grinspoon passed away on June 25, 2020, in Newton at the age of 92.

Cannabis Activism:

• Grinspoon became interested in cannabis in the 1960s and later changed his views on its harm.
• He testified before Congress and in legal proceedings, winning the Alfred R. Lindesmith Award for Achievement in the Field of Scholarship in 1990.
• Grinspoon endorsed Washington Initiative 1068 in 2010.

Recognition and Legacy:

• Lester Grinspoon was recognized for his contributions to cannabis activism and research.
• He received various honors and tributes in the cannabis community.
• Grinspoon’s advocacy work continues to influence discussions on marijuana legalization and drug policy reform.

Publications and Media:

• Grinspoon authored or co-authored several cannabis/psychedelic-related books, including ‘Marihuana Reconsidered’ and ‘Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine.’
• His works are referenced in academic and policy discussions, and he was featured in documentaries and interviews discussing marijuana.

Influence on Drug Policy:

• Grinspoon’s advocacy work contributed to a shift in drug policy discussions and challenged the stigma around marijuana.
• He participated in conferences promoting drug policy reform and engaged in public discourse on the benefits of medical marijuana.
• Grinspoon’s influence helped shape the perception of marijuana in medical circles and significantly contributed to the understanding of cannabis.

Lester Grinspoon Data Sources