The Flowers of Good

This well-researched and hypnotizing investigation aims to destigmatize marijuana as a source of evil and turn the tables around by showing, from a neuroscientist’s perspective, with a decolonial undertone, all of its benefits on several different aspects of our lives

In The Flowers Of Good, Sidarta Ribeiro presents a brief history of the ancient herb and describes how collective human achievements have managed to domesticate a plant of incredible versatility. In this long history of interaction between cannabis and man, the last few decades have been marked by politically motivated prohibitionism in which racism and conservatism play a central role, but advances in science point to a new chapter. 

After countless studies, the medicinal use of marijuana is no longer questioned by science. The Flowers Of Good is therefore not just a science book: it is the contribution of one of Brazil’s leading scientists to an urgent debate, in the form of a libel that seeks to break down prejudices and open up dialogue.

With the accessible language that characterizes Ribeiro’s work, this book sets out to combat misinformation about marijuana, mixing history, culture, and personal testimonies with scientific rigor. Coming from a prohibitionist country like Brazil, Ribeiro combines his decades of experience as a neuroscientist, writer, and science communicator with tender personal stories of his experience with marijuana and the part it has played in his relationships and family. The Flowers Of Good explores a new chapter in the history of humanity with marijuana, going beyond the scientific aspects of the substance to examine its use in connection with sport, work, study, sex, sleep and religion—all aiming at improving quality of life.