Longtime cannabis user Ruth Bergner outs herself in her autobiography, "I Smoke Pot with My Family: Speaking Up at 85," iUniverse, Inc. Bergner challenges stereotypes, speaking candidly about the positive difference marijuana has made in her life. The emotional health benefits she describes broaden the debate over pot's medicinal value.

"I don't have to apologize for my hearing aids or my blood pressure medication, why should I have to apologize for pot, my emotional vitamin," asks Bernger. "With just one puff, I am instantly more open, communicative, loving and forgiving." Bergner first smoked marijuana in 1970 after her kids urged her to "try it so you I know what you are talking about." She hopes that sharing her life story will activate an open conversation about marijuana, encouraging present smokers to speak out for drug reform and use pot responsibly.

"I believe that, when used wisely, this substance supports us in learning to be more loving and emotionally sound human beings. We have to make emotional well-being, health communication and intimacy a priority for ourselves."

Keith Stroup, founder of the Washington DC-based National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), calls "I Smoke Pot with My Family" a lovely first-person account of what it is like to discover marijuana and learn how it can improve your life. Bergner's coming out makes it easier for the next person to do the same."

Bay area marijuana activist Mikki Norris, director of the Cannabis Consumers Campaign, coordinator for Human Rights & the Drug War, and board member for the Oakland Civil Liberties Alliance says, "Many of her observations and analyses are right on. They jibe with the findings I am receiving from my surveys."

Bergner has dedicate her life to studying emotional education. In addition to "I Smoke Pot with My Family," Bergner has written and self-published a three-part series of children's books designed to teach lessons in personal growth and emotional education to her children and grandchildren.

Bergner chose the self-publishing route with iUniverse, Inc, a leading provider of publishing technology solutions for authors, headquartered in Lincoln, NE. As one of the largest book publishing companies in the United States, iUniverse eliminates the necessity of massive print runs, dramatically shortens time-to-market, and gives authors control over when an how their works are published. iUniverse publishing programs are endorsed by leading author organizations, including the Authors Guild and ASJA. iUniverse is a member of the Assocaiton of American Publishers, Publishers Marketing Association, and Small Publishers association of North America.

"I Smoke Pot with My Family: Speaking Up at 85," 2005 from iUniverse, Inc. (ISBN: 0-5959-34539-5) is available at www.iUniverse.com and other online book sellers, retailing for $12.95. For more information or to schedule an interview with the author, contact Klara Arter at (619) 838-2479.