With increased legalization and decriminalization of marijuana in the U.S., more and more people are becoming interested in the complex world of cannabis. From the plant’s unique history and medicinal properties to the best way to start your own thriving marijuana business, there is always something new to learn. There are countless pot books published each year covering every topic you can think of from marijuana grower’s handbooks to starting your own cannabis business, but some of the greatest books are still the ones written back when cannabis wasn’t mainstream. We’ve rounded up the best of the best.
DIY
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible by Jorge Cervantes
Cervantes is considered the world’s main expert on cannabis cultivation and his book is still the leading text on the subject. This cannabis grower’s bible may have been written back in 1983, but the easy layout and thorough instructions have helped backyard hobbyists and commercial grow houses get the most out of their crops. In addition to learning the different nuances between growing indoors versus outdoors, the book also covers cannabis strains , germination, cloning and grafting, soil, lights and lamps, hydroponic gardening, the plant life cycle, harvesting tips, and more. There’s even a chapter dedicated to creating your own hash and cannabis extracts.
Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen by Stephanie Hua
If you want to learn how to cook with weed, there’s no better person to learn from than the queen of edibles herself, Stephanie Hua. She is the creator of the gourmet edibles company, Mellows. Follow her cannabis cookbook Edibles t o learn the secrets to baking with pot like choosing the right strain, dosing strategies, and how to pair various cannabis terpenes with different flavors. The book doesn’t just teach you how to make sweets, which she’s known for. Hua also shares some of her favorite marijuana-laced entrees and appetizers like fried mac n cheese bites, which are the perfect late night snack. If you’re just getting into cooking edibles and 420 recipes in general, check out our extensive list of the best stoner cookbooks for some delicious cannabis-infused edibles
Health and wellness
CBD: A Patient's Guide to Medicinal Cannabis - Healing Without the High by Juliana Birnbaum and Leonard Leinow
It doesn’t matter if you’re already using CBD oils or pills regularly or just curious about how this popular cannabinoid can improve your daily life, you’ll discover useful new information that can change your life. The book covers many different health issues that can be treated with CBD and provides guidance on dosage, potential side effects, and characteristics of popular high-CBD strains like Charlotte's Web. The book also has a chapter dedicated to treating your pets with CBD. After reading the comprehensive guide, you’ll feel comfortable experimenting with the supplement for yourself and be able to confidently begin treating your (and your pets’) health conditions for overall better well-being.
Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana by Michael Backes
Some conditions are better treated with the full cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant, meaning a combination of the psychoactive chemical THC combined with CBD. The Cannabis Pharmacy uses scientific evidence to clarify how cannabinoids affect the human body, and also explains the various ways to consume and dose pot for the best results. This book is a valuable resource, particularly for those thinking about switching from traditional medicine to treatment via cannabis since the text covers over 50 different ailments and conditions that can be alleviated with the plant.
Entrepreneurship and the cannabis industry
Big Weed: An Entrepreneur’s High-Stakes Adventures in the Budding Legal Marijuana Business by Christian Hageseth and Joseph D'Agnese
Cannabis has turned into a booming industry and many people don’t know what to make of it. From first-time entrepreneurs to big businesses like Philip Morris and large pharmaceutical companies, everyone seems to want to get a piece of the pie. The author, Christian Hageseth quit his 20-year career in real estate and finance to found Colorado’s Green Man Cannabis during the first wave of legalization. He shares the exciting story of how he grew his cannabis business from the bottom up and learned to navigate the new industry and ever-changing cannabis landscape.
Cannabis Jobs: How to Make a Living and Have a Career in the World of Legalized Marijuana by Andrew Ward
Have you ever wanted to work in the cannabis industry but never knew how to get your foot in the door? This book offers insight into the many careers that are out there. Increased legalization means there has been a surge in cannabis related jobs across the country and everything from marketing, retail, sales, HR, and social media, are relevant to this rising industry. Ward emphasizes that building a career in cannabis doesn’t mean you have to start your own business, work in a dispensary, or become a grower. There’s a need for medical professionals, journalists, public relations specialists, event coordinators, and more.
Cannabis history
The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer
The book’s author may sound familiar to you because it’s also the name of a prized sativa strain. The uplifting herb’s namesake, Jack Herer, is one of the most well-known cannabis activists of all time. The Emperor Wears No Clothes should be the first book you read if you’re interested in cannabis legalization and history . Herer’s arguments for legalizing cannabis and increasing production of industrial hemp still stand today. The book was first published in the 1980s, but is still often referred to by the cannabis community. You can find it at most book stores or you can read it for free on JackHerer.com.
If you want to blaze up to set the mood, as you dive deep into any one of these must-read cannabis books, be sure to visit our online headshop .