Are you still scrambling to find the perfect present for someone special this holiday season? Time is running out and I’m sure you are feeling the pressure.
But chill. Head to your friendly neighborhood bookstore (or your favorite online retailer) and buy a book on cannabis. After all, eight states (plus Washington D.C.) have legalized the herb and 29 states n0w have a medical marijuana program. It’s topical. It’s educational. And it is a subject worth learning more about.
Here Are 11 Books That Would Make Excellent Gifts:
Author John Hudak’s short (224 pages) book was published in October and is an up-to-date examination of how cannabis emerged from the shadows of counterculture and illegality to become a mainstream issue. It is an excellent crash course on how the U.S. government demonized the medicinal herb.
Joe Dolce weaves a fascinating tale of the twisted history — and even more twisted pretzel logic — behind marijuana prohibition. It is a tale that, depending on the chapter, will make you laugh, think or pull your hair out in frustration. Dolce’s book takes you on a wild ride as he discovers the truth behind the government’s bizarre drug policies.
Bruce Barcott’s book is a beautiful read — he is a fine writer and diligent reporter. Barcott provides an insider’s view into the business of cannabis. Barcott also peeks into the future of the industry and offers up some hope for what lays ahead.
Steve DeAngelo, a longtime activist and cannabis entrepreneur, offers up a deeply personal book on cannabis. DeAngelo’s manifesto calls for Americans to reframe the debate over marijuana and delivers a compelling case for a brighter future.
Julie Holland’s compilation of essays, stories and studies is six years old, but it still resonates today. Dr. Andrew Weil, who contributed to the book, said it best: The Pot Book “takes a candid look at all things cannabis from all angles: history, scientific research, medicinal use, our nation’s drug policy, myths, and misconceptions. I recommend this book as a comprehensive must-have guide for any library.”
Martin A. Lee’s amazing book was published in 2012, but it still resonates today. Lee, an investigative reporter, takes the reader on a character-driven journey through the history of cannabis prohibition. Lee’s detailed research and lively writing style is one of the smartest books on the subject.
When Clint Werner’s book was published five years ago, endocannabinoid science was not discussed in mainstream media. Today, even the casual toker knows a thing or two about cannabinoids and how they affect the human body. Werner’s work is essential for anybody looking for an accessible, well-researched look at the science behind the herb.
Another smart book option for those more interested in the science of cannabis. Longtime cannabinoid expert Michael Backes examines strains, dosage and a practical guide to marijuana. This is a perfect book for medical marijuana patients — or those considering using cannabis for therapeutic use.
Carl Hart, a cutting-edge neuroscientist at Columbia University, has written a gripping, deeply personal book about his journey from the mean streets of Miami to the Ivy League. Along the way, he discusses the science of addiction and the failed War on Drugs. This book — part memoir and part social science — was the winner of the Pen/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.
Doug Fine’s 2013 book is a sometimes hilarious look at cannabis laws and the future of the plant. Fine writes with flair and humor, but he is also a talented reporter who has an eye for detail. (By the way, Fine has another cannabis-related book worth checking out: Hemp Bound. If the person on your gift list is more interested in industrial hemp than psychoactive marijuana, this book is a must.)
Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
OK. this book is not about marijuana … it’s about the rise and fall of alcohol prohibition. It is one of the best books ever written about failed the failed government policy. But the book really makes you think about how any kind of prohibition can be flawed. If the person on your gift list is not interested in weed, get them this book. It will make them think twice about marijuana prohibition.
