Summer’s here and whether you plan on heading to the beach, the bungalow or the backyard, you will want to bring along a few books to keep you company in your favorite lounging chair.
So load up our book back, suitcase or Kindle with these excellent books on marijuana. If you are into history, botany, medicine or just fast-paced narratives, there is something for everybody here.
Educating yourself about this amazing herb can be just as fun as smoking it. Enjoy!
Fascinating Narratives
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.
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.
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.)
A Walk Through History
Author John Hudak’s short (224 pages) book was published in October 2016 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.
All About Medicine And Wellness
When Clint Werner’s book was published six 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.
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.
The Basics
Julie Holland’s compilation of essays, stories and studies is seven 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.”
The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy
Jack Herer, the late, great marijuana activist wrote the first edition of this milestone book in 1985, smack dab in the middle of the “Just Say No” Reagan Era. More than 30 years and 12 editions later, this must-have book remains relevant today. Herer compiled tons of data and information about the cannabis plant and provides the basics. It should be on the bookshelf of every cannabis lover.
Social Justice
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.
Not Really About Marijuana, But …
The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World
Michael Pollan, takes a fascinating look at the symbiotic relationship between human life and plant life in this easy-to-read book on science, nature and history. He spends a lot of time taking a look at various kinds of plant life: tulips, potatoes, and the like. Cannabis gets its moment in the sun here too, as Pollan examines how cannabis co-evolved and thrived with humans from the very beginning,
Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
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.
