Let’s say you’re hoping to learn more about growing cannabis at home, or you’d like to infuse some of your recipes with it, or maybe you’re just wanting to know a little bit more about the plant’s benefits. Some of the best places to start for this kind of detailed information are through cannabis books. However, with how popular marijuana is these days, it’s not always easy to find books with the right information for you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of cannabis — regardless of the capacity — we’ve got 24 incredible cannabis-related books for you to dive into. Each one of these books presents cannabis in an approachable, relatable way that makes learning more straightforward than ever before.
Seeing Through the Smoke by Peter Grinspoon, MD
Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana is a brand-new book that tackles the complicated dichotomy that cannabis presents from extreme viewpoints. Dr. Grinspoon acknowledges both sides of the cannabis debate (positive or negative), and in his book, he works to reach more of a middle ground, addressing the fact that cannabis can be both harmful and beneficial. Grinspoon’s work tackles cannabis nuance in an engaging, easy-to-understand way that not all authors easily achieve.
Cannabis Pharmacy by Michael Backes
Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana is one of those cannabis books that any consumer should read, simply to be informed. This book discusses topics like strains, proper dosing, types of products, the endocannabinoid system, and practically everything else you need to know to have a healthy, effective cannabis experience that’s best for your conditions.
The Brain on Cannabis by Rebecca Siegel and Margot Starbuck
A lot of people are familiar with the way that cannabis makes them feel, but why is this? The Brain on Cannabis: What You Should Know About Medical Marijuana focuses specifically on how the brain operates under the influence of marijuana, busting the typical myths that people have curated. The women even address how to talk to young people about the effects of recreational cannabis consumption and how to navigate it properly.
Cannabis and the Christian by Todd Miles
Ever wondered what the bible has to say about the cannabis plant? (Or what it implies?) That is exactly what Todd Miles’ book addresses. Cannabis and the Christian: What the Bible Says About Marijuana explores whether or not the religious book talks about cannabis and how the words have been interpreted over the years. If you’re a Christian who has been torn about the legalization of cannabis, or if you’re just curious about this specific relationship, Miles’ book is a wonderful place to start.
Green Scenes by Lauren Yoshiko
Imagine a Lonely Planet guide written for stoners and you’ll be picturing something like Green Scenes: A Guide to Legal Cannabis Destinations and Experiences Across the US by acclaimed cannabis journalist Lauren Yoshiko. The guide hones in on 24 cities in 15 states with legal cannabis, offering a curated guide to the best dispensaries, consumption lounges and weed-friendly spaces across the country, with a focus on locally-owned businesses and the hidden gems you’d otherwise miss.
The Cannabis Encyclopedia by Jorge Cervantes
We can’t talk about the best books about weed without mentioning the marijuana bible, The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana. This award-winning book gives you absolutely everything you need to know about medical cannabis, giving both detailed illustrations and step-by-step guides to work through. Whether you’re interested in gardening weed or cooking with cannabis — or something anywhere in between — The Cannabis Encyclopedia is perfect for you.
Can Legal Weed Win? by Dr. Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner
Interested in the economics behind the cannabis industry (both legal and not)? So were Dr. Robin Goldstein and Professor Daniel Sumner. Together, these two explore the world of cannabis economics, including the impact of legalization, where regulation went wrong, and the ways that the structure needs to change. Can Legal Weed Win? The Blunt Realities of Cannabis Economics is written in a fun, witty tone that makes reading about finances more engaging than ever.
Higher by Dan Michaels and Erik Christiansen
In Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis, you’re going to learn more cannabis facts than you ever thought existed. This book navigates the ins and outs of cannabis lore, including some of the most popular legends and 420-related stories. You’ll learn everything from cannabis origin stories to marijuana breeding and even different consumption methods. Michaels and Christiansen’s book is often a go-to resource for cannabis lovers.
Stoner Coloring Book for Adults by Edwina McNamee
You read that right: Stoner Coloring Book for Adults: The Stoner’s Psychedelic Coloring Book is a coloring book made specifically for adults who are stoned or tripping. This book contains psychedelic-esque drawings that will keep your attention for hours upon hours, all while sinking deep into the beauty of your highs. The book has 25 different designs, so you have plenty of trippy, cute pictures to choose from.
A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis by Nikki Furrer
We all know that cannabis has the ability to help people in myriad ways — especially women. In Nikki Furrer’s book A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, Sleep Better-And Get High Like a Lady, she focuses entirely on how cannabis can help women in multiple aspects of their daily lives. From managing stress to relieving pain and even navigating the world of cannabis beauty products, Furrer covers everything the cannabis-loving woman needs to know in her easy-to-read book.
Weed Mom by Danielle Simone Brand
Are you a mother who enjoys partaking in cannabis? Then this book is for you. Written by Danielle Simone Brand, Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman’s Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting, and Chilling TF Out talks about balancing your personal and parental lives with safe cannabis consumption. Brand works to break down weed stigmas and show women that you can easily be a weed mom in productive, helpful ways.
Cannabis Grower’s Handbook by Ed Rosenthal
Everything you need to know about cannabis cultivation can be found in Ed Rosenthal’s book, Cannabis Grower’s Handbook: The Complete Guide to Marijuana and Hemp Cultivation. As a cannabis cultivator for decades, Rosenthal spreads his knowledge of growing experience in his book, giving detailed information surrounding the complexities of growing a plant like this one. Whether you’re new to growing or have a bit of previous experience, this book is the perfect way to get all your canna-cultivation questions answered.
The Marijuana Effect by James Coppa
If you’re just getting into the world of cannabis, one of the best books to read is The Marijuana Effect: Revealing the Hidden Truths About Marijuana and How it Really Affects Your Mind and Body. The title is a bit of a mouthful, but the book itself is packed with useful information that helps you better understand even the most complex aspects of the plant. The book addresses safe consumption habits, how to enjoy cannabis without the psychoactive aspects, and so much more. Coppa works to break age-old stigmas by helping readers better understand the beauty behind the plant.
Breaking the Stigma by Charlena Berry
Breaking the Stigma: Racism, the Opioid Endemic, Lies, and Inviting Grandma to the Dispensary by Charlena Berry is a book that guides you towards being a successful cannabis business owner, navigating the stigmas and painful past that the cannabis industry has endured. This book is emotionally driven but also provides you with the strategic, professional insight you need to know to better operate in the cannabis retail space.
Cannabis is Medicine by Bonni Goldstein, M.D.
As you could probably guess by the title, this book is all about the medicinal impacts of the cannabis plant. Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain is written by Bonni Goldstein, an MD who has helped countless patients with their pain and discomfort using cannabis. Whether you want to know about cannabis and specific condition, or just the medical side of marijuana in general, Goldstein’s book is a great place to start.
The Cannabis Grow Bible by Greg Green
This 700-page cannabis book is not for the faint of heart. The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medicinal Use by Greg Green contains absolutely everything you need to know about cultivating cannabis. From lighting types to growing mediums and even advanced extraction techniques, Green leaves no stone unturned, helping readers like you have a better, more detailed understanding of growing marijuana and all it entails.
Bong Appétit by the Editors of Munchies
Interested in learning how to cook with cannabis? Then Bong Appétit has you covered. This cannabis cookbook covers the ins and outs of cooking with the marijuana plant, including giving you recipes to follow, dosing information, and even proper cooking techniques. Once you’ve finished this cannabis cookbook, you’ll be a master of infusion and cooking with this fun, potent plant.
The Cannabis Business Book by Michael Zaytsev
The Cannabis Business Book: How to Succeed in Weed According to 50 Industry Leaders by Michael Zaytsev is the perfect book for anyone wanting to get involved in the business side of the cannabis industry. You’ll get to read first-hand interviews and get insights from some of the industry’s top business leaders. While a daunting venture, Zaytsev approaches cannabis business topics in a relatable, easy-to-understand way that will have you ready to invest in no time.
Cooking With Cannabis by Laurie Wolf
Cooking with Cannabis: Delicious Recipes for Edibles and Everyday Favorites is a wonderful cannabis cookbook to follow when you’re looking to impress your guests — or even just yourself — with some fun, infused treats. Laurie Wolf’s book contains over 70 different cannabis recipes with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make them properly. And, of course, you can always make these delicious foods without any cannabis — but what fun would that be?
Healing With Cannabis by Cheryl Pellerin
Cheryl Pellerin’s book, Healing with Cannabis: The Evolution of the Endocannabinoid System and How Cannabinoids Help Relieve PTSD, Pain, MS, Anxiety, and More, addresses just how beneficial the cannabis plant can be. The book talks about the plant’s uses for myriad medical conditions using an approachable, funny tone that makes these topics more accessible and easy to understand. From cannabis as a whole to compounds like CBD, Pellerin talks about it all in her book.
Terpenes: The Magic Within Cannabis by Beverly A. Potter, Ph.D.
Interested in learning more about what makes cannabis smell the way it does? Then Dr. Beverly A. Potter, Ph.D. has what you need. In her book, Terpenes: The Magic Within Cannabis, she talks extensively about the terpenes found within cannabis and how they enhance our experience overall. You will get an inside look into the most popular terpenes in the plant, what they smell and taste like, how they function, and so much more.
Cannabis Mocktails, Cocktails, and Tonics by Warren Bobrow
You will be the absolute life of the party if you show up with one of the cannabis cocktails found in Warren Bobrow’s book. His cannabis cookbook, Cannabis Mocktails, Cocktails, and Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks and Buzz-Worthy Libations includes 75 mouth-watering infused drink recipes that even your experienced bartender friends will be impressed by. Bobrow covers the techniques you need to know, as well as the proper flavor combinations that go best with herbal cannabis in this super-fun cocktail book.
The Rebel’s Apothecary by Jenny Sansouci
If you’ve been curious about the health and wellness world, or how alternative healing works, then Jenny Sansouci’s The Rebel Apothecary is the book for you. This book talks about alternative healing practices like cannabis consumption, as well as other natural medicines like mushrooms, and how these lifestyle choices can help improve your everyday well-being.
The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook
From the editors of the High Times comes their official cookbook. The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook has over 50 infused recipes that are both easy to make and absolutely mouth-watering to taste. Plus, they will have you feeling oh-so-stoned after a few hours post-consumption. Whether you want to make some shrimp spring rolls infused with cannabis or Pineapple Express upside-down cake, this cookbook will have you feeling more creative than ever in the kitchen.
The Best Books About Cannabis — For You
When looking for the best books about cannabis, it’s important to first understand what you want to learn about in the first place. Are you looking for the best books for growing cannabis, or are you hoping to infuse some of your favorite recipes with marijuana? Regardless, it’s important to know that there’s a perfect cannabis book out there for you, with topics covering everything that your mind’s been curious about.
The next time you want to know more about this special green plant, turn to one of the incredible cannabis books on this list. We promise that reading will never be as fun as when you’re learning about your favorite pastime.
Editor’s note: On July 4, 2023, we removed “Tell Your Children” by Alex Berenson until we can carefully examine the controversial claims made in his book.
April 19, 2024: We updated this article to include the newly released Green Scenes book by Lauren Yoshiko.