by Cyrus Grant
There’s no shortage of cannabis books out there, but even the most committed cannabis connoisseur only has so much room on their bookshelf. Finding the best books can be a daunting task, so we took the liberty of putting together a list of books that every canna connoisseur should read.
Here are 8 of our favorite cannabis books that deserve a spot on every bookshelf.
Higher Etiquette: A Guide to the World of Cannabis, from Dispensaries to Dinner Parties by Lizzie Post
Gone are the days of marijuana’s association with the stereotypical stoner and the stigmas that once came with that role. But as cannabis becomes more and more of a societal norm, the etiquette surrounding it is also beginning to evolve. That’s where Lizzie Post’s Higher Etiquette comes in.
The great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, a world-renowned author on etiquette, Lizzie Post puts a modern spin on her family legacy by presenting the primer on how to walk confidently into canna culture. The book covers all types of social situations involving cannabis, including:
- How to bring weed to a dinner party or give it as a gift
- How edibles differ from inhaling cannabis
- How to respectfully use it as a guest
- Why different strains affect you in different ways
- How to behave at a dispensary
- How to handle cannabis faux pas
From experienced users to those just getting into the world of cannabis, this book offers something to learn for everyone and does so in a fun and fashionable style.
How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High by David Bienenstock
Written by former High Times editor and current VICE weed columnist, David Bienenstock, How to Smoke Pot (Properly) aims to provide an all-inclusive modern guide to cannabis. Both funny and informative, this book offers a complete look into the world of marijuana by offering a range of insights on topics, including
- Celebrity “pro tips”
- Basics of smoking
- How cannabis helps with creativity
- How cannabis offers a safer alternative to alcohol and pharmaceuticals
- How cannabis enhances life’s pleasures
- Marijuana’s lifecycle from farm to pipe
And those are just a few of the highlights. Full of charts, illustrations, and an answer to almost any question you might have, this book covers everything a modern cannabis connoisseur needs to know, all while staying true to cannabis culture’s roots.
Green: A Field Guide to Marijuana by Dan Michaels (Photography by Erik Christiansen)
For those wanting a more in-depth look at weed’s physical properties and effects, Green: A Field Guide to Marijuana is perfect for your bookshelf or coffee table. The first section, titled “Primer” gives an overview of facts explaining what makes strains unique. The second section, “Buds” goes deep into the details of 170 featured strains, including high-resolution, up-close photography of each individual bud.
Think of it almost like a wine-tasting guide for cannabis. Each page covers the lineage, characteristics, and effects of a different strain. This book is for those searching for something that is both informative and gorgeous to look at.
A Weed is a Flower by Broccoli Magazine
If you’re looking for a cannabis coffee table book that brings an unmatched aesthetic, look no further than A Weed is a Flower by Broccoli Magazine. This stunning book is made up of 168 pages of cannabis photography set into imaginative floral arrangements. When you just want to get lost in the natural beauty and creativity inspired by cannabis, this book should be within reach.
Cannabonsai: A Beginners Guide by Manuel Oyarce
If you’ve ever considered getting into the therapeutic hobby of cultivating bonsai plants, there’s now an even better option — cannabonsai. That’s right, Cannabonsai by Manuel Oyarce provides a beginner’s guide to growing cannabis into bonsai-inspired creations. If you’re looking for a nice meditative activity that also scores you some cannabis (and who wouldn’t want that?), this book is for you.
Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America by Emily Dufton
Interested in history, politics, and marijuana? Then Grass Roots is the book for you. Written by historian Emily Dufton, this book looks at the history of marijuana in America. While great progress has been made in recent years toward the legalization and normalization of cannabis, Grass Roots serves as a cautionary tale for those who think the fight has already been won.
The book looks back forty years to a time when marijuana was on a similar path to legalization before Nancy Reagan’s war on drugs quickly turned the tables. While we all hope that sort of counterrevolution isn’t going to happen again, Dufton covers the tumultuous path marijuana has taken to get where it is today in America, as well as looks at the US drug laws that play a role. This book is a must-read for anyone following marijuana’s path to acceptance in America.
It’s Just a Plant: A Children’s Story About Marijuana by Ricardo Cortés
Yes, this is technically a children’s book, but that doesn’t mean it can’t make the bookshelf in your smoking lounge. It’s Just a Plant by Ricardo Cortés features wonderful illustrations, as well as a story that serves to educate and advocate on the subject of marijuana.
This book is perfect for anyone looking to educate their children on marijuana without the hysteria that usually goes along with informing children about drug use.
Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed by Editors of MUNCHIES Magazine
For those looking to mix their culinary passion with their cannabis passion, Bong Appétit offers 65 sophisticated recipes for delicious food made with weed. Not only does this book feature recipes, but it also breaks down the basics of how to infuse cannabis into ingredients. It will guide you step by step on how to infuse things such as oils, butters, milks, alcohol, and more, so anyone who wants to take their favorite plant into the kitchen can get in on the action.
Hopefully, this list helps you pick out your next favorite cannabis book, but feel free to let us know your top recommendations over in the comments!