Curl up with a good cannabis book

Ahhh, spring! (or almost.) Rain puddles, crocuses in bloom, opening windows and doors to let the fresh air in, and evenings still cool enough to settle underneath a thick blanket with a cup of possibly-infused tea and a good book. This time of year is also perfect for planning your garden and educating yourself about cannabis, whether you are interested in growing it for medical purposes (visit the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to learn local laws before you start), or perhaps you just want to brush up on your knowledge. Either way, here are some books you won’t want to miss. “Craft Weed: Family Farming and the Future of the Marijuana Industry” by Ryan Stoa Stoa argues for an industry dominated by craft marijuana farmers, not big corporations. He suggests that the industry should be modeled after the craft beer industry and that family farmers need to be protected during this time of intense national growth. As an Associate Professor of Law at Concordia University in Boise, Idaho, Stoa writes with authority, and his book appeals to those who want to armor themselves with information about the different directions the marketplace can go. “Cannabis and the Art of Infusion: An Elevated Cookbook” by Ricky Flickenger This cookbook takes the marijuana out of the pipe and into the kitchen with more than 30 recipes, from appetizers and salads to dinners and desserts. Whether you want to learn to cook with cannabis to impress your friends or relax in the evening with your ‘best bud,’ this book is sure to have a recipe that you’ll fall in love with. Chef Ricky lives, cooks and teaches classes in Seattle. Check out his website Mortar ’n Pestle (http://mortarnp.com) for more information. “The Cannabis Spa at Home: How to Make Marijuana-Infused Lotions, Massage Oils, Ointments, Bath Salts, Spa Nosh, and More” by Sandra Hinchliffe If you’ve never picked up the hardback version of this book, now is a good time to grab the new paperback version that’s scheduled to be released in March. This is the perfect manual for the DIYer who wants to make his or her own lotions, lip balms, masks and other cannabis-based beauty products. With easy-to-find ingredients free of allergens and preservatives, the book takes you step by step through the process of making your own products along with instructions on storage and use. “The Medical Marijuana Guide, Cannabis and Your Health” by Patricia C. MD, with Dave Smitherman This book, released in fall 2018, begins with an overview of medical marijuana going all the way back to ancient times, tracing its rise and fall over the centuries. It goes into specific details about cannabis as medicine, and can be an important resource for anybody interested in the use of CBD oil and marijuana for medicinal purposes. This book is targeted at those already in the medical industry, so non-502ers might feel like it’s more of a textbook. But it’s filled with information and knowledge that you don’t often find in other off-the-shelf books about weed. If your primary care physician or provider is on the fence about cannabis as medicine, this book can provide them with industry-backed examples of medicinal relief. “The Little Black Book of Marijuana: The Essential Guide to the World of Cannabis, 3rd Edition” by Steve Elliott This tried and true – not to mention – brief guide to cannabis, especially if you love the history and cultural background of its beginnings, is easy to read. With even some recipes thrown in, it’s a fantastic, handy, classic guide to marijuana and its use. “Beauty of Cannabis: 200 Strains of Marijuana, A Visual Guide” by Spurs Broken This beautiful book is perfect for a coffee table or as a gift for friends who appreciate good photography (and perhaps good weed). It is filled with stunning photos that will make you see marijuana differently. Whether you read it cover to cover, want to look more closely at and study particular strains, or just love great pictures, this book will not disappoint. The explosion of legal cannabis across the country has led to a similar explosion in the cannabis book genre. It’s a great time to learn about the up and coming industry and to educate yourself on all things weed so you can help educate others, whether you are just dabbling in marijuana use or they are a long-time pro.