The Essential Cannabis Book: Understanding, Appreciating, Cultivating, and Cooking with Marijuana

A thorough, accessible guide to exploring the world of cannabis, with tips and insights for beginners and seasoned users alike.

The cannabis landscape is quickly evolving as legalization efforts expand across the US and around the world. Research increasingly shows the health benefits of cannabinoids and their promise as alternative treatments for pain, insomnia, seizures, anxiety, and more. But after decades of stigma and criminalization, many who would like to start using, growing, or cooking with cannabis don’t know where to begin. 

The Essential Cannabis Book is the road map for anyone curious about this booming new industry. Rob Mejia’s journey into the world of cannabis education began when his family sought treatments for his sister’s pain in her final days battling cancer, and he quickly found himself fielding questions about cannabis from friends and colleagues who were frustrated with the lack of reliable information. Mejia breaks down the complex history and science of this ancient plant, explains the current legal and regulatory framework in different states and countries, and shares personal stories from those in the cannabis community, from a hemp-farming nun to one of the first patients to receive medical cannabis from the US government.

With a glossary of terms, detailed lists of the effects of different cannabinoids and strains, steps for visiting a dispensary or starting to homegrow, and delicious recipes for aspiring canna-chefs, this guide is the essential resource for anyone curious about cannabis.

Rob Mejia is an award-winning cannabis educator, author, and advocate working to shape the next generation of cannabis professionals. At Stockton University, he teaches courses on medical cannabis, cannabis and social justice, and cannabis internship preparation, and he was the main architect of the university’s degree program in Hemp & Cannabis Business Management. As president of Our Community Harvest: A Cannabis Education Company, Mejia develops accessible learning materials, online courses, and hands-on experiences, and also helped launch the Cannabis & Hemp Research Initiative, one of New Jersey’s leading hubs for hemp research and cannabis education. He lives in Mahwah, New Jersey.