Our list of must-have books about growing cannabis ranges from books for absolute beginners to those for advanced growers and cannabis breeders. We also cover some books about culture so you can learn more about cannabis history and its impact on society throughout the years.
However, this list is only a very small percentage of amazing books written about cannabis. So if you can think of any more books missing from this list, feel free to post them in the comments below! Let’s make this thread a huge resource for new growers looking for the best books to buy!
Books About the Basics of Cannabis Growing
Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible by Jorge Cervantes
“Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower’s Bible” by Jorge Cervantes is one of the highly recommended cannabis growing books. It is excellent for both new growers and experienced cultivators. Jorge is a world-renowned cannabis author and a good friend of our forum and cannabis podcast. We highly recommend any of his books, as he can break down complex subjects and make them easily understandable for new growers.
If you’re brand new to growing and want a book to read, this would be the first one I would recommend.
“The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medicinal Use” by Greg Green
“The Cannabis Grow Bible: The Definitive Guide to Growing Marijuana for Recreational and Medicinal Use” by Greg Green is a user-friendly and in-depth guide for both new and experienced cannabis growers. Greg is an experienced grower, and in this book he covers everything you need to know about growing cannabis. Including germination, soil management, and harvesting techniques.
The book has some very well detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions that makes everything in it really easy to follow.
Books About Advanced Growing Techniques
“The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana” by Jorge Cervantes
“The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana” by Jorge Cervantes is a book every cannabis grower should have in their library. It is packed with absolutely everything you need to know about growing cannabis, serving as a massive resource for growers on all levels. The Cannabis Encyclopedia isn’t just a book you read once and put down; it is a reference you can turn to over and over again.
Also, it is written by our good friend Jorge Cervantes, so you know it is going to be an amazing book. If you don’t have any books about growing cannabis, you need to get this one!
“The Cannabis Grower’s Handbook” Ed Rosenthal
“The Cannabis Grower’s Handbook” by Ed Rosenthal is another must-have book. Ed Rosenthal, co-founder of High Times Magazine, has been writing about cannabis for decades, and this book is his latest piece of work.
Used as a textbook in courses designed to teach people how to grow cannabis, The Cannabis Grower’s Handbook is in-depth and covers everything you need to know and more. It’s definitely a book you should check out.
Soil Health and Organic Growing Books
“Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web” by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
“Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web” by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis is a best seller when it comes to growing plants, never mind just cannabis. If growing organically is your thing, the “Teaming with” series is a whole set of books you need to get. There is Teaming with, Microbes, Nutrients, Fungi and Bacteria, a series of 4 books.
Each book on its own is an amazing resource that will give you a deeper insight to what is going on in your soil. But collectively they are a mountain of knowledge that can teach you about organic soil, and how to grow amazing plants in it.
“True Living Organics: The Ultimate Guide to Growing All-Natural Marijuana Indoors” by The Rev
“True Living Organics: The Ultimate Guide to Growing All-Natural Marijuana Indoors” by The Rev, provides a guide for growers aiming to produce top shelf, chemical-free cannabis indoors. What makes this book different from others is its focus on full organic growing. From selecting the right organic amendments to understanding nutrient cycling, the book provides a wealth of information for those looking for a more sustainable way to grow cannabis indoors.
It is very well written too, and The Rev makes complex organic growing principles understandable for growers of all levels. This guide is a must-read for anyone looking to grow cannabis indoors while also trying to grow sustainability and organically.
Treating Pests and Diseases Cannabis Books
Marijuana Pest and Disease Control: How to Protect Your Plants and Win Back Your Garden: Ed Rosenthal
Marijuana Pest and Disease Control: How to Protect Your Plants and Win Back Your Garden by Ed Rosenthal is a go-to manual for cannabis growers who are concerned about bugs and pest in their grow room. This book tells you about lots of different bugs that will try to eat your cannabis plants, and how you can get rid of them, and prevent them from coming back.
Ed Rosenthal has written lots of books about growing cannabis. This book focuses on the bugs and pest that can potentially become a big problem for your grow. If you are concerned about bugs in your grow room, this is a book you should read.
Hemp Diseases and Pests: Management and Biological Control: J.M McPartlan, R.Clarke and D.P Watson
“Hemp Diseases and Pests: Management and Biological Control” by J.M. McPartlan, R. Clarke, and D.P. Watson is a guide on how cannabis growers can solve common problems with cannabis plants.
Though this book is focussed on hemp, it is still good for growing cannabis plants. Hemp is just another form of cannabis you see. So growing hemp plants, and the cannabis plants we know, is very similar.
This book acts as a reliable source of information. It offers easy to follow instructions on the identification, prevention, and control of diseases and pests in a straightforward manner.
Books About Cannabis Genetics and Breeding
“The Cannabis Breeder’s Bible: The Definitive Guide to Marijuana Genetics, Cannabis Botany, and Creating Strains for the Seed Market” by Greg Green
“The Cannabis Breeder’s Bible: The Definitive Guide to Marijuana Genetics, Cannabis Botany, and Creating Strains for the Seed Market” by Greg Green is like a gold mine of information for those interested in the science of cannabis.
Whether you’re just starting to look into the world of cannabis genetics and breeding, or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, this book is your guide to getting the best out of your cannabis genetics. It will help you pheno hunt that perfect strain and turn it into seed.
“Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany” by Robert C. Clarke and Mark D. Merlin
Reading “Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany” by Robert C. Clarke and Mark D. Merlin is like taking a journey into the history and cultural uses of cannabis. This book breaks down the evolutionary story of the cannabis plant and explains how it has affected different cultures over time.
The authors, Clarke and Merlin, give a nice mix of science and cultural exploration, which makes the complex scientific parts easier to understand. Whether you’re interested in how cannabis plant’s genetic has evolved over time, or its impact on human societies, this book will be an interesting and informative read for you.
Cannabis Extraction and Concentrates Books
“Beyond Buds: Next Generation” by Ed Rosenthal
“Beyond Buds: Next Generation” by Ed Rosenthal proves there is more to cannabis than just growing it. Once you have had a few harvests, you may find yourself with surplus cannabis, and you want to find something to do with it. This is where this book comes in.
Beyond buds will teach you all about different types of cannabis extracts, and how they work. It will also explain how cannabis edibles and infusions work. So instead of just consuming cannabis the old fashioned way, you can try new things by making your own cannabis extracts and edibles.
Not so much a book that will teach you about growing cannabis, but it will definitely change the way you consume it.
“Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking” by D. Gold
“Cannabis Alchemy: The Art of Modern Hashmaking” by D. Gold is like a guide to the ancient art of transforming cannabis into hashish. This book explains process of making hash in a modern, up to date way.
It’s a great book for anyone who is curious about the methods behind creating world class cannabis concentrates. Gold’s writing style makes the complex world of hash making easy to understand. Providing hash enthusiasts with a practical understanding of the techniques involved in making it.
If you’re a fan of hashish, and you plan to make you own, or even improve your current methods, this is a book you should definitely check out.
Books About Medicinal Cannabis and Health Benefits
“Cannabis is Medicine” by Dr Bonni Goldstein
“Cannabis is Medicine” by Dr Bonni Goldstein is an amazing book written by an amazing person! Dr Goldstein has been a guest on our cannabis podcast High on Home Grown, numerous times. She is a pediatric doctor who has stood up for cannabis as a medicine for sick children.
She writes this book as a way to inform not only patients, but also their doctors, how cannabis can be used as a medicine, and why it is much safer than many medicines that are available today.
It is a very informative book for anyone who wants to know more about cannabis medicines. Dr Goldstein says the best thing to do is buy 2 copies. One for you, and one for your doctor. This is how we spread the word and reduce the stigma.
“CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis” by Leonard Leinow and Juliana Birnbaum
“CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis” by Leonard Leinow and Juliana Birnbaum is like a friendly guide for those curious about using CBD for medicine, but have no idea what it is and how it works.
Written in simple language, it helps readers understand how CBD can be used medicinally. With practical advice and easy explanations, the book is like a conversation with knowledgeable friends, guiding patients on how to use CBD to improve their quality of life.
It’s a must-read for anyone who is trying to make sense of the medical benefits of CBD without the confusion of medical terminology.
Learn About Cannabis History and Culture
The African Roots of Marijuana: Chris Duvall
The African Roots of Marijuana: Chris Duvall is another book from another guest we have had on High on Home Grown. We had a great conversation and he told us a lot about the history of cannabis and how it made its way around the world.
Chris has a huge amount of knowledge about cannabis history. If it is something you are interested in then this book would be a great read for you. Though this book isn’t related to growing cannabis, it will give you some insight on where the plant came from, and how it got to where it is today. A very informative read.
“Cannabis: A History” by Martin Booth
“Cannabis: A History” by Martin Booth is written in a simple and engaging style. It takes you through the fascinating history of cannabis. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the book looks into the impact cannabis has had on culture, medicine and society.
If you’re curious about how cannabis has shaped human history, this book is for you. The writing style of the author makes it much easier to process the information in the book too. It is not only informative, but also interesting, fun and easy to read.
What Cannabis Books Would You Recommend?
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of books about cannabis. This list is just a few of the many and I know for sure there are some amazing books that didn’t make it onto this list. To list every book on one post, would be like writing a book itself. So I need your help. What books are missing of this list? Have you read a cannabis book that you would like to recommend to everyone? Let us know!
Maybe with enough suggestions we can make a part two to this article. But for now this is it! Are you going to buy any of these books? Maybe you already own a few of them. Tell us about your book collection in our cannabis growing forum! Thanks for reading.
There are a lot of books to choose from. Great collection of books here. I wish I could collect them all. It’s a shame that I only have two from this list. Even though I have limited time to sit and chill with a good book, I have read the TLO book by the REV from cover to cover…
I have also read Subcool’s book from cover to cover. It is mostly about his quest for dank. I am surprised that Macky hasn’t added the books by Jack Herer…
I got the collectors edition even though I don’t collect anything…
…
There are a lot of books to choose from. Great collection of books here. I wish I could collect them all. It’s a shame that I only have two from this list. Maybe later. I am mostly interested in the ones about the history of cannabis especially from the Bible.
Nice @aadam6om6, I have read the book and have been hearing things I missed or didn’t retain when reading as I’m listening to the audio book.
Just started the audio version of Teaming with microbes today at work!!! I’m excited to learn!!
I bought the Cannabis is Medicine book after hearing her interview on the podcast and it’s brilliant!
So many other titles here that I need to get my hands on!
Great list of cannabis books. Will have to look up quite a few of these. Happy to discover that the one book I have is #1 on your list.
I love reading struggle with it but love a good book,IV got a few ready to order just havnt had the chance to buy any yet,want to start a collection think that would be fun
too much to read them all
Thank you for the informative post Macky
I’ve never read any cannabis related literature before but I plan to start with Cannabis Growers Handbook by Ed Rosenthal. I think having a book to reference will be invaluable during my first grow.
I’ll definitely be looking for this one.
There are some great suggested readings here. I would like to add the two books by Mr. GrowIt: Organic Cannabis Cultivation (released 2023) and 7 Steps To Grow Cannabis. Both are great resources, and for those not in N.A., there are digital versions on Amazon, I believe.
Teaming with microbes is definitely on the list! Also because of the living soil I’m growing in and my recent slug attacks…. The Pest and Disease Control also by ED is on the list of the must get books!
I really enjoyed the interview you did with Jorge. Man he had some stories.
I am awaiting a copy of “Teaming with Microbes” but my current go-to cannabis books are in no particular order:
Marijuana growers bible – Doreen Weed.
Coco for Cannabis – Dr. MJ Coco
Marijuana Botany – Robert Clarke
Cannabis Breeding – James Loud
There are tons more but these are some that I’ve found wisdom in.
So much great information here ….. I think i have 3 or 4 of them …. anyone who wants to start their journey needs to dip in and digest ….
Laz
“The Sinsemilla Technique" is the first one I read cover to cover a couple times in the 90s. Nothing but trial and error after that.
I don’t really have anything to add to this one. I recently bought Ed Rosenthal’s Marijuana Grower’s Handbook and it has been a great read. LOTS of good information. I also have the entire “Teaming with…" series by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis. Also great reads.
The Fight For Rights And Freedom Of Choice.
we the undersigned.
I help gather some of the info for this book. it’s about cannabis law in the UK and your rights.