In The Book of Cannabis, Jeremy Narby - renowned author of The Cosmic Serpent - delivers a sweeping, clear-eyed exploration of cannabis as both plant and cultural phenomenon. He traces its path from ancient medicinal and ritualistic roles to its place at the centre of debates over wellness, law, and culture in the present day, revealing how cannabis became one of the most controversial plants in history. With the global shift toward legalisation, Narby dives into the latest science on cannabis’s therapeutic potential and risks, especially in the era of high-potency strains and edibles. He unpacks the plant’s transformation through selective breeding and examines its evolving impact on health, society, and the environment. The book also explores the implications of cannabis's changing legal status and its intersection with issues of social justice and public policy. Accessible, nuanced, and deeply informed, this is essential reading for cannabis users, industry professionals, educators, and policymakers alike. Narby’s anthropological lens offers a unique perspective on the plant's journey, making The Book of Cannabis a vital guide to understanding cannabis in all its complexity.

JEREMY NARBY, Ph.D., studied history at the University of Kent and earned a doctorate in anthropology from Stanford University. Since 1990, he has coordinated projects supporting Amazonian communities through the Swiss NGO Nouvelle Planète, focusing on land rights, bilingual education, and sustainable forestry. He is the author of The Cosmic Serpent and Intelligence in Nature, and co-editor of Shamans Through Time. His most recent co-authored work is Plant Teachers.