November is fully stocked with reading-related observances. In addition to dedicated days (e.g., National Nonfiction Day, Nov. 6) and weeks (e.g., National Book Award Week, the third full week), the entire month celebrates novel writing, life writing, picture books and family literacy.
We’re here for it! Our own bookworm, Kat Hearons, shares the following list of cannabis-related books to add to your reading list or home library this month.
We’re not paid to recommend any of these. We just want to join in the fun of encouraging more reading in the world.
Enjoy!
“The Emperor Wears No Clothes: A History of Cannabis/Hemp/Marijuana” by Jack Herer
Originally published in the mid-1980s, this book is now in its 14th edition, serving as one of the most comprehensive cannabis almanacs in print. Author Jack Herer, the revered “father of the modern cannabis movement,” explores how and why cannabis prohibition began, and what it has meant to the United States. Among many other things, he shares insight into how you can help speed up legalizing cannabis (unconditionally), and how you can profit from its legalization. Due to his passion for educating people, Herer published the text from his book for you to read free of charge here. If you’d like all the fun imagery to go with it, you can purchase the Kindle edition or paperback on Amazon.
In the same field, Head Magazine writer Greg Kemenliev examines what has changed and what has remained the same in the regulatory history of mind-altering substances in “Paths to Legalization Part II: How Did We Get Here? A History of Cannabis and Psychedelic Laws and Regulations.” / Image Credit: Hygienic Productions, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
“Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine” by Dr. Riley Kirk
This book stands out for its super-user-friendly in-depth look at the endocannabinoid system, which the author details in plain English and colorful imagery. Building on that, Dr. Kirk guides you through customizing the dosage of whichever cannabis-derived product and consumption method are best for your particular needs. He also shares tips on minimizing cottonmouth and other effects commonly experienced when consuming cannabis. This book is available on Amazon and Apple Books, and at Barnes & Noble and Walmart.
“Ten Ways You Didn’t Know Cannabis Could Boost Your Wellness” by Head Magazine writer Tess DiNapoli can add to what you learn from Dr. Kirk’s book. Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
“Freshly Gardened: Cute & Trippy Stoner Coloring Book” by Millie Mac
We would be remiss not to include a picture book in our list of books during National Picture Book Month! This book comes with 52 designs that feature, in the author’s words, “adorable bongs, dreamy ganja leaves and cosmic creatures.” The book is available on Etsy and Amazon.
If you’re into coloring, you might be amused by Kat’s semi-scientific article “Best Cannabis Strain for Your Eye Color? Read On…” too.
“Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis” by Dan Michaels
If you’re more of a visual person, you’ll love this book’s ratio of photos-to-text. Along with rare portraits of the 100 most popular strains of cannabis, this book details the lineage, taste, THC content and common effects of each strain. In addition, it shares entertaining stories about cannabis-related misfits, visionaries and hijinks throughout history. It’s available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble and Walmart.
Pair “Higher” with an article or two by our own Dr. Strainlove, whose Head Magazine portfolio of in-depth strain reviews is available here
“The Essential Cannabis Book: A Field Guide for the Curious” by Rob Mejia
This book resulted from the author’s determination to learn why doctors hadn’t recommended cannabis as a source of pain relief for his sister while she was dying of cancer. While doing research, he was approached by many equally curious friends, family members and colleagues who wanted to know more about cannabis as they dealt with stress, aching joints and caring for an elderly parent. This book answers those and other questions. Learn more about it here.
Similar to Mejia’s book, in “End of Life: Morphine vs CBD,” Kat imagines how differently her deceased mother might have experienced her final weeks if she had managed the pain from her cancer with medical marijuana instead of standard-issue narcotics.
“Medical Marijuana: Dr. Kogan’s Evidence-Based Guide to the Health Benefits of Cannabis and CBD” by Mikhail Kogan, M.D., and Joan Liebmann-Smith, Ph.D.
At 300 pages, this book is for hardcore lifelong learners, admittedly. But if you’re passionate about medical marijuana, you’ll blaze through it! Dr. Kogan uses real-life patients’ stories to explain the different strains, doses and consumption methods that are most effective for specific illnesses. Also, he helps readers understand the risks and benefits of THC, CBD and cannabis-derived products; evaluate the pros and cons of using edibles, topicals and suppositories; find a doctor who can recommend medical cannabis; choose a reliable dispensary; and evaluate labels on cannabis-derived products. Learn more here.
November is also when we honor the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces, so it’s the perfect time to read Tess’ article “Veterans’ Opinions on Medical Marijuana.” / Photo via Unsplash
Happy reading!
It can be really hard to ignore your phone for as long as it takes to read a book – we get that. Just think of all the new things you’ll have to text, post and vlog about after you’ve read one of these though. It’s worth the sacrifice!
The information in this article and any included images are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations or your health, you should always consult an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
Kathleen Hearons is a writer, editor, linguist and voice over actor from Los Angeles. She specializes in creative writing and research-intensive analysis and reporting.
Sources Cited:
“Author: Dr. Strainlove.” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/author/dr-strainlove/.
“Calendar of Book Related Holidays.” Build Your Library. April 2, 2019. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://buildyourlibrary.com/calendar-book-related-holidays/.
DiNapoli, Tess. “Ten Ways You Didn’t Know Cannabis Could Boost Your Wellness.” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/best-cannabis-strain-for-your-eye-color-read-on/.
DiNapoli, Tess. “Veterans’ Opinions on Medical Marijuana.” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/veterans-opinions-on-medical-marijuana/.
“Dr. Kogan’s Medical Marijuana Book.” Center for Integrative Medicine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://gwcim.com/dr-kogans-medical-marijuana-book/.
“Freshly Gardened: Cute & Trippy Stoner Coloring Book.” Amazon. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Freshly-Gardened-Weed-Loving-Psychedelic-Relaxation/dp/B0DSC3NWCY/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CHTTqZYEF3bK6I_y-YQRcyVzr4QeacWCJz0uVf2aK2yeghQ6MEmjryM8fq8uI_ciK8s3sgQFVMAbIQxJYtdqG5_B8F4gSx97qS2hVJuX-PAR1NNIkOyU9jZNd2AdXpP7fyZkMZ5cq2kPhZctBp0y0-6rPBKmPtuUMmkzayhg08NH__hcH-FqSMLxGB7IZuUW48-Z9qJgoWtE90R_s2-pZ5RLp60DO-RRjXzDJHjNgBY.JOOrDIqaea4vphtdTvmmLEywcU2yWMRMkxc-h_PA_uI&dib_tag=se&qid=1762655890&refinements=p_28%3ACannabis&s=books&sr=1-6.
“Freshly Gardened: Cute & Trippy Stoner Coloring Book.” Etsy. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1858712191/stoner-coloring-book-freshly-gardened.
Hearons, Kathleen. “Best Cannabis Strain for Your Eye Color? Read On…” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/best-cannabis-strain-for-your-eye-color-read-on/.
Hearons, Kathleen. “End of Life: Morphine vs CBD.” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/morphine-vs-cbd/.
“Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis.” Amazon. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Lore-Legends-Legacy-Cannabis/dp/1984861239/ref=sr_1_8?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CHTTqZYEF3bK6I_y-YQRcyVzr4QeacWCJz0uVf2aK2yeghQ6MEmjryM8fq8uI_ciK8s3sgQFVMAbIQxJYtdqG5_B8F4gSx97qS2hVJuX-PAR1NNIkOyU9jZNd2AdXpP7fyZkMZ5cq2kPhZctBp0y0-6rPBKmPtuUMmkzayhg08NH__hcH-FqSMLxGB7IZuUW48-Z9qJgoWtE90R_s2-pZ5RLp60DO-RRjXzDJHjNgBY.JOOrDIqaea4vphtdTvmmLEywcU2yWMRMkxc-h_PA_uI&dib_tag=se&qid=1762655890&refinements=p_28%3ACannabis&s=books&sr=1-8.
“Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis.” Barnes & Noble. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/higher-dan-michaels/1141727030.
“Higher: The Lore, Legends, and Legacy of Cannabis.” Walmart. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Higher-The-Lore-Legends-and-Legacy-of-Cannabis-Hardcover-1984861239-9781984861238-Dan-Michaels-9781984861238/1775078554.
Kemenliev, Greg. “Paths to Legalization Part II: How Did We Get Here? A History of Cannabis and Psychedelic Laws and Regulations.” Head Magazine. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://headmagazine.com/paths-to-legalization-part-ii-how-did-we-get-here/.
“Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine.” Amazon. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156/ref=sr_1_11?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CHTTqZYEF3bK6I_y-YQRcyVzr4QeacWCJz0uVf2aK2yeghQ6MEmjryM8fq8uI_ciK8s3sgQFVMAbIQxJYtdqG5_B8F4gSx97qS2hVJuX-PAR1NNIkOyU9jZNd2AdXpP7fyZkMZ5cq2kPhZctBp0y0-6rPBKmPtuUMmkzayhg08NH__hcH-FqSMLxGB7IZuUW48-Z9qJgoWtE90R_s2-pZ5RLp60DO-RRjXzDJHjNgBY.JOOrDIqaea4vphtdTvmmLEywcU2yWMRMkxc-h_PA_uI&dib_tag=se&qid=1762655890&refinements=p_28%3ACannabis&s=books&sr=1-11.
“Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine.” Apple Books. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/reefer-wellness-understanding-cannabis-science-culture/id1802304278.
“Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine.” Barnes & Noble. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reefer-wellness-riley-kirk/1146281032?ean=9780593847152.
“Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine.” Walmart. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Science-Culture-and-Medicine-Hardcover-9780593847152/11680251153.
“The Emperor Wears No Clothes: A History of Cannabis/Hemp/Marijuana.” Amazon. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.amazon.com/Emperor-Wears-No-Clothes-Marijuana/dp/B086ML1D8T/ref=sr_1_24?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ikAJ7EGRtnDDkrPuoALiZvqQtXfURz11Lyl1s9EKgLo6vWJwOOV-BNeu1AN1H7w3vHfNubPc_vjMcY5stkGvwrZWf1DlDmfMSpgA_mduU-YBNz49JGEMWWLwfImemXQrNX2iZkiJ9gyTLqCzgqwcB2KrDO5lIhNGi5b0lvc2O7gk3_rM4tgIZSLFeZCNpguLuM1PQxdctkfbxs6VyDvoiUxx4RaAZpxgUXUQHVBAMGw.qGYFnwS2lCRx2sXe_ZwjCnST9HbJBZOr4OBrEeA9BQQ&dib_tag=se&qid=1762658807&refinements=p_28%3ACannabis&s=books&sr=1-24&xpid=9AreoG2D0wbR1.
“The Essential Cannabis Book.” Cedar Lane Press. Accessed Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.cedarlanepress.com/allproducts/the-essential-cannabis-book.
