The Book of Cannabis: The History and Future of the Plant and the Drug

A revelatory journey through the tangled roots of cannabis--its ancient uses, political battles, and scientific renaissance--by acclaimed anthropologist Jeremy Narby

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. From its ancient medicinal and ritualistic roles to its vilification, Narby traces how cannabis became one of the most controversial plants in modern history.

With the global shift toward legalization, 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.

Author: Jeremy Narby
Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials
Published: 04/21/2026
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.10w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9781250436665


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 75

About the Author
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: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge (1998) and Intelligence in Nature: An Inquiry into Knowledge (2005), and co-editor with Francis Huxley of Shamans Through Time: 500 Years on the Path to Knowledge (2001). He has also co-authored a book with Rafael Chanchari Pizuri entitled Plant Teachers: Tobacco and Ayahuasca (2021).