A Journal of Cannabis and Culture
BY LAURIE TROTT
Photo by @cottonbro
So you’ve baked banana bread, streamed every movie that even remotely interested you, and sweated out your excess energy. And now...what? Well, what about something that’s free if you have Amazon Prime. There’s a whole library of books you can read for $0. Of course, there are a lot of clunkers in the mix so we sorted through them all and narrowed it down to our seven favorites. From embracing crystals to revisiting a childhood classic to learning how to make the perfect, basic scrambled eggs, there’s something for everyone.
And of course, we have a few ideas for the perfect cannabis pairing too. After all, if you’re reading about cooking, why not cook with some cannabis-infused olive oil? Scroll on for our top picks.
Love the dystopian series with Elizabeth Moss but never cracked open Margaret Atwood’s novel? With the release date for Season 4 on Hulu up in the air, there’s no time like the present to give yourself the equivalent of Handmaid’s Tale 101 seminar.
Pair with: Kikoko Sympa-Tea
The best way to enjoy a book is curl up with a cup of tea so sip on a calm tumeric-ginger blend, infused with a low dose of THC.
Sure, Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the Bubonic Plague but what was England like before he came on the scene? If you’re hungry for some history, here’s a quick read of the rise of England after the fall of the Roman Empire, covering the 5th through the 15th century. Expect to learn about Joan of Arc, The Hundred Years’ War and The Black Death.
Pair with: Chemistry Lady Benbow 13:1 High CBD Cartridge
Go for a CBD vape that promises focus — this is a light history lesson, after all.
Want to be a better collaborator? The same tactics that apply to improv theatre can help with everyday communication skills that you need to get ahead in both work and play. The Second City comedy theater in Chicago, whose alumni include John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey, shares a toolkit of eight improv principles to apply in the real world. A great quick read for now because quarantine isn’t going to last forever.
Pair with: Dr. Norm’s Red Velvet White Choc Chip Cookies
A sweet, sativa-powered snack that gets your creativity flowing and maybe induce some giggles too. Because, what’s improv without a joke or ten?
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
Even if you’ve never read one of the books or seen the films, you probably have an idea of its basic premise. Start where it all began by reading (or re-reading!) the first of this beloved fantasy book where a young orphan extracts himself from his wretched guardians to run off to magic school, where tween sorcery hijinks ensue.
Pair with: Sundae School Eureka Bullets
It’s the first book in an extensive series that’ll have you hooked on its unfolding plot, so prepare yourself for the long haul with a pack of energizing pre-rolls.
Seems like crystals and cannabis share a few of the same properties — they can help fight stress, reduce anxiety and assist with sleep. With many five star ratings in the reviews, this seems like a simple way to toe the waters of woo-woo culture.
Pair with: Flow Kana Crystal Hope
Pack a bowl and practice fostering positive growth with a euphoria-inducing hybrid flower. The name is only a coincidence, we promise.
In case you missed it during high school English class: transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau’s memoir-slash-spiritual quest is a timely read with its back-to-the-basics philosophy and solo living. Be patient - it’s written in old prose and doesn’t read as easily as those Instagram captions you’re used to - but it’s filled with social observations and clever sarcasm, so it’s worth the effort.
Pair with: [statemade] ca zen flower
Roll a joint and experience enlightenment through Thoreau’s words and this fresh flower.
Former New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman shares his minimalist cooking style through his conversational writing tone for even the most inexperienced of home cooks. At nearly 1000 pages, it’s a tome, for sure, but you can pick and choose what you want to read from this one. When finished, you can start practicing with these easy, cannabis-infused recipes.
Pair with: Potli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Obviously.
