Recently I had the pleasure of reading a lovely little book called The Joy of Cannabis.
I have to admit, although a lifelong adult cannabis user who has written tens of thousands of words on the subject, holding this clever volume in my hands made me nearly as giddy as my nine-year-old self holding the book’s spiritual predecessor, The Joy of Sex.
Like with that 1972 classic, co-authors Melanie Abrams and Larry Smith seek to demystify an activity that is commonplace in the human experience—getting high. Via email, I connected with the authors to learn what motivated the project.
Giotis: I appreciate the how-to nature of the book, and the loose modeling on books like the classic, The Joy of Sex. Why a how-to?
Abrams, Smith: We wanted to write a book that would be a warm welcome for the canna-curious and still offer some new ideas and insight for canna-connoisseurs. So our book is a mix of “how-to,” sober science and playful activities that help readers unlock the mind and body and help increase productivity, connection, and, above all, joy.
We also address issues like equity and inclusion and the importance of supporting BIPOC-owned canna-businesses; these are issues that are top of mind for many and yet for others they may not have considered.
Giotis: The time seems right for this book. With the rise of CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabis derived molecules, many an auntie suddenly is in need of information on the plant. Who can benefit from this book?
Abrams, Smith: We felt this in a very personal way. As soon as we started working on the book, friends, friends of friends, and parents of friends began flooding us with questions: Can cannabis help with my anxiety? Pain? Sleep? Will it help reconnect me with my partner, my parent, my long lost friend? Do people really get more focused and productive with edibles? What’s the best way to use cannabis? How do I navigate a dispensary? Why do you call it “cannabis” and not “marijuana”? (Spoiler: “marijuana” was intentionally racist. ~G)
Giotis: What are some concerns with cannabis use?
Abrams, Smith: Studies reveal that the frontal lobe doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25. In a perfect world, no one would consume any type of drug or alcohol until 25. The reality is that many teens will consume one or both. It’s all of our responsibility to remind them to take it easy and use cannabis responsibly and in moderation. (Correct dosage is vital for any age…I have learned the hard way. ~G)
Giotis: How did you come to work together?
Abrams, Smith: We met three years ago at a party in the Bay Area and [over some weed] began a conversation that hasn’t stopped. Along the way, we realized we loved cannabis for the same reasons: This magical flower helps unlock creativity and connection, decreases inhibitions and helps you be gloriously in the moment.
