Heart of Dankness

Moneyball meets the documentary "The Union: The Business Behind Getting High" in this non-fiction book that explores the culture of cannabis, from its humble beginnings as a textile fiber in 2727 BC, to its illegalization during the Great Depression, to its increasing use as medicinal treatment -- all culminating in the annual event for marijuana aficionados everywhere: the Cannabis Cup.
 
After spending three years researching his novel Baked, Mark Haskell Smith turns his focus on the one event that intrigued him in the fascinating world of the cannabis culture: the Cannabis Cup competition. What makes a strain of marijuana award-winning? he wonders. Who would risk everything to grow the good stuff? Is this really a nearly $100 billion a year industry? Alternating between California, the hub of the legalization and decriminalization debate, and Amsterdam, where the world's preeminent cannabis festival takes place each year, Mark discovers a compelling world where science meets agriculture, and hedonism toes the line of criminality.
 
Combining wit, curiosity, and frankness, Heart of Dankness reveals the world of underground botany and outlaw farming, where "strain hunters" risk fines, imprisonment, and reputation to develop amazing weed -- and, ultimately, battle for the coveted Cannabis Cup, and millions of dollars.

“Smith is an amusing and easygoing narrator with a talent for describing the sensations good weed brings on. . . . Witty, civilized and intelligent narcotourism.” – Kirkus

“Heart of Dankness is as dank as its subject: a mind expanding look through the world of competitive, secretive, marijuana growing obsessives, and the quasi-legal world they inhabit. Be forewarned, this book will saddle you with a severe case of ‘couch lock,’ rooting you to the sofa until the very last page. Come prepared with snacks.” – David Sax, author of Save the Deli

“Wickedly entertaining. Mark Haskell Smith goes on a quest for the world's finest cannabis, and uncovers an obsessive global subculture of artisanal growers, seed botanists and connoisseurs — all of them chronically stoned and fiercely competitive, striving like winemakers to express the terroir of their product and achieve the ne plus ultra of ‘dankness.’ Warning: this book may produce an uncontrollable urge to get high.” – Richard Grant, author of God's Middle Finger and Crazy River

“A genially gonzo ride to the top of the cannabis world. Haskell Smith's prose crackles with unputdownable verve and his affection and enthusiasm for his subject are infectious. This book will change the way you look at the Cannabusiness.” – Heather Donahue, author of Growgirl