There is one fact that remains a common thread in every interview we conduct at Cashinbis and that is – Educate yourself. This industry is new to many, but it has a long history, a rocky past, and a captivating story. To keep up with the pace that this industry is running at, you have to understand the foundation of what has taken it this far. Knowledge is power and power is what you need to make a true impact that will change history. These books have all been recommended to you by other successful cannabis entrepreneurs, so find a reading nook this weekend and indulge in the insight that great literature can offer us.

by Alyson Martin (2014)

“I’m going to be completely honest with you, this is the only book I read in 2014. It was written by two journalists and is really the first book that explores this new landscape; it talks about Allison Holcomb in Washington and it talks about the developments here on the ground in Colorado. They reported from every state with a medical cannabis law, had real in-depth interviews with not only business owners, but also patients, growers, and doctors. It’s an analysis of how all these recent milestones have not only made cannabis legal but have affected the whole war on drugs, both domestically and internationally! So, it’s definitely a must-read!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Jane West, Women Grow and Edible Events Co.

by Dr. Max Gerson (2002)

“I think it’s a book that anyone can read and really learn a great deal from. It’s about food and where it comes from nowadays and why it’s so important to grow food that is natural and organic, as well know what’s in the other products that you’re using daily, like deodorant. People need to know what’s in these types of products and why it’s so important to know what you’re putting on and in your body. Cannabis is mentioned in there as well and it talks about how it has helped many people with their particular ailments. People don’t have to suffer; There is natural relief out there for people. This book shows how people that are diagnosed with an illness can reverse their disease. It stresses how you need to get your body back to a state in which your immune system can actually fight the disease. I’m not going to say that chemo and radiation is a bad thing, but I’ve seen the harm that it’s capable of and I don’t believe it’s the right treatment for everyone and this book shows an alternative way.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Andrew Stevens, Grow and Nourish, LLC

by Emily Brady (2013)

“I ended up finishing Humboldt in one sitting and then immediately after that, I went out and found a ton of other books to read and videos to watch and really just did my research. I just remember clearly that it was that specific weekend when I had the realization, bought those books, and got started!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Dane Pieri, Marvina

by G G Nahas and A Greenwood (1972)

“…was a pivotal document for me to finally obtain and read. These were the findings of Richard Nixon’s blue ribbon panel on marijuana. It shows the fact that we knew that the propaganda and hysteria were unfounded when we started the drug war. I first read of this in 1993 and it really galvanized my opposition to this senseless prohibition.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: John Davis, Northwest Patient Resource Center

By: Erik Runkle (2004)

“Lighting Up Profits: Understanding Greenhouse Lighting by Erik Runkle is a fantastic resource for (new and seasoned) growers. Erik is one of our many mentors and has been generous enough to proof the technical information we post on our website. Although this book is written for the professional greenhouse grower, it is an excellent resource for residential growers as well as a ‘must read’ if you are serious about your craft.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Chris Pieser, Chameleon Grow Systems

by Martin A. Lee (2012)

“As far as recommendations for professionals in the cannabis industry, I’d recommend Smoke Signals, A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational and Scientific by Martin A. Lee as a good historical overview of the co-evolution of man and the miraculous cannabis plant.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: David Rheins, MJBA

by Jack Herer (2010)

“Oh, I have a book that is not something you should just put on your list but is REQUIRED reading for anyone who is interested in or consumes cannabis or Industrial Hemp goods and food. Go grab it off the bookshelf, it’s called The Emperor Wears No Clothes and is by the legendary founders of the industry, Jack Herer and Chris Conrad. It is the story of prohibition accompanied by copies of all the historical documents that Jack and Chris dug out of the National Archive. They are the ones who exposed everything that we currently know about cannabis and hemp to the public and really inspired the beginning of the movement that we now know today as the Green Rush!”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Joy Beckerman Maher, Hemp Ace International LLC

by Doug Fine (2012)

“My most recent inspiration stems from, Too High to Fail by Doug Fine. Cannabis’s $35.8 billion annual revenues already exceeds the combined value of corn ($23.3 billion) and wheat ($7.5 billion). The book is full of logical and moral discussion on the multiple uses of cannabis. It is a must read for anyone somewhat interested in the movement or cannabis industry.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Jeff Buesing, GreenRush Investors

Other Great Books for Entrepreneurs

by Clayton Christensen (2011)

“As someone who has focused the past 15 years on studying what separates good companies from bad ones, I have learned a great deal from Clayton Christensen, a Harvard professor known best for coining the term ‘disruptive innovation.’ I have read most of his books – starting with the first one, The Innovator’s Dilemma.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Alan Brochstein, 420 Investor

by Sun Tzu (2007)

“This may sound corny, but Ayn Rand’s ‘The Fountainhead’ has always been an inspirational read for me. Its nuances ripple as emerging ideas and technologies attempt their way into a static society. Business wise, I still refer to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War – A staple for every entrepreneur.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Michael Freelander, Indica LLC

by Rhona Byrne (2010)

“A book that has really stayed with me and is probably one that many other people have already read is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. It’s all about positive thinking and urges you to keep trying and keep going. I think the message is relevant to all areas of your life. You have to stay positive and do what you can to keep going and be the best person that you can be to others. I think it’s one of those things that you’ll get back in return when you come by other people in your life.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Andrew Stevens, Grow and Nourish, LLC

by Jim Collins (2011)

“In terms of business and management books, I highly recommend Good to Great by Jim Collins. In this book, Collins analyzes several well-known companies that have stood the test of time over multiple generations, as well as other well-established companies that went out of business despite having been successful for many years. Through his thoughtful analysis, he was able to demonstrate that the culture and management style of an organization and its key employees has a greater impact on the company’s long-term success than any other factor. In ‘Good to Great’, the author provides numerous examples of where companies have made strategic and often unintended blunders in the creation of their corporate culture. It also teaches readers how to avoid the same mistakes while managing their own business. Definitely a must-read for any entrepreneur.”

Read more from this entrepreneur: Ajay Narayan, MJ Legal