Heart of Dankness: Underground Botanists, Outlaw

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.