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Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine
Are you canna-curious? Put aside the stigma and discover the powerful potential of weed.
For centuries, the marijuana plant has been revered for its healing properties, but it’s also been criminalized, abused, and misunderstood. Although cannabis is now legal in much of the United States, many people are still confused about how to access it and unsure about how to use it safely and effectively. Enter Reefer Wellness, an all-encompassing guide to cannabis from scientist and researcher, Dr. Riley Kirk.
With colorful illustrations and everyday language, Reefer Wellness challenges the stereotypes about pot use and breaks down the complexities of cannabis for anyone who’s ever wondered if weed could help them relax or relieve chronic ailments. Whether you’re an everyday user or just starting out on your healing journey with cannabis, you’ll find answers to your questions and science-backed evidence to support your use. In it, you’ll
An introduction to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the powerful regulatory system in the human body that controls everything from hunger signals to painA clear, visual explanation of how the molecular components of cannabis interact with the ECS, making it a uniquely powerful tool for healingGuidance on how to consume cannabis, including the pros and cons of different delivery systems and how to customize your dosageAn overview of ailments that can be addressed with cannabis, such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, and insomniaTips for minimizing the side effects of marijuana use, like munchies, bloodshot eyes, and cottonmouth
Let Reefer Wellness jumpstart your deep and meaningful journey into the wonderful and nuanced world of modern cannabis and get ready to unlock its incredible healing potential.
For centuries, the marijuana plant has been revered for its healing properties, but it’s also been criminalized, abused, and misunderstood. Although cannabis is now legal in much of the United States, many people are still confused about how to access it and unsure about how to use it safely and effectively. Enter Reefer Wellness, an all-encompassing guide to cannabis from scientist and researcher, Dr. Riley Kirk.
With colorful illustrations and everyday language, Reefer Wellness challenges the stereotypes about pot use and breaks down the complexities of cannabis for anyone who’s ever wondered if weed could help them relax or relieve chronic ailments. Whether you’re an everyday user or just starting out on your healing journey with cannabis, you’ll find answers to your questions and science-backed evidence to support your use. In it, you’ll
An introduction to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the powerful regulatory system in the human body that controls everything from hunger signals to painA clear, visual explanation of how the molecular components of cannabis interact with the ECS, making it a uniquely powerful tool for healingGuidance on how to consume cannabis, including the pros and cons of different delivery systems and how to customize your dosageAn overview of ailments that can be addressed with cannabis, such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, and insomniaTips for minimizing the side effects of marijuana use, like munchies, bloodshot eyes, and cottonmouth
Let Reefer Wellness jumpstart your deep and meaningful journey into the wonderful and nuanced world of modern cannabis and get ready to unlock its incredible healing potential.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published June 10, 2025
23 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2025
Loved it! So approachable for anyone, this. There’s quite a few spelling and grammar issues that, for some reason, really irk me.. but otherwise, it’s great. There are some photos inside that are amaze-balls!
February 7, 2026
So interesting. Written in a text book way, but lots of pictures and fun facts to help keep your brain interested. Really enjoyed this read!
July 1, 2025
Wow this a beautiful book. Dr Kirk I would love to contact you to discuss. Highly recommend
December 16, 2025
great introductory material/ review
February 7, 2026
📘 Summary:
Reefer Wellness by Dr. Riley Kirk is an accessible, science-based guide to understanding cannabis, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and how cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the body. Dr. Kirk breaks down the biology in clear, everyday language, explains different methods of consumption and dosing, and explores how cannabis may help with issues like pain, sleep, and other chronic conditions. The book also addresses stigma, safety, side effects, and practical use, making it a helpful starting point for both curious beginners and experienced users who want a deeper, evidence-based understanding of cannabis and wellness.
⸻
✨ My Review:
I’ve been following Dr. Riley Kirk on social media and YouTube for a while, so I was really excited to finally read Reefer Wellness. As someone who’s interested in the benefits of CBD and the cannabis/hemp plant as a whole, I found this book genuinely fascinating. The potential medical applications of this plant… and what it could mean for healthcare really intrigue me!
One of my favorite things about this book is how approachable it is. Dr. Kirk dives deep into the science, especially around the endocannabinoid system, but she explains everything in a way that feels clear and accessible instead of overwhelming. The structure is easy to follow, and she reinforces key ideas throughout the book in a way that actually helps them stick.
If you have the chance to read this while listening to the audiobook, I highly recommend it. Dr. Kirk narrates it herself, and I think that makes the experience even better—she does an excellent job bringing the material to life.
This plant truly has so much potential, and I hope that as legalization expands and more research is done, we’ll continue to learn more about how cannabis can be used to support and heal the body.
There are some grammatical errors, but truly the substance of this book is there and I am very thankful that this knowledge and research is done!
Reefer Wellness by Dr. Riley Kirk is an accessible, science-based guide to understanding cannabis, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and how cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the body. Dr. Kirk breaks down the biology in clear, everyday language, explains different methods of consumption and dosing, and explores how cannabis may help with issues like pain, sleep, and other chronic conditions. The book also addresses stigma, safety, side effects, and practical use, making it a helpful starting point for both curious beginners and experienced users who want a deeper, evidence-based understanding of cannabis and wellness.
⸻
✨ My Review:
I’ve been following Dr. Riley Kirk on social media and YouTube for a while, so I was really excited to finally read Reefer Wellness. As someone who’s interested in the benefits of CBD and the cannabis/hemp plant as a whole, I found this book genuinely fascinating. The potential medical applications of this plant… and what it could mean for healthcare really intrigue me!
One of my favorite things about this book is how approachable it is. Dr. Kirk dives deep into the science, especially around the endocannabinoid system, but she explains everything in a way that feels clear and accessible instead of overwhelming. The structure is easy to follow, and she reinforces key ideas throughout the book in a way that actually helps them stick.
If you have the chance to read this while listening to the audiobook, I highly recommend it. Dr. Kirk narrates it herself, and I think that makes the experience even better—she does an excellent job bringing the material to life.
This plant truly has so much potential, and I hope that as legalization expands and more research is done, we’ll continue to learn more about how cannabis can be used to support and heal the body.
There are some grammatical errors, but truly the substance of this book is there and I am very thankful that this knowledge and research is done!
December 23, 2025
Great book for information, breaking down how cannabis works in the body. This author is amazing and even has a podcast (BIOACTIVE) that is worth looking into if you have the curiosity and understanding of the plant. I find her podcast easier to follow, but her book has excellent image reference and breakdowns that are a must. Her work as a research scientist really shows how she wants to help educate the world on this wonderful plant. Her TikTok page (@cannabichem) has shorter bursts of info. I recommend following as well
June 20, 2025
Incredibly comprehensive, practical, easy/fun to read, and with beautiful illustrations!! I only wish it had more descriptive figures to follow along better e.g., showing mechanisms of action for each cannabanoid or terpene and their downstream psychological/physical effects. Regardless, I will be recommending this to friends and keeping it as a wonderful reference!
July 2, 2025
great information
I learned so much from this book. Very interesting and informative read, easy to understand as well. This book changed my understanding of this drug in a positive way. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of a very misunderstood drug.
I learned so much from this book. Very interesting and informative read, easy to understand as well. This book changed my understanding of this drug in a positive way. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of a very misunderstood drug.
September 1, 2025
This book is a great guide for anyone that is new to cannabis. It is also a great addition to the knowledge base of an experienced cannabis user. I would say I am not a novice but by no means an expert and I found the material fantastic. Personally this book has given me some ideas on different types of consuming and what may be better for me to try.
June 29, 2025
Dr Riley Kirk is one of the best science communicators of our era. Her educated and enthusiastic perspective is exactly what stoners need right now. The plant is there to heal the world and dismantle barriers between individuals and communities. This book is part of the solution.
August 20, 2025
A fantastic resource about all things cannabis from a scientific lens. I really appreciated the breakdown of WHY certain compounds have the effect they do as it reduced a lot of the "trust me bro" type info you find online and at dispos.
June 14, 2025
A clear, engaging, and stigma-free guide to the science and healing potential of cannabis, perfect for both curious newcomers and seasoned users alike.
July 11, 2025
Great book! Welcoming and approachable, Dr. Kirk explains complex topics clearly so that they are easily understood. I am much more well informed after finishing her book.
WELL DONE!
Thank you!
WELL DONE!
Thank you!
November 1, 2025
Useful, clear, and fact-based information from a research scientist and educator, no cap!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews