Rob DeSalle Cannabis review and information book about the history and nature of the plant. Yale University Press will publish the new Rob DeSalle book on Cannabis, A Natural History, November 18, 2025. Here you can read information about the content of the book, the author and the publication.
Rob DeSalle Cannabis review
- “Rob DeSalle takes an object that is engaging and familiar and uses it to teach about biodiversity, philosophy, culture, and the evolution of life on earth. From trichomes to terpenes, he uses common experience to explain complex topics, making science not only accessible but also personally relevant. You will gain key insights into the biology of cannabis—how it survives, why it impacts human behavior, and how its natural history integrates with the larger story of plants and people.” (Chelsea D. Specht, Cornell University)
- “Rob DeSalle has compiled a wealth of information about cannabis, a plant that perpetually fascinates. Cannabis is a comprehensive and enthralling survey of its natural, cultural, medicinal, legal, and illegal histories.” (Monique McHenry, University of Vermont)
- “Cannabis is not only erudite but also a magnificent read. As a botanist, I certainly learned a lot! Truly interesting and enjoyable.” (Dennis Stevenson, New York Botanical Garden)
Cannabis
A Natural History
- Author: Rob DeSalle (United States)
- Book type: natural history book
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Released: November 17, 2025
- Length: 336 pages
- Format: hardcover / ebook
- Prize: $ 32.50
- Order book from: Amazon / Bol
Blurb of the book on cannabis by Rob DeSalle
The definitive story of cannabis, from its evolution and biological quirks to its role in human history.
In this entertaining natural history, Rob DeSalle provides a glimpse into the biological world through the lens of the marijuana plant. A close relative of hops with a surprising place in the botanical tree of life, cannabis has a unique life cycle, has evolved pathways for over four hundred compounds, and makes one thousand or so different chemicals that are stored in its tissues—some of which are the basis of its famed psychoactive properties.
With his scientist’s perspective on this well-known and controversial plant, DeSalle considers taxonomy, systematics, evolution, human physiology and neurobiology, and cultural issues. He discusses the plant’s complicated reproductive strategies; considers ancient arthropod-cannabis associations from South Asia; and offers a nuanced cultural history that extends from the first evidence of smoking cannabis more than two thousand years ago to the current debates over legalization. Engaging and extensively researched, with illustrations by Patricia J. Wynne, this is a vital resource for cannabis enthusiasts and anyone curious about the science behind this infamous “weed.”
Rob DeSalle is a curator at the American Museum of Natural History and a professor at the museum’s Richard Gilder Graduate School. He is author or coauthor of many books, including A Natural History of Beer and Welcome to the Microbiome. He lives in New York City.