Recommended Books and Guides
Welcome to the OU Bookstore!The Budtender’s Guide

Kindle eBook
The Ultimate Guide for Budtenders and Cannabis Consumers
Written by the expert faculty at Oaksterdam University this book covers everything you need to know about cannabis products, use, and effects and pairs perfectly with Budtending and Retail Worker Certification.
With this guide, you’ll learn how to:
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Stay current with the latest cannabis trends
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Understand how cannabis works in the body
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Choose or recommend the right cultivars
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Connect with customers and make informed product suggestions

Cannabis Terminology Style Guide

Kindle eBook
Use the Right Terms. Lead with Confidence.
Clear, consistent terminology matters—not just for media and academics, but for anyone in cannabis leadership or building a career in the industry.
Until now, there’s been no standard style guide for cannabis.
The Oaksterdam University Cannabis Terminology Style Guide changes that.
It defines proper usage, grammar, and meaning so you can communicate with clarity and credibility.

- Featured -
David Paleschuck , Dale Sky Jones (Foreword)
Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis
"For legacy players that are looking to rebuild their current brand, the insights contained within this book can serves as a new map to help guide their way as they continue on in the cannabis landscape." - Brian Wasolich, Co-founder Leafly.com The United States cannabis industry is currently estimated to be a $55 billion market. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of it. Celebrities like Mike Tyson, Jim Belushi and 2 Chainz have established cannabis brands alongside legacy names like Tommy Chong and the Marley family. But what makes a cannabis brand successful? What techniques are companies using to brand and market their products? What market segments have been established? Is prohibition in non-legal states limiting or fueling the demand? Never before has a book been compiled on cannabis brands and the consumers they appeal to. In Branding Bud, David Paleschuck digs deep into this still-evolving industry to explore what small players and major conglomerates alike, are doing to bring their products to the forefront of consumer awareness. The results may surprise you. Branding Bud breaks stereotypes and sheds light on how an underground commodity is evolving into a range of national brands, each with their own unique identity. The book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, marketers, designers and anyone interested in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry.--David Paleschuck
David Paleschuck , Dale Sky Jones (Foreword)
Cannabis vs. Marijuana: Language, Landscape and Context
In an era when the cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, understanding the power of language has never been more critical. David Paleschuck, a cannabis brand consultant and bestselling author of “Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis,” has just released his second book, "Cannabis vs. Marijuana: Language, Landscape and Context," which delves deep into the implications of cannabis-related terminology.
Paleschuck intricately examines the influence of language on societal perceptions, exploring the historical and cultural complexities of cannabis terminology. With insightful chapters on culture, legislation, education, and global perspectives, this book reshapes the discourse on cannabis.
The book aims to reassure readers about the facts and dispel myths, leaving them feeling inspired to take part in the ongoing dialogue. It's an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, advocates, and consumers who wish to be knowledgeable and competent in their vocabulary and discussions about cannabis.
Jeff Lowenfels, Wayne Lewis, Elaine Ingham (Foreword)
Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web
Smart gardeners know that soil is anything but an inert substance. Healthy soil is teeming with life — not just earthworms and insects, but a staggering multitude of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. When we use chemical fertilizers, we injure the microbial life that sustains healthy plants, and thus become increasingly dependent on an arsenal of artificial substances, many of them toxic to humans as well as other forms of life. But there is an alternative to this vicious circle: to garden in a way that strengthens, rather than destroys, the soil food web — the complex world of soil-dwelling organisms whose interactions create a nurturing environment for plants. By eschewing jargon and overly technical language, the authors make the benefits of cultivating the soil food web available to a wide audience, from devotees of organic gardening techniques to weekend gardeners who simply want to grow healthy, vigorous plants without resorting to chemicals.
Dale H. Gieringer, PhD
The Origins of Cannabis Prohibition in California
The Origins of Cannabis Prohibition in California is the little-known story about how California became one of the first US states to ban cannabis at the turn of the 20th century and the first to relegalize its medical use and ignite an industry for all adult use at the turn of the 21st. California's 1913 cannabis ban was not caused by “Reefer Madness,” anti-Mexican prejudice, or any publicly perceived problem, but by a preemptive bureaucratic initiative. California’s pioneering Prohibition law was sponsored by the state Board of Pharmacy as part of a wider, aggressive anti-narcotics campaign originally aimed at opiates, despite no broader public concern about cannabis at the time. The law was originally proposed by board member Henry Finger, supposedly to prevent the spread of cannabis use by “Hindoo” immigrants. Prior to 1913, evidence for the use of “hashish” in California was exceedingly slim, and Mexican “marihuana” was not familiar to the public until after the law was passed. The board began staging raids against marihuana in the Mexican district of Los Angeles in 1914 as part of its campaign. Despite increasing penalties, use gradually spread during the 1920s and after.
James Loud
25 Years of Cannabis Breeding Expertise in One Book
This groundbreaking resource blends science, tradition, modern practices, and culture to help growers breed distinctive cultivars that align with market needs—and celebrate the full diversity of the plant.
Cannabis Breeding: The Art and Science of Crafting Distinctive Cultivars demystifies the breeding process, explains cannabis genetics, and fills a key knowledge gap.
Written for both hobbyists and professionals, this easy-to-follow guide covers:
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The history and evolution of cannabis genetics
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Core biology, DNA, and plant breeding concepts
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How to breed for specific traits
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Propagation methods in depth
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Step-by-step breeding instructions
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How to design spaces for home or scaled breeding
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Understanding cannabis cultivars as intellectual property
Everything you need to start or grow your own breeding operation—backed by decades of experience.
Luke Scarmazzo
High Price is a thrilling journey into chasing the American Dream during a brief window when it was open to anyone willing to take the risk: the Wild West days of California’s early medical marijuana markets. Luke Scarmazzo, a working-class kid from Modesto, California, started the first state-legal cannabis dispensary in the conservative Central Valley. From humble beginnings and hard work, it seemed Luke and his team of high school friends were on the verge of establishing generational wealth and getting in on the ground level of what would become a multi-billion dollar legal industry...
Ed Rosenthal
Cannabis Grower’s Handbook
By Ed Rosenthal
Ed Rosenthal has been teaching people how to grow for decades. In this updated guide, he shows you how to grow bigger, better, and more efficient harvests.
Cannabis growing has evolved—this book covers the latest tools and techniques to help you save time, reduce costs, and boost yields.
“If my other books helped you grow, Cannabis Grower’s Handbook will take you to new highs.”
— Ed Rosenthal
Marijuana Garden Saver
By Ed Rosenthal
Growers face pests, diseases, and nutrient issues that can ruin a harvest. This updated guide helps you spot problems fast and fix them the right way.
With clear photos and proven, plant-safe step-by-step solutions, you’ll protect your garden and restore plant health—indoors or out.
“Marijuana Garden Saver is your go-to guide for a clean, healthy harvest.”
— Ed Rosenthal
Ask Ed: Marijuana Success
By Ed Rosenthal
Based on real questions and grower experiences, this guide offers practical tips, techniques, and insights for growing year-round—indoors or out.
From backyard experiments to commercial operations, Ed shares proven advice to help you improve your results and reach your cultivation goals.
“Ask Ed is packed with real-world answers for growers at every level.”
— Ed Rosenthal
Marijuana Harvest
By Ed Rosenthal & David Downs
This guide covers every step of the harvest process—from knowing when to pick to drying, curing, and storage—so you get the best yield and quality possible.
With full-color photos and expert tips, you’ll avoid common mistakes, save time, and produce top-shelf buds indoors or out.
“Marijuana Harvest is your complete roadmap to a perfect finish.”
— Ed Rosenthal
Aunt Sandy’s Medical Marijuana Cookbook
By Sandy Moriarty
Learn to cook infused comfort food with Sandy Moriarty, Oaksterdam professor and edibles expert. This cookbook features 40 easy recipes using 10x Cannabutter.
From mac and cheese to lemon bars, Sandy updates classic dishes with gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie options—all with adjustable potency.
“Aunt Sandy makes edibles approachable, tasty, and effective.”
— Oaksterdam University
Beyond Buds, Next Generation
By Ed Rosenthal
Explore the latest in cannabis concentrates, infusions, and gear with this updated guide. Learn about dabs, vapes, oils, salves, edibles, and more.
Perfect for patients, adult users, and entrepreneurs, this book breaks down new tech, healing cannabinoids, and how to make top-quality products at home.
“Beyond Buds is your guide to the cutting edge of cannabis.”
— Ed Rosenthal
Other books you might be interested in
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