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How Do You Smoke a Weed?

Join Sprout, a lovable marijuana newbie, in a journey of discovery through this practical cartoon guide for novice weed smokers curious about an increasingly-legal high.

"After all this time, I can finally smoke a weed! But . . . where do I even begin?"

Sprout, a wee babe of a Weeping Giant Sequoia, is psyched to smoke marijuana for the first time. But she stumbles on her first obstacle right away: she has no idea what she's doing! A trio of helpful (and more mature) sequoias give her a dried cannabis flower and send her on a delightful journey of discovery. The forest is alive with wizened old animals who know the laws and customs, the history and science, and all the ins and outs of America's increasingly legal pastime. HOW DO YOU SMOKE A WEED? is both a fun storybook quest and a practical how-to for the novice weed smoker!

With marijuana decriminalized or legalized in 26 states and Washington, DC, dispensaries popping up everywhere, and experienced users openly rejoicing, it can be hard for the marijuana newbie, cowed by years of Just-Say-No disinformation, to find your way. Written by experienced, conscientious users and presented in an easy-to-read comic book format, HOW DO YOU SMOKE A WEED? fills that gap. Perfect for the cannabis-curious, and with new insights for the veteran smoker.

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2018

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Owlin

3 books

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Niki.
1,066 reviews173 followers
May 22, 2019
A pretty cool, educational read. How could I resist a book with that title, let alone a graphic novel? It's fun, it's informative, it covers the basics, and it promotes responsible smoking. I was neither impressed nor unimpressed with it (it was exactly what I expected, with all that that statement entails), and it gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to a 4.

I should also mention that I was having some trouble downloading the book from NetGalley, and their customer support representative, Alicia, was absolutely wonderful.

**Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this graphic novel. All opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Danyelle.
392 reviews57 followers
September 8, 2019
I received this from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

A pretty cool, educational read. It's fun and it's informative, it covers the basics of smoking. How to smoke, what it is, varieties, how to clean a pipe and more... It does provide good useful info. If I knew of anyone who was thinking of tring it I would give the this to read.
7,172 reviews85 followers
April 20, 2019
3,5/5. That was weird... Original and kind of good, but weird. This book is some kind of educational comic book about weed. How to smoke, what it is, varieties, how to clean a pipe and more... It does provide good useful info (even if very basic stuff), but I'm not so sure at the targeted readers here...
Profile Image for Morris.
964 reviews176 followers
August 30, 2019
With marijuana now becoming legal in more states, a lot of people are finding themselves smoking it for the first time. This well-illustrated graphic novel is actually a great resource for them. Everything is explained in an engaging story. There are lots of facts, as well. Recommended!

This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Václav.
1,169 reviews43 followers
May 27, 2019
At first, I thought this will be some stoner's eulogy. But I was wrong. It is actually a very nice guide to smoking weed. There is some important information about marijuana, some advice on how and when using it and that all through the story of young tree sprout keen to try weed for the first time. The story is simple and it works better as infographics to give quite vast information about marijuana is not the dogmatic non-pushy way. Yes, it is "pro-weed" publication, so there is a very light hand of incorporating downsizes and skipping health issues at all (and there are few blind spots, eg consumables...) so it is not particularly pedagogical, but it could be used this way for well-informed teenagers. Otherwise, this is a publication for people who want to start using weed and start it the right way. Or beginner users. It could be a fun read to weed enthusiasts too. This is very nice publication, but mediocre comics (there is not much story and art is like from kids comics).
Thanks, Iron Circus Comics and NetGalley for providing this comic to me. #IronCircusComics #NetGalley
Profile Image for Jill.
1,415 reviews26 followers
May 8, 2019
This was a really cool book. It is very different from other non-fiction graphic novels that I have read in the past but I think that was one of the things that I liked about it. This book is all about weed. Yes, the smokeable plant that can get you high. I found it to be very informative and I actually ended up learning quite a bit of stuff about weed. They explain the difference between the types of weeds that can be grown and how they can affect the body. The book was very non-judgemental and was really great about saying that there was no wrong way to smoke or not smoke. I showed all the different ways that you can use weed such as tinctures for pain or smoking just for fun. I really appreciated the huge amount of information that this book had in it. From the different strains, to what THC and CBD are, to how to keep your tools clean, and how to be safe when smoking. I think that this is a great book to add to any non-fiction collection for people who are curious about what weed is and how to enjoy it (if they want to).
Profile Image for Frances.
513 reviews31 followers
October 22, 2019
Yes, I am absolutely the kind of pedant who would read something like this. >.>

It was cute! Clearly written, informative about what it said it was going to talk about. Extremely niche, but then that's what it says on the tin.
Profile Image for Emily W..
445 reviews295 followers
July 19, 2019
I actually really enjoyed the artwork first and foremost. It was very eye-catching and kept me interested through the whole book. Sprout, our main character, is a complete newbie to smoking, and she goes on a journey to learn the basics. The whole point of the story is to educate the reader about cannabis, and it definitely served that purpose. Although if you already know just about anything about weed, this book may not be too much help. Like I said, it’s about the basics. I did learn some things, and I think it’s great for beginners. I would love to have another graphic novel that goes into more detail!
On another note, Sprout was such a cute little character! I loved going on the journey with her and I loved the cool characters she came in contact with. While it was educational, it also had its own cute little story line that really added to the whole thing and made it more fun and interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who’s curious about this topic.
Profile Image for Elyse.
3,282 reviews154 followers
May 4, 2019
NetGalley ARC.

This was a surprisingly educational and surprisingly adorable comic book about how to grow weed, smoke weed, what's in weed, and how to care for your weed supplies. This is intended for the weed newbie, such as myself. I've never smoked pot and never will until it's legal in my own state. New Hampshire is completely surrounded by legalized recreational marijuana states and even all of Canada! But here it's just been decriminalized.
Profile Image for Nick L..
48 reviews
February 23, 2020
Informative and creative artwork though a little too heavy handed on the stoner culture stuff.
Profile Image for Paul Decker.
888 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2019
*I received this book as an eARC from Iron Circus Comics via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I'm a big fan of edutainment graphic novels. I've recently read quite a few on sex and gender, and now this book which gives an entertaining introduction to marijuana. Weed is becoming legal across the United States and many adults are trying it for the first time, whether it is to just get high or to help their anxiety, joint pain, or just to help them sleep. This graphic novel gives a brief run-down on marijuana.

First off, the book makes it very clear that this is for responsible, consenting adults and that you should follow the laws in whatever state you live in. The purpose of this graphic novel is to combat decades of misinformation and criminalization.

There's a good mixture of science-y facts and step-by-step instructions. Joints and bongs are covered. Even how to properly clean out a bong. There's a great section on healthy munchies ideas. The science behind sativa, indica, & CBD is explained. All of these things are great introductions that can give you the vocabulary to be able to research yourself or be knowledgeable enough to talk to the cashiers at a local store about what may work best for you.

I give this book a 4/5. It's full of great, responsible information. But I wanted more details. It's always difficult for edutainment material to balance the goofs and the facts. I wanted just a little less funny. This is a great beginner's guide, especially for someone who is not familiar with weed.
Profile Image for Nursebookie.
2,970 reviews447 followers
June 30, 2019
Excellent Information is provided by this Graphic Novel. I am a healthcare professional and it is important for me to know the information about weed, for me to have an intelligent discussion with potential patients. I felt this book gave me that thorough information that I need to feel a lot more educated on this topic. Some information about cannabis can only be gleaned in this book that may not be shared openly by others - answers to some questions that may feel dumb will be answered in this book. Additionally, there were information here on learning the different types of strains, how it grows, the effects of the different types, the types of delivery method and other important information that is presented through a series of unique characters that play a part in helping the reader understand more about this topic. This is a very short read in a graphic novel format that many will find valuable. I can see how people will need this to learn from before starting to experiment or use this for either recreational or medicinal purpose.
The topic and audience is definitely adult but presented in a very easy to understand dialogue which answers many questions. This should be required education for our young adults to know and understand before trying this since accessibility to this is more of a probability in social gatherings. In our current society.

Thank you to the authors, publishers and NETgalley for allowing me a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinions.
Profile Image for ChaosStrolling.
192 reviews
August 21, 2021
This was a fantastic quick read! Took me about 30 minutes I believe and I genuinely loved every minute.
This is an incredibly educational book to teach what weed is, what being high is, how to smoke, and other things relating to cannabis, such as CBD, growing weed, and how to deal with getting too high.
This book perfectly balances the fun, comic, dialogue look with a few full pages of educational focus on indica, sativa, and CBD.
This books seems to have been made for all ages. It’s written in a simple language while explaining its occasional jargon, but surprisingly never says an age at which someone could/should start smoking. I think this is because it also talks about CBD, something usually not meant for recreational use and often used at all ages. So while I know showing this book to young kids may not be your preference, it’s not a book that pressures them to smoke. It extremely educational, warning them of the a few dangers and showing different preferences.
I will say that this is very much a starter guide. There are undoubtedly larger, more textbook-like books that can possibly give you more information, but I really appreciate how much information this little book was able to pack in.

And this goes all without mentioning the stoner lesbian couple. They stole my heart and I love them.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,249 reviews70 followers
June 22, 2019
How Do You Smoke A Weed? is a delightful comic book read for a number of reasons, and one that I would definitely recommend.

The art style is very cute and fun, with a colour scheme that is really easy on the eyes. I read this while sober, but I imagine the art also makes for pleasant viewing while baked. The story itself is cute and fun, following a newbie along with some helpful friends as they explore weed. I read this for the facts, but the story made me smile.

The facts are straightforward, and the advice is practical. Ranging from basic information about types of weed and methods of consumption to practical advice about keeping healthy snacks handy and what to do if you get too high, the information covered here is exactly what I hoped for. Anyone who is even a little new to smoking weed should find information here that helps them or leaves them feeling generally more informed. I think it's also helpful stuff for anyone who isn't interested in using weed but has many friends who do.

Honestly, this book offered me exactly what I hoped for based on the title and cover. It was a fun read with lots of info, and if that's what you're looking for, you've found the right book.
Profile Image for Holly.
218 reviews76 followers
May 11, 2019
How Do You Smoke a Weed is an amusing and quick introduction to marijuana. I only wish it was available years ago when I was in college!

We accompany Sprout as he learns all about how to smoke a weed (or, how to smoke weed!). The comic conveys a lot of useful information in a fun way, including the chemicals in weed, the different kinds of weed, how to roll a joint, and even what to do if you get too high (very practical information, indeed!). And if all that isn’t enough, there is a helpful glossary at the end to help get you up to speed with the lingo.

How Do You Smoke a Weed is a fun way to learn about marijuana, whether medical or recreational, and also a good way to get reacquainted and learn more about recent information and new developments in the world of weed.

Thank you to Letter Better Publishing Services - Iron Circus Comics and a NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Tia Schmidt.
541 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2019
Really cute illustrations and extremely informational. Not a full five stars since I just can't justify it going up there with my all time favorites. I found nothing particularly wrong with it, it just wasn't a favorite for me. It didn't surprise me in a good or bad way. It just was. The style is extremely beautiful and it made me look up the creators' other works. I'm very impressed. I also really liked the flow of the story. The information would be GREAT for someone just getting into smoking weed. I smoke regularly and I still learned a handful of things! Always better to be informed! The characters were amazing (Hello, LGBT+ rep!) and I loved the color scheme. All in all, it was a very good read, but it just wasn't a favorite for me so I can't justify a full 5 stars.
Profile Image for SplatterGeist Reviews.
90 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2019
This is the coolest and friendliest educational comic I've come across this year about the proper use for medicinal cannabis. The authors are more than happy to offer useful insight into how to make your own treats, the best ways to use the various cannabis strains, how to be healthy and hygienic when using the tools on the market to enjoy a 'spliff', and even how to properly clean it. They take care in explaining the terms and jargon used by those who partake in the smoking of cannabis, and also how to properly deal with downfalls and which symptoms/signs to look out for if someone is about to have a bad 'trip'.

All in all, I would definitely recommend giving this delightful comic a read regardless of whichever mental strain you find yourself in, blazed or not.
Profile Image for 寿理 宮本.
2,832 reviews19 followers
December 17, 2023
I'm hesitant to tag "drug abuse" because... it's legal now (in most places), and the idea behind this is to smoke RESPONSIBLY. I'm also primarily interested in it as an Iron Circus title, and they've rarely steered me wrong.

That said, I'm not terribly interested in smoking a weed, even despite reading this, because we've had problems with some *underage* kids smoking out front of our house and stinking things up (besides littering). If I didn't have a sense of smell, maybe I'd try it, particularly since I do have health issues that might be alleviated by the medicinal properties of the strains described in the book.

Recommended for anyone who IS curious, though, how to smoke responsibly.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,790 reviews63 followers
June 2, 2019
The world is changing. Marijuana is being made legal in so many states. When white men figure out how to capitalize on something that so many black men have been jailed for, of course it will take the fast track to being legal. I saw this book on NetGalley and was extremely curious what it was about. As the book says, “Weed isn’t for everyone, but learning is!” Interesting info on the science behind weed. And it seems to be a decent instructional guide for newbies.

Thanks to NetGalley and Iron Circus Comics for a copy in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
497 reviews37 followers
August 24, 2019
Cute little educational book with a fairly basic narrative structure. Sprout is curious about weed but brand new to it, so a series of mentors take her under their wing and teach her about strains of weed, equipment for smoking it, and so on. There's a lot of terminology in this book, and the two page glossary at the end is overwhelming, but it's nicely integrated into the dialogue. I'm fascinated by the aesthetic of this book. It's so different than any other comic I've read, and I assume that some of it must be an homage to weed culture.
2 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2021
This was a fun and educational read! It's definitely meant for people like me who've never touched a joint in their life but also has tips for experienced users like how to properly clean your bong (heh heh).

It shows the different ways how people can smoke marijuana, the basics on different strains, and the different reasons WHY people would want to smoke weed. Plus, I really liked the designs on all of the cute cartoon characters!

Overall, I think this would be a great book to own for weed newbies!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
19 reviews11 followers
March 9, 2019
I’m so glad this exists. This short graphic novel gives an overview of cannabis from how it grows, it’s effects, how to smoke it, and dispels many of the myths surrounding the plant. I really enjoyed the illustrations and how it broke down a lot of information into digestible bits for new users or just those interested in learning more about cannabis.
Profile Image for MV Isip.
121 reviews
January 29, 2024
super enlightening for a curious straight edge kid! obv can't speak for the accuracy of the info, but it covered a lot — from the basic terms, to the how-tos and safety reminders, all while making them easy to remember.

thoughtfully made. really appreciate the welcoming vibe. not to mention the beautiful full page artwork! ü
Profile Image for august.
371 reviews9 followers
August 4, 2019
The ARC of this graphic novel was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very informative and fun read! I can't wait for it to be published so that I can see it in full color!
Profile Image for Vicky VanHout King.
12 reviews
January 15, 2023
Permanently lives on my coffee table for any weed-users, newb or vet, to learn more about our favorite green gold and browse tips on improving the experience. It's such a cute and friendly read who doesn't love a bunch of stoned trees just hanging out.
Profile Image for Jet Hayes.
6 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2026
Great introduction for beginners and relevant refresher for veterans in the cannabis consumption population. From stunning visuals, it being extremely informative, and having a story line that is intriguing, this comic is a great guide.
Profile Image for David Chess.
188 reviews5 followers
October 5, 2019
Cute cartoon characters explain in earthy and enlightened and practical terms, how to smoke the Marijuana. Excellent stuff!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews