Cannabis Author and Educator

“Penny Barthel strikes the perfect blend of science and beauty in this most approachable guide to growing cannabis in the garden. Your hand will be held from start to glorious (vanilla bean-infused gummy) finish.”
Johanna Silver, author of Growing Weed in the Garden

Book

Ten Speed Press/2021

Purchase here

The Cannabis Gardener teaches you how to choose which strains are right for you and how to cultivate the plants from seed to finished flower. Gorgeous full-color photographs capture each stage of the growing process and show how cannabis plants can be incorporated into your garden design as well as raised beds and containers. After you establish your plants in the garden and monitor them through the flowering stage, you’ll find tips on how to harvest, dry, cure, and store your “grow.” Also included are recipes for savoring your harvest, from salves, tisanes, and tinctures to cannabutter for baking and cooking delicious treats such as CBD gummies flavored with vanilla beans, cheddar crackers, and even cannabis chocolate sauce.

The Cannabis Gardener is an accessible and practical guide for any level of gardener interested in growing their own attractive cannabis plants.

Save the Date

February 21, 2027

2027 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

Join me on February 21 at 3 pm at America’s second largest garden show, the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival at the Seattle Convention Center. This is the first time that cannabis has been welcomed as a garden seminar, and I’m honored to be the one to share her story with the larger gardening community. After my seminar, A New Story for an Ancient Herb, I’ll be on hand to sign books, answer questions, and take photos.

New Workshop!

Cannabis Kitchen Craft Workshop for Wellness

Have you ever wondered how to confidently use cannabis for your unique wellness needs? This small class will be a relaxing deep dive into how you can enjoy cannabis for help with sleep, pain, mood, inflammation, and more. We will start with a thorough discussion about key cannabinoids and their impact on the body with a detailed explanation of various consumption methods. We’ll then move into the kitchen to make chocolates and drops customized just for you. You will leave the workshop with your own bespoke infused preparations, a path forward to using cannabis with knowledge, and maybe even some new friends.

Held in a private home in Albany, CA

Sunday November 15, 2026

2 pm – 4 pm


“If plants have IQ, cannabis is a genius. This lovely and practical book gracefully describes how to cultivate, support, encourage, and manifest the genius of this remarkable plant.”


David E. Presti, professor of neurobiology and psychology, University of California, Berkeley