Grower Stories #133: Jules Marshall

Tia Moskalenko
Tia Moskalenko

Tia Moskalenko, author of the AskGrowers blog, brings a unique blend of content to her readers. She is known for conducting insightful interviews with key figures in the cannabis industry, including brand representatives, manufacturers, and experts. In addition to her interview skills, Tia has a keen focus on CBD. She expertly curates product selections and reviews, offering her readers detailed insights into the various effects and benefits of CBD. Tia's ability to combine in-depth interviews with comprehensive CBD analysis makes her a valuable asset to the cannabis community, offering a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

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Grower Stories #133: Jules Marshall

Weed of Wonder Talks About the Professional Experience of Growing Cannabis

The AskGrowers team sits down with Jules Marshall to talk about his book on the experience of growing cannabis, titled Weed of Wonder. Jules Marshall mentions all the difficulties that were faced to get the book published, the wealth of sources and personal experience that went into writing it, and how it has been written to provide valuable knowledge to both novices and experienced professionals in the industry. #growerstories


I’m a smart lower-middle-class lad from England and I grew up in a small, rural town. I got a scholarship to a private school for 2 senior years, then studied Human Sciences at Oxford, worked in a bookstore in London before doing a Master’s in journalism. I spent 2 more years in London, came to Amsterdam in 1989 to work on the precursor to Wired magazine. I have also been doing freelance work since 1991.

I met Floris in the same year and began collaborating on fun (tech, psychedelics, eco, and subculture) stories, e.g. the Wired cover (1994), the first-ever mainstream story on ayahuasca (1996), and mushrooms for fun and therapy (1997). I was a writer for Soft Secrets UK cannabis growers newspaper (2002-2009). Floris and I also launched and ran a vaporizer review site (2009-2016) and did short videos for Hempflax and Bedrocan around the same period.

I got a foraging apprenticeship in 2010 and worked with aquaponics, permaculture, and herbalism. We teamed up with chefs in 2015 to found High Cuisine. I set up the Psychedelic Society of Netherlands in 2016. I also did a full-time Natural Building Course in 2019.


Tia (AskGrowers) : Let’s start with your book Weed of Wonder. When did the idea to write a book come?

Jules Marshall : In 2012/13, Floris and I began talking about a book to round up and expand on our own professional experience. In 2014, I wrote a chapter outline and pitch and had an editor give comments. Then it was shelved while we looked for funding.


Weed of Wonder books picture
Tia : Who helped you in publishing and making the book itself?

Jules : In 2016, we took our proposal to the Museum, which was in the market for a short brochure to illustrate their objects. There was much back and forth with Gerbrand on precise contents and a contract. In 2017, I went to Barcelona to photograph its objects, the title changed, and I started writing for real.

I drafted chapters for feedback and editing; hugely increased word count was okayed. My final draft was completed in Spring, 2019. Ben and Dries v. Agt’s prefaces, stakeholder feedback, art direction, COVID, and choosing printer, etc. meant that the book was finally published two years late, in 2021.


Tia : What trusted sources have you used to write this book?

Jules : A few leading books, e.g. Cannabis: Evolution and Ethnobotany (Clark & Merlin); many websites such as Cannabis Culture; writers like Chris Bennett; Arno Hazekamp, chief medical officer Bedrocan (Dutch med. cannabis provider) and (Amsterdam NGO) Transnational Institute reports; feedback from Museum / Sensi staff.


Tia : Were there any complicated moments when writing the book?

Jules : Many, like adapting the original proposal to meet the Museum’s needs; incorporating editing/feedback on the first draft, finalizing the last version, and onboarding a new designer.


Tia : How would you describe the book in 1 word? :)

Jules : Beautiful.


Tia : What do you think is the ethos behind your product?

Jules : To educate, entertain and inform - whatever the reader’s level of knowledge.


Weed of Wonder interview quote
Tia : Do you grow/cultivate cannabis yourselves?

Jules : We are balcony growers; Floris successfully, me not so much (too little sun).


Tia : How do you think your book will help people who don’t know anything about cannabis and, controversially, cannabis enthusiasts?

Jules : It’s a look at every aspect of the cannabis plant, from seed and biology to uses in medicine, industry, and culture - broken into easy chapters and sidebars illustrating the Museum’s objects. It is non-academic, provides a superficial overview that is peppered with deeper dives, so it appeals as much to the neophyte as the expert.


Tia : What’s your favourite cannabis book, personally?

Jules : Marijuana in Magic & Religion (Bennett).


Tia : What things do you think people should cover in cannabis-related books? (Maybe the question of sustainability if you’re a brand or to share only the truthful facts about the plant and how to use it?)

Jules : After being understandably protective of the plant in the face of worldwide opposition, violence, and lies, let’s all be honest about its potential downsides as well as its great promise.


Tia : What is your personal cannabis consumption routine?

Jules : I consume it daily, mixed with organic tobacco.


Weed of Wonder interview quote
Tia : Your top strains to smoke? Why?

Jules : Amnesia because it’s cheap and a nice Lemon or Strawberry Haze for a treat.


Tia : What are the 3 main trends in growing / (production/marketing) cannabis in 2021 for you now?

Jules : I am based in NL, so I’m anticipating a long-delayed experiment of municipal grows to ease out underground supply. I would like to see the same quality standards for coffee shops as medicinal suppliers, and support for niche growers against monopoly formation.


Tia : When do you think federal legalization will come?

Jules : When the Big Boys (banks, pharma) deem it advantageous to themselves to do so.


Tia : Your first thought that crosses your mind when someone mentions the word “weed”? :)

Jules : Dude, it’s called cannabis.


You can follow Weed of Wonder at:

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Thank you so much Jules Marshall for taking the time to do the interview and share your book with us. To learn more about them, head on over to their website.

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