When Washington state gave the green light for legalized cannabis, one pioneering family with a passion for clean, responsibly grown weed saw a golden opportunity to bring their vision to fruition. They scoured the fertile grounds of the Yakima River Valley and founded Puffin Farm, one of the first licensed cannabis farms in the United States of America.
The epic tale of the rise of Puffin Farm is told by David Goodman in An American Cannabis Story. It’s a story of American ingenuity and the pioneering spirit behind the “Green Rush,” the billion-dollar new frontier in American farming.
Farm founders, Jade Stefano and Ben Short, are a match made in weed heaven, whose love story plays a central role in this exhilarating farm adventure that includes Jade’s sister Cyrena and their Uncle Cliff as co-founding business partners.
This is not your average cannabis farm, and Goodman makes that point by taking you deep into the operations of this Sun+Earth Certified grower. Unlike the backwoods pot field operations of yore, Goodman’s photographs of the sweeping, sun-drenched fields and gorgeous up-close plant studies provide a surprisingly wholesome view into modern American organic cannabis cultivation.
Every page is adorned with vibrant images of the majestic cannabis plants and expertly crafted products like pre-roll joints, vaping oil, bubble hash, rosin and infused “Trifecta” joints. Goodman’s photography is so captivating and immersive you’ll feel like you’re standing in the middle of it all, inhaling the aroma of the fragrant fields on a cool, crisp Cascade Mountain breeze.
Even if you’re not a die-hard cannabis enthusiast, this gorgeously illustrated book is a must-have. It’s sure to stimulate lively conversations and add a touch of panache to your coffee table or a guest room.
An America Cannabis Story grants you unprecedented access to an unseen world, and once you’ve turned the last page, you’ll be wishing for more.
“Goodman offers a behind-the-scenes look at cannabis cultivation, extraction, and processing through stunning imagery and in-depth interviews.”
—High Times Magazine
about david goodman
David Goodman is an accomplished American photographer and storyteller, best known for his groundbreaking book, An American Cannabis Story, which gives readers unprecedented access to the never-before-seen world of legalized cannabis farming and product development.
Goodman's stunning photograph collections are visual diaries that tell the backstories of hidden worlds such as Washington state's Puffin Farm, the subject of An American Cannabis Story, and the High Line, an abandoned, elevated freight rail line transformed into a 30-foot-high public park on Manhattan's West Side, the subject of his most recent gallery show.
Goodman's hypnotic work combines sweeping vistas and breathtaking close-ups. He is a master at capturing the viewer's attention with eye-popping images. His keen sense of color, composition, and character is evident throughout his work.
Goodman's lifelong passion for photography started at age 8 with his first camera. By 11, he was developing film in his parents’ basement, and he opened his first photography studio in New York City at 24.
Over the years, Goodman's photography has appeared in print and online publications, including The New York Times, Vogue, The Advocate, Huffington Post, and High Times.
All photos © 2023 by David Goodman. All rights reserved.