Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Weedgalized in Colorado: True Tales from the High Country by Johnny Welsh explores what happens to a community when weed gets legalized. Written by a bartender, someone who has spent nearly two decades mixing and serving drinks in Frisco, Colorado, in the very heart of Colorado ski country, this book shows readers what denizens of Colorado unwittingly unleashed when they voted for the Colorado Amendment 64, known as the “Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol” Act on November 6, 2012.

The author writes about the history of pot, explores the legal implications of recreational cannabis and its impact on the economy, shares insights on when and where to buy marijuana and who can carry it, including the legal quantity. Readers will encounter dealers in marijuana and listen to their stories. The author also shares contact information of these marijuana dealers. While this book captures the climate and the social atmosphere with the legalization of recreational cannabis, it lays bare the pros and cons of this cultural phenomenon. It’s hard to believe this book is written by a bartender, because the writing is clean, polished, and the turn of phrase unique and enjoyable. The voice is strong and authoritative and the author has a laid-back tone that is charming.

The author brings together stories he’s shared with people — and people tend to like talking to bartenders — and allows them to unveil the soul of Colorado after the legalization of marijuana. Readers will understand what happens to the business and how it becomes a threat to drug lords. Weedgalized in Colorado: True Tales from the High Country is both informative and entertaining, packed with information, and offering readers a picture of what it feels like to be in Colorado.