Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Weed Empire
How I Battled Gangsters, Investment Banks, and the Department of Justice to Create the Cannabis Industry in America
By Adam Bierman
Published by Matt Holt Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
“The cannabis industry will be talking about this book for a long time.”
—Forbes
From the cofounder of MedMen comes the unfiltered tale of the mainstreaming of an outlaw industry: the growers, dealers, lobbyists, tycoons, and titans of the industry that created corporate cannabis.
Adam Bierman wasn’t planning on selling weed—or developing a network of cannabis stores, or safeguarding his money in shoeboxes, or facing off with gangs in dark corners of parking lots, or taking on the public markets and justice system itself. But, of course, not everything goes according to plan.
Weed Empire is an inside look at the story behind MedMen, America’s first cannabis unicorn and the world’s first globally recognized cannabis brand. It’s the underdog story of how a kid from the suburbs entered the cannabis scene and later reimagined weed for the mainstream, jumping at an opportunity to shift the conversation about legalizing marijuana. It’s also the tale of how a one-room studio dispensary eventually turned into a public company valued at more than $2 billion, led by a CEO with no college degree—with politicians, entertainment moguls, and Wall Street heavyweights on his team.
An unconventional but intensely authentic memoir, Weed Empire is a cautionary tale of the high cost of ambition, documenting MedMen’s decade-long rise as well as all the slog of passing cannabis legislation, and the exhausting battle to start a public company, bring a dream to the world, and hold a family—and himself—together through the madness.
—Forbes
From the cofounder of MedMen comes the unfiltered tale of the mainstreaming of an outlaw industry: the growers, dealers, lobbyists, tycoons, and titans of the industry that created corporate cannabis.
Adam Bierman wasn’t planning on selling weed—or developing a network of cannabis stores, or safeguarding his money in shoeboxes, or facing off with gangs in dark corners of parking lots, or taking on the public markets and justice system itself. But, of course, not everything goes according to plan.
Weed Empire is an inside look at the story behind MedMen, America’s first cannabis unicorn and the world’s first globally recognized cannabis brand. It’s the underdog story of how a kid from the suburbs entered the cannabis scene and later reimagined weed for the mainstream, jumping at an opportunity to shift the conversation about legalizing marijuana. It’s also the tale of how a one-room studio dispensary eventually turned into a public company valued at more than $2 billion, led by a CEO with no college degree—with politicians, entertainment moguls, and Wall Street heavyweights on his team.
An unconventional but intensely authentic memoir, Weed Empire is a cautionary tale of the high cost of ambition, documenting MedMen’s decade-long rise as well as all the slog of passing cannabis legislation, and the exhausting battle to start a public company, bring a dream to the world, and hold a family—and himself—together through the madness.
Product Details
- Publisher: Matt Holt Books (April 22, 2025)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637746387
Raves and Reviews
“In an industry crowded with wannabes and one-dimensional thinkers, Weed Empire is an in-depth look at how Adam simply outperformed other leaders, mastering investments, operations, and cannabis itself. His influence on legalization and the industry's evolution remains unmatched.”
—Rob Kampia, Founder and former Executive Director, Marijuana Policy Project
“Weed Empire is a riveting narrative about the wild rise and dramatic fall of one of the cannabis industry’s most remarkable companies. Adam Bierman delivers an edge-of-your-seat narrative that reads like a high-stakes thriller, propelling you through every twist and turn as you wonder what could possibly happen next.”
—Shawn Gold, Founder, Pilgrim Soul Creative
“A must-read for all visionaries, entrepreneurs, and rule breakers. Adam Bierman isn't just a brilliant innovator but a superb storyteller. The journey he takes you on is as audacious as it is entertaining, and this book will leave you inspired to build, break rules, and create change.”
—Dan Murray-Serter, Host, Secret Leaders podcast, and Cofounder, Heights
“I love Adam’s why and the way he tells his story. He speaks the truth and now that I know the whole journey, I admire even more everything he’s created and achieved.”
—Joe Grande, Broadcaster and Radio Personality
“When I took on the campaign for medical cannabis in New York, I knew the challenge was as much about reshaping public perception as it was about changing policy . . . a battle that would require fearless, bold leaders. When I met Adam Bierman, I knew he was one of them: instinctively bold, brash, maybe a little crazy, but exactly the type of gladiator this movement needed. Weed Empire captures the pivotal moves in this fight.”
—Diane Savino, former New York State Senator
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Weed Empire eBook 9781637746387
