Author Scott Eden’s latest book, “A Killing in Cannabis: A True Story of Love, Murder, and California Weed,” delves into the tragic tale of Tushar Atre, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who was brutally murdered at his Santa Cruz estate in 2019. Atre, who had a reputation for being abrasive and abusive, had made a name for himself in the cannabis industry, which he entered after California legalized marijuana.
Eden, who was assigned to write a story on Atre’s murder for Inc. Magazine, soon discovered that there was more to the story than just a crime. He spent years researching the industry, interviewing those who had dealt with Atre, and exploring the complexities of farming and extracting THC oils. The book also examines Atre’s tumultuous relationship with Rachael Lynch, an experienced grower with a degree in environmental science.
As Eden delved deeper into the story, he found himself fascinated by the intricacies of the cannabis industry, which was still in its early stages of development. He wanted to capture the essence of this moment in time, when the industry was transitioning from a gray market to a legal one. “I wanted to show the nitty-gritty of building a business in this unorthodox industry,” Eden said in an interview.
Eden’s research took him to California, where he spent time with those in the industry, including growers, extractors, and dispensary owners. He also got to sample the local product, although he eventually gave it away or used it up. Despite the challenges of researching a complex and often secretive industry, Eden’s book provides a unique glimpse into the world of cannabis and the people who work in it.
