Cannabis, Creativity and the
Endless Search for Meaning
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Disclaimer:
The experiences and reflections shared in Drenched in Wonder and on this page are not intended as medical, legal, or therapeutic advice. Cannabis use carries risks and may not be suitable or lawful for everyone. Readers are encouraged to make informed, responsible choices in accordance with their circumstances and local laws.
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Now Available for Pre-Order.
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~ An update from the land of ‘almost there’ ~
(September, 2026)
I had hoped to release the print edition of Drenched in Wonder in September of 2026. Unfortunately, unexpected production delays have pushed back the timeline. Rather than delay the release date back, I’m doing something a little different…
The audiobook edition – read by me – will now be released in September, ahead of the printed book.
Everyone who pre-orders the print edition will receive the audiobook at no additional cost, (including everyone who’s already ordered).
Print edition to follow, as soon as possible (likely November / December of 2026).
Every pre-order copy of Drenched in Wonder will be signed, and will receive a signed mystery photo print from the book, on museum quality paper. Books ship from Australia.
PRE-ORDER HERE (Au & NZ) – $59 AU (incl Shipping)
PRE-ORDER HERE (Rest of World) – $79 AU (INCL SHIPPING)
Find the Drenched in Wonder Spotify Playlist here.
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‘It must be illegal for a reason, right?’
Friends, I have a story to tell.
For most of my life, I was against cannabis. I was brought up with the stigma, and I believed it.
I saw it as something to avoid. A risk. A distraction. A little sad. ‘Stoners’ or ‘potheads’ were a bunch of mostly-male no-hopers, stuck on/in their couch indulging upon a constant flow of drugs, junk food and video games, punctuated by bursts of obnoxious laughter.
No thanks. Not for me.
And then one day, in the middle of burnout, overwhelm, and a looming crisis, I tried it. And everything changed.
Drenched in Wonder is the story of that change.
From my early days learning and experimenting with cannabis, to harnessing its power for creativity and adventure, to navigating secrecy, stigma and the impact on my relationships, to the traumatic experience I believed had ruined my life, Drenched in Wonder is a story about curiosity, perception and change, and what happens when we begin to question what we think we know.
In addition to the written story, the book includes more than 70 full-color photographs + raw handwritten notes captured in real time, while experiencing the effects of cannabis.
Drenched in Wonder is not a guide to cannabis use. Mine is only one story, and cannabis affects everyone differently. I don’t believe cannabis is ‘harmless’ — or rather, without potential to harm. Cannabis is not for everyone.
But for some, cannabis may begin a new journey into understanding, awareness and creativity — a journey that radiates the energy of their best selves throughout their lives and into the lives of others, opening or reopening a pathway to the sense of awe and wonder that so many seek, but never quite find.
Drenched in Wonder is the book that no one asked me to write — the story that no one asked me to tell. In fairness, no one knew to ask. And this, perhaps, is why I’ve felt so compelled to bring this book to life: to overcome my own long-held stigmas, and to contribute to a conversation that has too often been shaped by fear, misunderstanding, and silence.
It is my hope that my story may present a balanced account of how cannabis can affect a life. Indeed, it is one I wish I could have read at numerous stages of my journey.
“Raw, honest, beautifully written & presented — this book stayed with me long after I turned the final page.”
– Ella, First Reader
Why I’m Telling my Cannabis Story:
Because the outdated, lingering stigma that surrounds this plant is holding us back as a species.
and
Because stories are important.
and
Because be the change you wish to see in the world.
Photo taken by Tiarna Leigh
About the Book
This edition of Drenched in Wonder – the ‘First Light’ edition, as I’m calling it – is special: a limited 250 copy run of a project crafted with care from cover to cover.
The book itself a square-format 234 page softcover art book, printed in full colour on premium uncoated recycled paper. It’s designed to feel as good in your hands as it looks on the page.
Every pre-order copy of Drenched in Wonder will be signed, and the first 100 pre-orders will receive a signed mystery photo print from the book, on museum quality paper. Books will ship from Australia prior to launch date.
Now Available for Pre-Order
and WHY PRE-ORDERING HELPS (a lot):
Firstly, full disclosure: I’m self-publishing Drenched in Wonder, and this was my choice from the start. I knew exactly how I wanted this book to look and feel, and even if I found a publisher willing to take a punt on this first-time author, I simply wasn’t willing to give away creative control (like, any). So, I’m doing it myself. Start to finish. Pre-ordering helps me manage risk, and to cover the costs associated with printing a bulk order of a quality art-book.
Secondly, pre-ordering helps boost visibility and early buzz. The more pre-orders Drenched in Wonder gets, the more chance it has of doing something out in the world. Strong pre-order sales can lead to additional promotional interest, the possibility of getting the book into stores. Basically, when you support Drenched in Wonder with pre-orders, retailers are more likely to do the same! Your pre-order might help sell two, three, ten or twenty other copies.
Lastly, you will make me feel loved and supported as I launch this piece of art into the world for the first time, and you’ll get to feel really good about that.
Seriously. I love you.
PRE-ORDER NOW (Australia & NZ)
– Garry, First Reader
Coming:
2026
Recent Podcast Appearances:
The AusCannaPodcast — with Christina McMullan (September, 2026)
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Give & Toke — with Paul O’Donoghue (August, 2026)
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My Joint — with Rachel Payne (May, 2026)
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Questions, comments, concerns?
Reach out to me via the contact form or email me here: hello@billsimpson.com.au
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