A group of friends attempts to cultivate a clandestine marijuana crop in the California wilderness, only to find their path to wealth obstructed by environmental hazards and human interference. Felix Nasmyth and his associates embark on a venture to harvest Cannabis sativa with the promise of a substantial financial windfall. Their operation faces immediate pressure from unpredictable weather, intrusive neighbors, and the personal complications of the participants. As the situation deteriorates, Felix becomes entangled in a personal conflict with a state trooper, shifting the narrative from a simple business endeavor to a chaotic struggle for survival. The story follows a linear progression that highlights the absurdity of their escalating predicament.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp, cynical humor that defines the narrative voice throughout the book. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to capture the absurdity of the characters' failed ambitions while maintaining a fast-paced, engaging plot. Critics often point to the vivid portrayal of the California landscape as a central element that influences the protagonists' descent into chaos. Many readers appreciate the balance between the comedic elements and the darker, more desperate turns the story takes as the harvest season progresses. The work is widely recognized for its commentary on the futility of get-rich-quick schemes and the unpredictable nature of human behavior.