Seeing as how the author is a doctor, I expected more science and less...stoner? With repeated statements on how love can heal all illnesses and a full chapter dedicated to how cannabis is a "sacred" and "mystical" herb, this book isn't doing any favors for doctors and patients who are trying to prove the legitimacy of medical marijuana. Add in the numerous bizarre claims (you need to address the emotions buried in your body tissues!), blatant falsehoods (cannabis-induced schizophrenia is NOT a thing), omissions of actual proven science (no mention of chiropractic for dealing with back and other muscloskeletal issues), and weird plugs for supplement companies, this book is kind of a hot mess.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very informative book on cannabis and how to use cannabis for medical issues. Dr. Rav Ivker includes basic knowledge of cannabis as well as a more detailed explanation of what products are best for different conditions.

This book is extremely helpful to people with chronic pain that don’t have the option of seeing a medical marijuana doctor. Unless you can prove residency you can’t even get a consultation.

For those of us who suffer from chronic pain, there is a point where you are so desperate for relief that you will try just about anything. This is where cannabis comes in.

Yes, I am aware that there is still social sigma and prejudice surrounding people who "smoke pot." They are referred to as "stoners" or "potheads" and sometimes by much worse nicknames. Those who think that people who use cannabis (marijuana) for chronic pain do not do it to get high. They do it because it is natural and is much easier on the body than prescription painkillers which can become addictive and do irreparable damage to a person's body. But I digress....

I have been prescribed medical cannabis for my medical conditions which are so debilitating that some days I can barely get out of bed. The problem with this prescription is that the directions are extremely vague and in some cases, nonexistent I was told to just keep buying different stains and forms (ex. Oil, edibles) and keep trying until I find what works for me.

There is a big problem with the above instructions. It is expensive!!!!!!!

THIS BOOK HAS BROUGHT ME HOPE!

That is a very big statement to make, but it is true. Through research and patient data, author Rav Ivker has outlined what USUALLY works for people who suffer from the same chronic condition I have. And, he has done this for hundreds of ailments.

I cannot give this book high enough praise. To have some sort of guideline to follow, I will now save myself potentially thousands of dollars. And, more importantly, he has saved me time. Imagine being in horrific pain every day, now imagine trying hundreds of different drugs, just hoping one might help, The pain does not go away while you are testing out products, and every day you get more and more discouraged. This book heps to cut down on the amount of time you spend before you find your strain, and for some, it may work on the first try. WOW!

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 Stars 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

As a caveat, I haven't used cannabis, but I do have chronic pain, so I felt this would be a book that would give me some good information. I did find that it opened my mind, and I would recommend it for anyone suffering from chronic issues.

This is something I wish were legal in our state so that I could try some of this. The book has great points and would be useful to so many people.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Exceptional book!

This book is written by an extremely experienced doctor and holistic healer. This book is cutting edge; it offers information that is viable for anyone with a painful ailment. The information contained is this book has been gathered by much research and experience, the case studies are interesting to read.

My husband suffers with chronic pain after having a dozen or so spinal surgeries and we have been researching medical marijuana extensively. We both agree Dr. Ivker's book is comprehensive, passionate and compassionate.

I can't recommend this book enough!

I have to admit, this was a stretch for me. After 28 years in law enforcement, my experience with marijuana was of a whole different world. Strictly against it.
Enter retirement, and a major stroke in 2014. One that left me paralyzed for weeks. Finally, after 3+ years of hard work, I'm almost completely recovered. Except for my left leg, which is going to be messed up. The limp isn't so hard to reconcile, but the nightly spasms and pain are a different story. I've tried everything....exercise, PT, massage, and a whole range of medications. The meds help, but only to a certain extent.
Enter my neighbors. I'm fortunate (?) enough to live in Washington State, home of "legal weed". My neighbor also has damaged nerves, and recommended an ointment that is cannabis based. Before I dive into the nefarious world of "devil weed" and become a drug-addled zombie (I'm kidding, a bit), I determined to research this area thoroughly. But where? It's not like I can go to my GP or neurologist and say "hey, thanks, but this isn't working, can you recommend some good pot"?
Enter this book.
Ivker, as you might guess, is a big proponent of the use of cannabis for chronic pain. And he makes a strong argument for it. Including many case studies. Through the reading of this book, I learned that I don't have to "light up a doobie" or anything like that. There's smoking, vaping (neither for me), edibles, drops, and tinctures.
And he explained the differences between THC and CBD levels. Basically, one is to get high (THC), the other for pain relief. And that you can get marijuana specifically tailored to what you are seeking. What a concept! I could take an edible with a high CBD level, little or no THC, and not find myself running naked through the neighborhood baying at the moon (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but come on, 28 years law enforcement!).
Will I do it? Take the plunge? Not sure yet, but if the pain keeps getting worse, yeah, sure. Maybe I'll venture into one of the dozens of marijuana stores flooding Washington and see what it's all about. It's good to have an option!

Natural medicine is the savior to our national opiate epidemic. This will be a reference I will go back through and refer to many times. Thank you!

This very comprehensive text is easy to understand and would be very useful for a chronic pain sufferer. Excellent.