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Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Proven Prescription for Using Marijuana to Relieve Your Pain and Heal Your Life

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The first authoritative and comprehensive guide for treating chronic pain with medical marijuana from a holistic family physician who has treated more than six thousand chronic pain patients with cannabis.

While the number of patients using medical marijuana increases every year, misconceptions about cannabis and whether it’s harmful or dangerous still exist. In Cannabis for Chronic Pain , Dr. Rav explains the potential of marijuana’s capacity for healing anyone afflicted with chronic pain. Medical marijuana is a safe, non-addictive alternative to dangerous opiate pain pills.

Along with sharing his own story of using medical marijuana to heal from a severe case of shingles, Dr. Rav guides you through the cannabis and holistic treatment for your specific chronic pain condition. If you are suffering from arthritis, back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, IBS, Crohn’s Disease, anxiety, depression, or pain from cancer or its treatment, this may be the book for you.

Dr. Rav offers step by step instruction on the benefits and appropriate use of medical marijuana. And he dispels many of the misconceptions. Did you know that you don’t have to smoke or eat cannabis for it to be effective? There are now patches and drops. We are entering a new age of acceptance and perhaps most importantly, as Dr. Rav highlights, it is now possible to create a distinct cannabis prescription for different types of chronic pain. Find what works for you and finally get the relief you need.

Cannabis for Chronic Pain is the new, definitive guide for anyone who suffers from chronic pain.

368 pages, Hardcover

Published September 12, 2017

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About the author

Rav Ivker

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5 stars
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32 (41%)
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12 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Randal White.
1,041 reviews96 followers
August 27, 2017
Hmmm....maybe? 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!
Profile Image for Amie's Book Reviews.
1,660 reviews174 followers
December 27, 2017
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 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

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6 reviews
March 2, 2021
Such a well thought out book that surprised me with the breadth of its content. After reading this, I have an entirely new respect toward Holistic Medicine. Never before have I seen such a beautiful explanation of the connection between Mind and Body. I think I highlighted 1/2 the pages! Oops!
Profile Image for Valerie.
766 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2023
Had some good information about Cannabis, but did not answer some of the things I wanted. The book is almost like an ad for their wellness program, and repeats basically doing the inflammation diet. Something other books, I feel, do a better job of. The last part of the book is about ‘inner self’ and though I get that the author believes that in order to tackle pain, one must address the entire person, that was not what I wanted in a book about Cannabis. I checked this out of the library, so I am not out the cost of the book, but if you are looking for one aimed at just cannabis for pain, you might want to look at other books. If you like the wellness approach, and were considering doing the whole shebang, this is a good overall look, and may help you decide…if you have not already tried it…to go the inflammation diet root. It did nothing for me, sadly. I had tried the approach with even feedback therapy, calming lessons, and relaxation techniques that were paid for by my insurance! The diet is restrictive, and even though I did it for quite some time, it did not take pain away for me. I am finding that cannabis is…now that it is legal…but, I wanted to know more about the plant, and its usage, and this book did not do it for me.
166 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2017
Dr. Ivker goes beyond just promoting 'pot for pain'. In Cannabis for Chronic Pain he offers holistic avenues as well in detail for specific chronic pain, ailments and symptoms. "cannabis and holistic treatment for your specific chronic pain condition." He shares his own journey as well as patients. With step by step instruction on the benefits and appropriate use of medical marijuana. There are breakdowns of...legal states, their regulations and restrictions. Different types of strains, different types of treat-meet and application-smoke, patch, drops, etc. it may not be a 'tell-all' but it a great start for information and education in medical marijuana. Very informative and written in a way for easy understanding. I received this book from Touchstone Publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily posting this review.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,190 reviews30 followers
December 15, 2018
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.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Debra.
645 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2018
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 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 marijuanna doctor. Unless you can prove residency you can’t even get a consultation.
Profile Image for Kawena.
24 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! I'm a huge believer in holistic medicine and treating the entire person (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) to help with their physical pain, not just focusing on treating the physical ailments. This book is underrated due to the stigma of "reefer madness" that still exists and the belief that holistic medicine is only for "hippies". If you're at all interested in using cannabis as a medicine and interested in holistic healing, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
6 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2020
Packed full of bonus info on holistic health...

This book has way more info than I expected. Very informative and helpful. I learned about holistic treatments on top of medicinal use of cannabis. Slow read at first, which made me want to mark it 2 stars, initially. However, I learned so much extra that was helpful, I rated up. I would suggest anyone of adult age to read this book if you need more answers on treating your health conserns with holistic medicine and cannabis.
Profile Image for Adam Moore.
5 reviews
May 19, 2020
Many people are a little bit weary of cannabis and how it affects them and their concerns about it in their own lives. Those who want to know come to me. I am well read on the subject: it is a guiding light in my life. This book is one of those lights. A patient wrote me about lupus-another with stage 3 breast cancer. I read from this book and eased her mind about cannabis and its role in recovery. Because of this book I educated her with the pages of this book. For that, she thanks you!
Profile Image for Trisha.
342 reviews
May 20, 2018
This book was written by a local Denver doctor who treated his painful shingles with cannabis. He give specific strains, dosages and modes of delivery best for many different cases of pain. This includes headaches, fibromyalgia, arthritis, many more. A great resource if you live in Colorado and have access to many types of cannabis to treat pain.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Daley.
116 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
Cannabis for chronic pain by dr Rav Ivker is more of a holistic approach to life with the incorporation of cannabis. Lots of time spent on diet and exercise, but I was in it for the WEED:). And so much is constantly changing in the industry that the laws he spoke of Out of date, and so much more info is available now. I liked his rec of different strains for different symptoms.
Profile Image for Morgan Wagner.
86 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2019
Cannabis has long been condemned as a "drug" when really it proves to be a threat to the pharmaceutical company's profits. Cannabis can heal and prevent so many diseases and painful symptoms if used correctly. Hooray MMJ.
Profile Image for Taylor.
18 reviews
May 30, 2021
What a wonderful book. I loved how the author did not just focus on the herb, but rather spirituality and positive thinking. Highly recommend, especially for anxiety, pain during your period, and insomnia.
Profile Image for Gato Negro.
1,214 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2018
An excellent read for those who have a chronic pain condition or illness and are choosing to explore MM as a treatment option.
Profile Image for Tammy.
678 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2019
Lots of info, not all cannabis related! Super informative.
29 reviews
February 2, 2021
I like the book, nicely written. PCOS also in alot of woman also a good one to put in. I didn't like the chant at the end for the four corners of the earth. Not Christian.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,080 reviews51 followers
October 5, 2017
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.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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