Breaking the Cycle of Opioid Addiction

April 15, 2018

Health journalist Blesching (The Cannabis Health Index), a strong proponent of integrative medicine, proposes cannabis as a solution for the opioid epidemic. Blesching details the widespread problem with opioids, cannabis and pain, comparison between opioids and cannabis for pain management, opioid withdrawal, the science of addiction, and finally provides an overview chapter that includes a chart of potential dosages. Almost a third of the text is a reference list and bibliography, which make it informative, although many of the studies cited support the author's stance rather than building a balanced, evidence-based view. Blesching focuses on euphoria as more than an "adverse side effect," noting that it can positively affect body, mind, and emotions; he also champions cannabis for balancing one's physical and emotional state, along with other modalities, such as practicing mindfulness. VERDICT Blesching's study supports a certain viewpoint, but readers interested in researching the topic should seek out additional research. This title could be used in conjunction with Rav Ivker's recent Cannabis for Chronic Pain, in which the issues of legality are more openly addressed.--Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. Lib. Syst., NM

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