Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy
Over the past few decades, we’ve learned a lot about the cannabis plant. From the discovery of THC back in the 60s to the endocannabinoid system in the 90s, the medical marijuana industry has come a long way. One of the most incredible discoveries within the past few years, though, was that of medical marijuana for epilepsy.
Turning to medical marijuana for seizures and epilepsy disorders has effectively changed the lives of countless people across the globe.
As scientists continued to uncover more about the relationship between epilepsy and cannabis, other huge players started getting on board, too.
Quickly, the idea of using medical marijuana for epilepsy was much more than just a thought: it became a remarkable reality. Let’s start talking.
Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy: What the FDA Has to Say
Historically, medical cannabis and the Food and Drug Administration didn’t always see eye to eye.
In the past, and still today, the cannabis industry has struggled to convey its legitimacy and efficacy towards ailments and disorders simply due to a lack of concrete evidence. But, this lack of evidence isn’t because there isn’t any: it is because we can’t conduct the studies.
Currently, the US government has classified the marijuana plant as a Schedule 1 Drug. This classification makes it nearly impossible for researchers to conduct large-scale studies necessary to prove medical marijuana’s effects and potential benefits. While many short-term, small-scale studies have been completed, this support simply isn’t enough for the FDA to be on board.
But, this isn’t the case for medical cannabis and epilepsy.
Just a few years ago, the FDA approved the first prescription medication ever that contains CBD. What is the drug used for? Severe epileptic disorders. That’s right: Epidiolex is the first-ever FDA-approved CBD medication for both adults and children who are suffering.
After seeing clear evidence that cannabidiol extract was highly beneficial for those with severe, even intractable forms of epilepsy, the FDA got to work approving Epidiolex and putting it on the market.
Still today, it is the first and only FDA-approved medication with CBD. The evidence that the FDA saw, surprisingly enough, didn’t come from an adult or a large-scale study initially. For many, understanding the relationship between medical marijuana and seizures came from Charlotte Figi’s story.
Medical Marijuana for Children With Seizures
Charlotte Figi was born in 2006 with an incurable form of epilepsy, called Dravet’s Syndrome. Though, for years, Charlotte, her parents, and her doctors struggled to understand this toddler’s epileptic disorder.
Charlotte was experiencing up to nearly 300 grand mal seizures a week at just five years old, preventing her from eating, speaking, and functioning as an average child should. Her seizures utterly hindered her.
Finally, after a proper diagnosis and a few more years of experimental medications, Charlotte’s parents decided to try something new: CBD.
After one successful round with a CBD tincture, they turned to their local Colorado dispensary for help, explaining the extent of Charlotte’s suffering. Quickly, the dispensary crafted their own CBD oil just for the little girl, naming it Charlotte’s Web.
Miraculously, Charlotte Figi went from having hundreds of seizures a week to just two or three times a month with her CBD oil. The cannabinoids worked amazingly within her body, calming her ever-present tremors and allowing her other biological functions to begin to work as they should. Finally, Charlotte was able to live an everyday, comfortable life— just like she deserved.
Sadly, Charlotte passed away in April of 2020, but she left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Because of her and her work with the Stanley Brothers dispensary, the relationship between medical marijuana and epilepsy was indisputable. As the brothers put it:
“Charlotte was ten feet tall and carried the world on her shoulders… She grew, cultivated by a community, protected by love, demanding that the world witness her suffering so that they might find a solution… Her story built communities, her need built hope, and her legacy will continue to build harmony.”
Medical Marijuana for Seizures in Adults
The effects of medical marijuana for seizures and epilepsy disorders go far beyond just young ones. While children have had incredible success with medical cannabis for seizure control, so have adults.
In fact, medical marijuana for seizures in adults is one of the most common reasons people get their MMJ cards in the first place.
Many adults have found profound relief from their epilepsy disorders through cannabis consumption. This is because the cannabis plant works flawlessly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which directly correlates to neurological functioning.
With this, multiple studies have reported reduced seizures— sometimes close to 50% less. Plus, you aren’t subjected to the harsh, often uncomfortable side effects of many epilepsy medications.
Along with a reduced number of seizures, medical marijuana can help manage other effects of epilepsy and seizures. In general, cannabis has been known to help stimulate appetite, reduce inflammation, and promote overall balance and stability.
Having this sort of support can do wonders for the body, even if it’s only subtle. Together, this concoction of incredible effects and benefits can be life-changing for those with epilepsy— both adults and children.
Turning to CBD Oil for Epilepsy
CBD for epilepsy is gaining popularity each and every day. With the US legalizing the production and sale of hemp plants, as long as they do not have more than 0.3% THC, more people have access to CBD now than ever.
While cannabis’ effects tend to be more assertive when enjoyed synergistically — per the entourage effect — CBD on its own has also proved to be incredibly effective for epilepsy.
CBD products are great options for those who may not want to consume CBD or for children with epilepsy disorders. Doctors and researchers strongly urge your children to avoid THC consumption of any kind.
Thus, CBD products allow for support without psychoactivity. From CBD tinctures to topicals, softgels, and even gummies, there’s a product out there that can help with your seizures in ways you may have never thought possible.
Understanding Medical Marijuana and Epilepsy with Elevate Holistics
We know this is a lot of information to take in at once. But, don’t worry, Elevate is here to make everything easy.
At Elevate Holistics, we’re dedicated to making the MMJ process as clear and straightforward as possible. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never had a telehealth appointment before.
We want to make sure you understand every aspect of medical marijuana for epilepsy: from how to get your MMJ card (even if you don’t think you qualify) and where to go afterward. It may seem like a lot, but it’s all broken down into just a few simple steps that even the newest cannabis consumer can understand.
With Elevate Holistics, there should be nothing holding you back from getting your medical marijuana card for seizures and epilepsy.
No matter what questions you have, concerns that are brought up, or just confusion about the plant in general, we’ll hold your hand every step of the way. We promise, we’ll make medical marijuana for epilepsy easier to understand than you could imagine.
The first step? Book an appointment with our cannabis experts today.
