Can Medical Marijuana Stop Seizures?
Do you have epilepsy? If so, are you searching for another way to manage your seizures? Conventional seizure treatment methods aren’t effective for everyone, meaning now might be the time to pursue other options.
One solution that has been gaining traction over the past few years is medical marijuana. 38 states have cleared the use of medical cannabis, with over 20 now allowing recreational use. The growing popularity of medical marijuana to treat seizures isn’t by chance.
In fact, there are dozens of studies by well-known universities that have linked medical cannabis to the reduction of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Throughout this article, we’ll cover the basics of medical marijuana used to treat epilepsy, including the pros and cons, the current status of legalization in South Carolina, and how you can find a medical marijuana provider.
What is Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is a form of cannabis that helps treat symptoms caused by certain medical conditions, such as anxiety and epilepsy. There can be different compounds derived from the cannabis sativa plant. The most common active compounds are tetrahydrocannabinol, known as delta-9, and cannabidiol, known as CBD.
Medical marijuana is different than recreational marijuana. In most cases, medical marijuana contains a lower dose of THC, which helps avoid the “high” feeling. Nevertheless, the dosage of THC in medical marijuana is dependent on the condition being treated and how your body responds. It’s not uncommon to adjust the THC levels in your medical cannabis a few times before you find the right dosage.
How Does Medical Cannabis Help Patients Who Suffer from Epilepsy?
Medical cannabis has been widely studied over the past few years as an effective treatment for seizures, which is the main side effect of epilepsy. Research from NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that CBD was able to block signals carried by lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI). LPI is found within brain cells, known as neurons. Too much LPI in your neurons can push nerve signals outside of normal function, leading to seizures.
In addition to blocking signals, researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine uncovered that CBD also weakens the signals that counter seizures. This ground-breaking research suggests that CBD can both prevent seizures and lead to more balance in your neurons, minimizing the risk of recurring seizures. Of course, this research is still in its infancy, but the trials have shown positive results.
Furthermore, medical cannabis has been proven effective for individuals that haven’t responded well to other epilepsy treatments. Studies by the Epilepsy Foundation revealed that nearly 30% of individuals with epilepsy don’t respond to conventional treatments. Many medical providers are suggesting the use of medical cannabis as a hedge against epilepsy symptoms in states where it is legal.
What are the Benefits of Using Medical Cannabis for Epilepsy?
The most notable benefit of using medical cannabis for epilepsy is a reduction in seizures. CBD derived from the cannabis sativa plant has been proven to control LPI in your neurons, balancing your brain’s transmittal signals and reducing your risk of a seizure.
In fact, the FDA already cleared the first CBD medication for seizure treatment in 2018. Epidiolex was authorized to target two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. As researchers continue to pursue the benefits of cannabis for epilepsy, more CBD treatment options will become available.
Additionally, medical cannabis is beneficial to treat other symptoms of epilepsy outside of seizures. Migraines, nausea, spasticity, muscle spasms, and pain management are all areas that medical cannabis targets. The use of medical marijuana can be used to treat other medical conditions in conjunction with seizures, like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD.
Get Your Medical marijuana certification North Carolina
Get ahead of the curve and pre register NOW