The FDA has approved Epidiolex (a CBD-based drug) for managing two severe forms of epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) for patients 2 years of age and more.
Epilepsy causes seizures of different intensities, and it can lead to abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, etc. Small clinical studies and anecdotal evidence say that marijuana’s active compounds can help control seizures effectively. In a cannabis legalized state such as California, you can legally access licensed dispensaries with a San Bernardino medical marijuana card.
Related- 5 Reasons Why You Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card
Epilepsy occurs due to the disturbances in certain parts of the brain, which increases the electrical activity. Tumors, stroke, and abnormalities in the brain structure are some of the major causes of epilepsy.
Marijuana’s chemical compounds can help improve brain function and alleviate epilepsy symptoms. The phytocannabinoids are similar to endocannabinoids, and can easily bind to receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors control cognitive function while CB2 receptors are responsible for anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotection. So, cannabis compounds can help relieve pain, inflammation, anxiety, and stress. There’s some evidence that anxiety and stress can cause seizures.
Moreover, medical studies have found that abnormal changes in the hippocampus cells can result in seizures. Phytocannabinoids can interact with the endocannabinoid system, thus improving the brain’s response to seizure disorders.
2-AG binds to the same receptors as THC, thus reducing anxiety levels between the amygdala and the frontal cortex. These are the two important brain regions.
Related- Everything You need to know about Medical Marijuana For Anxiety
CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, can help ease epilepsy. Researchers have found that taking 20 mg of CBD daily provides better results than a placebo.
A recent study reported that cannabis oil (containing THC and CBD) reduced seizure frequency by 70 percent in children patients. The participants suffering from Dravet syndrome were given cannabis treatment for 20 weeks. However, researchers noted some side-effects, such as diarrhea, fatigue, anorexia, etc. So, patients should follow the proper dosage guidelines to alleviate their symptoms completely and minimize the side-effects.
Of the many factors that you should consider when using cannabis for epilepsy, choosing the right strain is one. At medical dispensaries, you can find a wide range of cannabis strains. Each strain has different concentrations of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes. So, you should carefully analyze your condition and select the right strains suitable for your condition. A professional doctor can help you with this.
Here are some of the best strains for epilepsy patients-
A medical marijuana card is required to buy, possess, and use cannabis for managing your condition. To get a card, you need to visit a licensed doctor. Luckily, with telemedicine, you can see a doctor online, and get your recs delivered via email. Here’s the complete process-
Fill a simple form providing your medical and personal details. It will take a few seconds.
Speak to a board-certified doctor through HIPAA-compliant software. The doctor may ask you to share your medical reports for verification purposes.
If you are approved, your MMJ recs will be delivered into the email in PDF format. You can download the file and take a printout yourself.
Marijuana for epilepsy provides promising results. Medical studies have found that the chemical compounds present in the herb can help ease sleep problems & inflammation, boost mood, and focus. The cannabinoids work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
CBD provides relaxing effects and can also help reduce pain and inflammation. It’s widely popular among patients who want to receive medicinal effects without getting high. The FDA has recently approved the first CBD-based drug named Epidiolex for two severe forms of epilepsy for patients 2 years and more.
If you are considering marijuana treatment for epilepsy, make sure you analyze your condition and select strains, doses, and consumption methods. Try different combinations of THC and CBD levels and doses, and see what works for you the best.
See a San Bernardino medical marijuana doctor online to apply for MMJ recs today.
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