Is Medical Marijuana the Answer to Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic, neurological disorder that presents in the form of seizures. A shocking 0.6% of the Canadian population suffers from epilepsy. Even more surprising is the fact that approximately 42 people learn they have epilepsy, each day; roughly 60% of whom are young children and senior citizens1. Many events can trigger epileptic seizures including: stress, flickering lights, poor nutrition, skipped meals or illness and allergies. Even lack of sleep and intense emotions can effect the brain and how it processes information. As such, this too can result in a seizure for individuals who lack the proper neural pathways. Currently, there is no cure for epilepsy. Instead, the disease is managed with prescription drugs but marijuana is proven to be a better alternative. It can work for seizures as well. In fact, research has determined that cannabis may be an effective treatment for epilepsy patients. Specifically those who suffer from a treatment-resistant form of this disorder, which is approximately 1/3 of all epilepsy sufferers.
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http://www.epilepsy.ca/epilepsy-facts.html
As a parent, your child’s health and wellness are your number one priority. Medical marijuana can seem like an uncomfortable alternative but the evidence continues to mount for it as a viable option. Let us tell you why. Scientists attribute the plant’s success to the CBD component. Unlike THC, which is responsible for euphoria, CBD does not cause a “high”. Studies show that CBD act as an anticonvulsant and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Additionally, it increases serotonin and anandamide production. These are neurotransmitters reduce pain and anxiety, manage sleep and balance emotions2. Serotonin alone is so powerful that a deficiency can result in anxiety and panic attacks, impulsive and aggressive behavior, fibromyalgia, migraines and depression3. A recent study on children with severe epilepsy found that CBD resulted in 39% fewer seizures per month. In fact, three individuals in the study stopped having seizures altogether. Another study found that patients taking CBD had 50% less seizures a month4. A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine, had a 23% decrease in seizures compared to the placebo5. In this particular study, candidates were suffering from an epileptic condition known as “Dravat Syndrome”. This syndrome does not respond to existing epilepsy medications. Unfortunately, due to this, up to 20% of children born with it die before the age of 20. This is why the breakthroughs in medical marijuana are so important; they offer new hope for individuals suffering from epilepsy and their families. There was one downside with the studies, which found 93% of users had side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and sleepiness. Though when you compare the side effects of CBD to those of traditional seizure medication (dependence, kidney stones, respiratory depression, liver damage, blood disorders, etc), they don’t seem that bad. The studies are limited, but there is a growing number of stories from parents and individuals desperate to cure their child’s symptoms or their own. These stories continue to showcase the positive effects of CBD as a seizure management tool or even a cure. The only trouble with using marijuana to manage epilepsy is finding a strain with high CBD and low THC. The industry focus is increasing THC, which results in a “high”, versus CBD for the health benefits. However, don’t be discouraged. One option to ensure high CBD content without the euphoria is to go with CBD oil. This option is becoming increasingly popular, especially for children and even pets. This oil is essentially a 2
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-powerful-new-form-of-medical-marijuanawithout-the-high/2016/12/29/81bbf7c0-b5b2-11e6-b8df600bd9d38a02_story.html?utm_term=.2afced5aa909 3 https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-powerful-new-form-of-medical-marijuanawithout-the-high/2016/12/29/81bbf7c0-b5b2-11e6-b8df600bd9d38a02_story.html?utm_term=.2afced5aa909 4 https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/24/15684556/cannabis-marijuana-cannabidiol-health-epilepsy-dravetseizure-epidiolex-drugs 5 http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/24/health/cannabidiol-epilepsy-study/index.html
concentrate of the CBD compound found in marijuana, but is developed from hemp strains versus marijuana plants. The long-term effects of concentrated CBD oil are not clear, but no issues have been reported. Regardless, the results seem to be positive across the board in terms of presently managing or resolving seizure-related disorders, such as epilepsy.
CBD concentrate can be a little intense for some and many still have a preference for the marijuana plant itself. Luckily, there are a few strains in existence that are shown to have naturally higher levels of CBD. These strains include but are not limited to the following: ●
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Charlotte’s Web is probably the most popular seizure-treating marijuana strain. The Stanley Brothers originally developed this strain for a young epileptic patient named "Charlotte". This strain contains less than 0.03% THC, making it perfect for wanting the benefits of CBD without the "high". ACDC is second to Charlotte’s Web in terms of its popularity for seizure disorders. This is credited to the high CBD/low THC levels, averaging 19% CBD. The THC:CBD ratio of 1:20 means it has no psychoactive effects. Start small if you are new to this strain as ACBD can be harsh for first-timers. Harlequin is another good high-CBD strain. With THC levels hovering under 6% and CBD averaging 6-16%, it has a little psychoactive high. Additionally, cannabis oil derived from this strain is considered quite powerful against seizures. Ringo's Gift can be another great option for seizures, providing you find one with a higher CBD/THC ratio. This plant usually has an even distribution of both compounds, but it can be as high as 24:1 CBD/THC! Harle-Tsu contains some of the highest CBD ratings on the market; between 20-24% for the top end. The average ratio is 20:1 CBD/THC. This strain is highly recommended for
patients looking for the medical benefits of CBD without the high. It is suitable for patients dealing with chronic pain, stress or inflammatory issues. Check out our online cannabis dispensary for more great strain options! CBD has also shown as a promising cure other ailments as well. In fact, in 2012, a German study proved giving CBD to schizophrenic patients reduced psychotic symptoms6. When existing medication fails to address the variations of epilepsy or barely manages symptoms but with excruciating side-effects, it is time for alternative measures. Cannabis is proving over and over again to be that alternative. With limited side-effects and maximized benefits, medical marijuana just might be the answer. Fair Canna Care is a mail-order marijuana service that makes it easy to buy medical marijuana online in Canada. We are a group of compassionate growers that believes every Canadian deserves access to affordable and high-quality medical marijuana. Visit our shop for $2 to $7 grams of high-quality product, or check out our FAQ page for more information!
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-powerful-new-form-of-medical-marijuanawithout-the-high/2016/12/29/81bbf7c0-b5b2-11e6-b8df600bd9d38a02_story.html?utm_term=.6788e979964e